I had the incredible experience of celebrating my 35th birthday in Hawaii. There’s something magical about Oahu, and visiting the beautiful Royal Hawaiian Hotel, affectionately known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” made this milestone all the more special. Its iconic pink architecture and lush tropical setting were the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration.

To capture the memories, I was lucky enough to have my dear friend, Jenny Jean Photography, fly out and document the experience. From stunning shots at the hotel to fun moments by the pool, every photo tells a story of joy and reflection.

Turning 35 has given me a chance to reflect on everything I’ve accomplished so far. Starting Imprint Design and Printing, my design and printing business, was my first venture into the entrepreneurial world. From there, I founded AW Design Group, a marketing and design business, which expanded my passion for helping businesses build their brands. My love for florals then led me to create Lovella Lifestyle, where I get to design events and floral arrangements that transform spaces and moments.

Launching Edmonton’s first Hawaiian poke restaurant, Splash Poke, which now has five locations, has been a dream come true—bringing a taste of Hawaii to my hometown has felt like a little piece of paradise. Gather Catering has allowed me to further explore my love for food, creating bespoke experiences for gatherings of all kinds.

A little over a year ago, I opened Cheery Cat, Edmonton’s first specialty cat boutique and lounge. In this short time, we’ve created a special space for cat lovers and helped dozens of kitties find their forever homes.

And now, I’m starting another exciting venture with Fashionella, my passion project dedicated to vintage handbags. Fashion has always been close to my heart, and curating timeless pieces that people can treasure brings a new kind of fulfillment.

This birthday in Hawaii wasn’t just a celebration of another year—it was a moment to pause and appreciate the journey, the incredible people I’ve met, and everything I’ve been able to build over the years. From getting married to my amazing husband, D’Arcy, to building businesses, to raising my two fur babies, Mochi and Nori—it has been an incredible adventure.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds, but for now, I’m soaking in the joy of this milestone.