Hello…

With over 20 years of experience in brand building, product design, creative management, and business development, I have dedicated my career to driving innovation and storytelling through design. My journey has taken me from leading major corporate brands to launching successful entrepreneurial ventures, all fueled by a passion for creativity and strategic growth.

A Passion for Design

After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I moved to Los Angeles and began my career as an apparel designer across multiple categories, including Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s. In 2000, I joined Disney Consumer Products, where I expanded my expertise beyond design into brand strategy, creative direction, and licensing. What started as a freelance role evolved into a decade-long tenure, culminating in my position as Vice President of Creative.

The Love of a Good Story

In 2009, I co-founded Indexla, a brand-building agency in Los Angeles, with the mission of helping companies develop and enhance their brands and product assortments through compelling storytelling and design. In 2012, I returned to the corporate retail world, joining Gymboree as Vice President of Design, overseeing Gymboree, Janie & Jack, and Gymboree Outlet Stores. My leadership revitalized brand aesthetics, drove revenue growth, and strengthened market positioning.

Design as a Lifestyle

In 2020, I embraced entrepreneurship full-time, co-founding Karl the Store (karlthestore.com) in Sausalito, CA—a curated retail experience featuring Mid-Century Modern furniture, home furnishings, accessories, apparel, and more. Simultaneously, I launched Slice of Sausalito (sliceofsausalito.com), a specialty pie business that has become a beloved local favorite. Running both ventures has deepened my expertise in merchandising, customer engagement, and hands-on brand development.

Whether leading large corporate design teams or building brands from the ground up, my approach remains the same: to create thoughtful, beautiful, and impactful products that resonate with consumers. I thrive at the intersection of creativity and commerce, always looking for the next opportunity to tell a great story through design.