Tell us a little about your hometown in the Outer Banks, it looks incredibly charming. How long have you lived here?

It really is a lovely place. It’s a barrier island along the coast of North Carolina and basically just a big sandbar. See the sunrise over the Atlantic and watch it set over “the sound” which is more marshy with brackish water. The local community here is what really does it for me. We have something super special here. I moved here 10 years ago wanting to be somewhere a bit warmer and closer to the coast and was drawn to the lifestyle here and how kind everyone is. 

How does your typical morning routine look at home? Do you have any non-negotiables?

Every morning is different depending on work & the weather! Sometimes I wake up, grab a coffee, & head straight out to shoot. Other days I wake up, grab a coffee, and head to the beach with my pup to let her run and swim. Other days, I move slow with of course, a coffee and lounging on the couch while cuddling my pup. Maybe do emails for an hour or 3 or 4.. haha. There is zero routine to my life, but as you can see, coffee is my non negotionable! 

Living in a coastal town certainly has its perks! Tell us, what is your favourite part about living by the sea?

Oooh it’s so lovely. Living in a small town on the coast means that I can be to the beach in one minute. Either a quick car ride or by bike. I love spending as much time as possible at the beach. Morning walks, playing with my pup, a surf, diving around on a clear day, dinner and wine in the evening, a sunset dip, beach fires in the fall with our friends. Our life revolves around the beach here.

We know that you love to surf, what kind of board are you loving at the moment?

I do! I’ve been learning for the past decade but wouldn’t say that I’ve really felt comfortable until about last year. This summer I got my first custom board from a shaper just outside of town and I’m in love with her. It’s a 9ft single fin.

We're about to enter the holiday season and looking forward to entertaining friends and family around the table. Do you have a go-to recipe you default to for summer?

One go to thing we’ve made a lot this summer is a fennel white bean salad with a protein. It’s so fresh and flavorful. (Keep reading for the recipe)

Any recommendations on where we should visit next time we're in the Outer Banks?

Stay a few days in my town, Kill Devil Hills to experience life like a local. Then make your way down south for a stunning drive along the coast and hop on a car ferry to Ocracoke Island. A small village with the sweetest historic charm and more secluded beaches.