Career Roadmap
Kara's work combines: Government, Art, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
If you're wanting to be an artist or use art in your career, I encourage you to first focus on finding a job that will bring you stability out of college. Once you have that, then you can figure out how to bring art and creativity into it. I've been able to bring my art skills and creativity into every role I've had, regardless of whether I'm in the studio or not.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Studio Art and Education
Rhodes College
Graduate Degree
Art Education
University of Mississippi
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I studied studio art and education at both Tulane and Rhodes College, then earned my graduate degree in art education at Ole Miss.
2.
I initially wanted to become an art therapist but decided I didn’t want more schooling, so I started my career in retail, then became a gallery director.
3.
I opened my own stationery store, Nest Paper Studio, and grew it into a business designing custom invitations and personalized paper goods.
4.
I eventually closed my storefront and moved my business home so I could spend more time with my family without giving up the work I loved.
5.
After learning that the Oxford mayor’s executive assistant was leaving, I interviewed for the role and became the new executive assistant, where I found new ways to bring creativity to public service.
6.
I transformed everyday city projects into creative opportunities by designing brochures, signage, branding, and public-facing materials—I also helped design Mississippi’s current state flag.
7.
I now serve as chief of staff while continuing to run Nest Paper Studio, proving I can build both a public service career and a creative business.
