Get to Know Us
Our mission is to empower impact driven small businesses and nonprofits by enhancing their systems and processes, ensuring efficiency and fostering growth.
Our Ethos
At Laulima, we embrace the adage of our moniker, "Many hands make light work." We champion collaboration among specialists who are invigorated by making a difference. Our commitment to elevating impact-driven small businesses and nonprofits is deeply rooted in our expertise with process solutions. We aim to understand your complexities so that we can enhance your efforts with personalized strategies. Whether it's a digital facelift, brand rejuvenation, or a fresh marketing narrative, we collaborate with you to ensure a seamless transition. Together, let's shape the future.
Meet the Team
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Work
I've always had a passion for problem-solving and helping people. If you needed something fixed, I was your girl. This mindset later turned into freelance opportunities, where I worked with a variety of business owners, created efficiencies in their systems, and frankly, learned how to do a lot of seemingly random tasks. Fast forward twenty years later, I realized that even though I worked with businesses in different industries they all had similar issues and I knew how to solve them. Figuring out how to individually help small business owners bring their gifts to their community, to me, there is nothing more rewarding.
Life
Originally from Santa Barbara, I now live in Hawaii. I love the warmth of the water and the salt in my hair. And I love that I can drive 45 minutes from my house and be in the middle of the rainforest with no one around; just me and a waterfall. Family is so important to me, and I choose to work with and spend as much time as I can with my family members.
I aspire to walk the Kumano Kodo in Japan, Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka, Bodh Gaya in India, and even the more famous pilgrimages like the Camino de Santiago and the Inca Trail. Some of my other passions also include disc golf, board games, animated films, and water activities.
I'm always on a journey to see what I can do to make the world a better place. My work is also my passion because in helping grow the impact of small businesses that are doing good in the world, I am continuing that journey.
Humans I see making a difference
Paul Stamets, Aubrey Marcus, Michael Pollan, Charles Eisenstein, Seth Godin, and Andrew Huberman.
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Work
Professionally, I have managed multiple facilities and over 100 staff at once. I have grown three small businesses of my own. But my proudest professional accomplishment was creating a unique fundraising system for the local community where I am from. I have worked construction, cleaned houses, facilitated outdoor education in the forests of New Hampshire, designed full rainwater and greywater systems for homes, and so much more. Through these experiences, I have seen the importance of experiential education. I can do many things and I am capable of mastering any new task. When I dive into any work project, I am committed and know that my experience can supplement any business.
Life
Personally and professionally, I value curiosity, imagination and the exploration of knowledge. I strive to hold true to the paradox of pushing myself to be my “best self” AND being satisfied in the moment. If there is one thing that has held true my whole life is you cannot do it alone. Family, friends, and community are the most important things I have because they teach me, help me reflect and hold me accountable in all aspects of my life.
Favorite Quotes
“Collective choice-making requires collective sense-making and collective perspective-taking—I have to be able to understand how other people are seeing things to then be able to work on strategies that are effective together.” —Daniel Schmachtenberger
“The things we need most are the things we have become most afraid of, such as adventure, intimacy, and authentic communication. We avert our eyes and stick to comfortable topics. We hold it as a virtue to be private, to be discreet, so that no one sees our dirty laundry. We are uncomfortable with intimacy and connection, which are among the greatest of our unmet needs today. To be truly seen and heard, to be truly known, is a deep human need. Our hunger for it is so omnipresent, so much apart of our life experience, that we no more know what it is missing than a fish knows it is wet. We need more intimacy than nearly anyone considers normal. Always hungry for it, we seek solace and sustenance in the closest available substitutes: television, shopping, pornography, conspicuous consumption — anything to ease the hurt, to feel connected, or to project an image by which we might be seen or known, or at least see and know ourselves.” —Charles Eisenstein
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Work
I have worked with a variety of individuals and organizations on unique design solutions for over ten years. I have been drawing and painting since I was able to talk and have a BA in Studio Art. I began my freelance work on the side while I taught and built robust visual art and graphic design programs at the secondary and post-secondary level. While I still enjoy the traditional brush and canvas, I have found my true passion is graphic design and I recently left the classroom to pursue it full time. My love of working with others, combined with my strong communication skills and graphic design expertise are foundational to my work.
Life
Born and raised in rural Vermont, I escaped the snow to live in Santa Barbara, California. I lived there for eleven years before relocating to the Charlotte, North Carolina area where my family now resides. I have always prioritized living in a place with beautiful nature and outdoor activities. My husband, Bobby, and I have two young children and on weekends can be found biking, hiking, at the beach, or kayaking on a lake. Little known fact about me is: I’ve spent over 20 years of my life playing or coaching girls lacrosse (another thing you can find me doing on a weekend). If I have to be indoors, I will be reading, learning a new recipe, or making art.
Favorite Artists
Ai Weiwei, Yayoi Kusama, Andrew Wyeth, Nat Girsberger, Amy Sherald
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Work
I am a Connector + Creative Consultant. Author Malcolm Gladwell popularized the term "connector" in his book The Tipping Point, defining the word as "someone who knows many people."
To elaborate, I put a high value on relationships and have a unique ability to meet people exactly where they are with intimacy, compassion, and understanding. I am passionate about helping others succeed, identifying potential synergies and opportunities for collaboration and bringing people together.
With a background in landscape architecture design + planning I have a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of the systems at work. This experience has expanded my ability to see the big picture and identify the key alignments needed for forward success in both the real and creative world of social media platforms + business. My curiosity and willingness to try new things has allowed me to be a forward-thinking and relevant consultant in the creative space.
Life
I like to keep my finger on the pulse of pop culture, music and the world of wellness. Providing a balanced view of what is trending and what is timeless.
My inspiration comes from my family, nature, traveling, people and reading about people around the world who are shifting the pendulum of design, wellness and healthy living. Their stories inspire me to think outside the box and approach each new project with a fresh perspective.
Playlist Recommendation
I am nerd about making playlists and would love to share one with you here, Enjoy!
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Work
My experience traces back to 7th and 8th grade when I would play with html, CSS, and Java in geocities and the “early internet.” Fast forward to 2011, when I graduated from UCSB with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. I worked for a year at the UCSB Davidson Library where I was in charge of the collection, categorization, and transportation of over 300,000 volumes of library materials in preparation for the construction of a new library wing. I developed systems for cataloging the materials and tracking the overall process as a project manager, as well as hired and led a team to execute the collection and storage process.
I moved to LA to study illustration and design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena in 2013, and I moved back to Santa Barbara in 2015. I found a position at AppFolio and I produced and set live over 400 WordPress websites, sharpened my business acumen, and gained additional project management experience. I was operating freelance website and design work part-time while at AppFolio, and took my business full-time in 2017. I was connected with Leiha and the Laulima Process Architect Firm in 2021, when she brought me on board to change the professional landscape by equipping businesses with the tools and systems they need to elevate their operations to the next level.
Life
I’ve been fortunate to be able to do most of my work from my garage-office in Goleta, allowing me to be home to take care of my 3 young children. My wife and I joke that the kids have no idea how lucky they are to grow up here, but we make the most of it—any given day, you’ll find us at the parks, zoo, library, or the beach! I’m also a bit of a game enthusiast. I’ve built all of my own computers, boast an embarrassingly extensive Steam library and Nintendo Switch game collection, I have a closet full of board games, and I run a Dungeons & Dragons group with friends. For nearly 5 years now, we meet at least twice a month to play!
Book Recommendation
Swords and Sorcery adventure is my go-to literature genre, The Mistborn Trilogy is a good point to jump into, but I always recommend The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock if you want to go old-school fantasy. Of course I pepper my entertainment reading with self-improvement and design studies—one book that recently rattled my brain cage was The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath.
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Work
My interest has always been focused on the crossroads of relationships, writing, and reading. From working at a wine magazine to teaching high school students, it’s really all about being present, asking good questions, and listening well. I’ve worked in Journalism, taught in the International Baccalaureate program, and spent years studying the craft of writing. I love getting to know people and helping them spread their message in the most effective way possible. I am currently working as a freelance writer and content developer outside of Santa Barbara, CA.
Life
I first moved up to Santa Barbara from San Diego in 2007 to attend UCSB. My husband and I eventually found our home and our community in Carpinteria, a sleepy beach town just south of Santa Barbara. As a family, we love to spend time at the beach, go camping, or explore new parks. When I’m not working, you can find me hanging out with my kids, cooking a new recipe, tasting a new wine, or going for a run on the bluffs.
Favorite Books I’ve Read Recently
N.K. Jemison’s The Fifth Season, John Boyne’s The Heart’s Invisible Furies, Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend, Catherine Newman’s We All Want Impossible Things
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Work
Throughout my career, my primary focus has consistently been on optimizing processes. Whether in fabrication studios, art galleries, newspapers, kitchens, or aid agencies, I have developed systems and timelines to ensure that deadlines are met with high-quality work. Human happiness is central to my thought process, wherein I prioritize both employees' time and clients' needs. I believe people are most successful when equipped with the proper tools.
In the realm of grant writing, I am passionate about bridging the gap between an individual's value and what the grant is specifically seeking. By empowering individuals and teams with clear communication and efficient workflows, I am gratified seeing people thrive in their endeavors.
Life
Growing up, I was immensely curious about everything, unable to resist asking questions or sharing my observations. In college, my thirst for a wide range of subjects led me to pursue a general studies degree. As an adult, I've come to appreciate that while the world offers countless curiosities, there is a unique reward in the silence of the unknown.
I cherish serene moments, whether in nature or the comfort of my home. Living in Hawaii, this often translates into activities like surfing, swimming, or preparing a delightful meal while my chihuahua naps on the couch and the palm trees sway. I love the visual infinity of being surrounded by ocean. It brings a tranquility reminiscent of my home landscape in the high desert in Northern Nevada.
Some of My Passions
Exploring color and form through textiles, ceramics, and any other medium within my reach. One of my favorite activities is witnessing the dye extraction process from a plant, leading to the transformation of fabric into a new color. I love exploring the scientific process behind different mediums of craft and art. Figuring out how to make a beautiful object through these intricate processes is my ultimate satisfaction.