My goal in life is to be happy. Regardless of income, status, profession- above all else, I want to uplift and encourage the people around me. I want to advocate for those who are not able to advocate for themselves. I try my best to live purposefully and consciously, living out what I wish to see in the world.

Originally from Las Vegas, I spent a few years after college living in Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, where I utilized the couch surfing community to host travelers and events. I met some of my best friends through CS and I am forever thankful to the site for bringing like-minded individuals into my life. I have years of wonderful memories with these friends that I cherish. Now that I am back in Las Vegas, I hope to find a similar community through CS- not the typical Vegas tourist coming to party but the tourist seeking a true local experience.

In 2014, a good friend and I backpacked through Thailand for a few months, then up through Cambodia and Vietnam. My goal was to learn about how to advocate for victims of sex trafficking and I definitely had my eyes opened by seeing it first hand. The same week I came back to the states, I started a small social impact brand to spread awareness about human trafficking and labor/ sex exploitation. I curate an online store and share stories behind the handicrafts of women living in extreme poverty and some who are in rehabilitation from sex trafficking. I couldn't be happier and am so thankful for the opportunity to teach people in my community about Fair-Trade and conscious living!

My husband is a tattooer in town and also one of the friendliest, most authentic human being you will ever meet. We both love traveling, hosting and adventuring.

PHILOSOPHY

There is no us and them. There is only us.

I love the uncertainty of the next adventure, the next person I encounter, the next opportunity that presents itself.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am such a big advocate for the couchsurfing community. Couchsurfing is an amazing way to interact with people from all over. When I lived in Santa Cruz, My roommates and I all shared a big, beautiful house where we hosted people from all over the world. We made so many amazing memories and lasting friendships. (I actually met my old roomies through CS!) When I'm settled, I can definitely show travelers around the area I'm living. I love swapping travel stories and advice.

When traveling, I love to surf because it's the best way to meet people and get the local feel for a place. What's better than being introduced to a place not by paper pages, but by a like-minded person who knows their city!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've hosted travelers from Spain, Germany, Poland, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and all over the United States. Couchsurfed (via CS.org) in San Diego, Yosemite, San Francisco and Portland. I have made so many friendships through the website when living in Costa Rica, Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. In Santa Cruz I was able to host picnics, parties, beach bonfires and other small CS gatherings. I absolutely loved it.

Interests

Writing, biking, teaching, traveling, experiencing new cultures, cooking with friends, DIY everything, picnicking, thrifting, volunteering with the homeless and developmentally disabled, practicing yoga, soaking in the outdoors, dancing, watching live music, having BBQs & being around good people

• arts
• writing
• design
• dancing
• cooking
• yoga
• partying
• thrifting
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• live music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• fishing
• hiking
• business
• hitchhiking
• volunteering
• beaches
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I could watch documentaries all day.

Bluegrass music, psychedelic funk, surf rock, some electronic/indie and my go-to: classics like Billie Holiday, Etta Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong..the list could go on..

Don't get me started on books! I'm usually reading a few books at any given time..my ADD in all aspects of life.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of my favorite traveling memories is hitch-hiking through the mountains of Costa Rica, getting picked up by some super friendly people who took my friend and me fishing, shared a meal with us and drove us all the way back to our bus port in another town, accepting nothing but a 'thank you'. We didn't even exchange names. The kindness of strangers amazes me every time.

Teach, Learn, Share

I share what I know and enjoy. I can nerd out about making art and what inspires me, helping people and living consciously. I'm a design junkie and love to cook and bake for people. I am always interested in hearing the honesty of another person's soul. In 2015, I want to learn more about how to make traveling part of my career. Right now I am in the beginning stages of owning and operating a handmade business where I sell goods that I make, as well as promote and sell fair trade items. It is a ton of work but it's something that I am passionate about and I absolutely love doing. Hopefully I will be traveling back to Vietnam soon!

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Laos, Nicaragua, Panama, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, United States

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