Writing offers a new way for me to look at the world, whether it's understanding the personal story of a male breast cancer survivor or predicting fall's biggest footwear trends. I learn something with each assignment I take, be it a travel story that has me visiting a tiny island in Asia or exploring the local culinary gems in New York City.

My day job is at an Orange County-based publishing company, Firebrand Media, where I manage a group of regional and lifestyle titles. I also work as a freelance writer covering travel, fashion, retail, beauty and food, as well as a freelance marketing consultant with agency experience in the professional services, consumer packaged goods and nonprofit fields.

I graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a degree in journalism, and I currently live in Orange County.