Born into a military family, we finally settled in Hawaii where I spent my teenage years. After graduating, I became a VISTA volunteer (Volunteers in Service to America) before starting a family (3 boys) and graduating with a degree in biology. A biology degree coupled with a degree in Veterinary technology led to a career as a licensed Veterinary Technician at the Honolulu Zoo and finally the St. Louis Zoo. While doing research on black bears in the Pisgah Mountains of North Carolina I met my husband of 26 years. I moved to Michigan with him. That move to Michigan allowed me to establish a small goat farm, becoming Michigan’s first goat cheese producer. I also helped Michigan State University set up and run an Artisan Cheesemaking workshop. I continue to return each June to help teach the course. Working in this field as a cheesemaker, I traveled to Italy, France and all around the country. Earning the title of Certified Cheese Professional through the American Cheese Society has helped give me the confidence to open a my small cheese shop and becoming part of a small-town community. I enjoy learning the history of cheesemaking as well as the process and sharing the stories with my customers. Cheese seems to bring out the best. It has always been a dream of mine to live to be able to contribute in a positive way the community around me.