In 2018 through a Think Tank summit facilitated by Stan Williams and Erin Kema, I was given the opportunity to speak with John Lacy, CEO of Burton Snowboards. During our conversation John invited me to tour Burton’s global corporate headquarters, a tour in which he dissected the anatomy of an active creative company and its operations. I observed what worked well and what in departments specific to Design, Product, Marketing, Culture, Brand Purpose, & Retail incorporating my learnings into what would be the foundation of Two Dollar Bill Studios.

During this time I was also frequently attending Higher Ground events spectating and interacting with artists such as 99 Neighbors, Milky Chance, San Holo, Samia, and EarthGang. Performances and networks that helped contribute to a professional understanding of what makes both novice and veteran artists. Through observation and conversation, I’ve been able to develop an evolving understanding of the Music Industry and what distinguishing traits contribute to an artist’s success long-term.

In 2023 I was introduced to Akil Dunn, Founder of YoungFlyLords Art House. After a collection of interviews I was accepted for an apprenticeship position and immediately placed on numerous projects with various artists and organizations. Working with the likes of P.B.S, Charleston Black Lives Matter, and Project Pat. As an active ambassador I was also involved in YFL’s self-orchestrated “Hidden Spaces” events collaborating with venues such as The International African American Museum, and Blue Ion. Learning about event hosting and proper client communication I was given insight into the conjunction of creative and business worlds, balancing compensation all while meeting a client’s desired creative outcome.

Still collaborating with YFL and various organizations today, Two Dollar Bills was created to remain a space in which artists can confine and showcase their works and have them presented to a larger audience while also providing a place for in-house artists to gallery their own projects. All the while inspiring others from people who may not consider themselves to be artists, to well-established creators.