I joined the Army right out of high school, and served 6 1/2 years active duty. While serving I was always pursuing higher education. I was constantly enrolled in classes throughout my service. I got out of the military as a 100% permanent and total Disabled Veteran. I then earned a BA in Psychology, then a AAS in General Technology-Welding.

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After 7 moves in 7 years (gotta love the military life,) I finally found myself near a school that offered welding courses. I knew absolutely nothing about welding, only that I “probably” could figure enough out to be able fix equipment on the farm. Also, the very rare possibility of adding it to my current business plan.

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I started my business, CrossGrain Creations LLC in 2014. I taught myself pyrography, and it turned into a business.

In late January 2017, at the start of my second welding semester. I wanted to use my new skills to make a very special birthday present for my Grandma’s 90th birthday.  She loved flowers so much that she was known as the flower lady. That led to creating my first ever forever rose, and unbeknownst to me, created the metal art side of my business. (you can read about this in my         )

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I completed all the welding courses in 11 months, for an AAS General Technology-Welding degree, including 5 American Welding Society MIG certifications.

 

While in my second semester of welding I was hired for a boiler repair company, soon after that I found out that I was the first woman EVER hired as a welder/fabricator for that company! While working there I picked up new techniques and methods that I directly applied to crafting my roses and other items. I achieved multiple certifications in all welding processes and different metal types, for pressure vessels/boiler repairs while working there.

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My life has not been an easy one. From a very very early age into my time in the military, I have been plagued with multiple rapes and molestation. I also suffered from a lot of narcissistic control, manipulation, and emotional abuse.

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I have always managed to pick myself up by the bootstraps and rise above every obstacle. I am a constant work in progress, and I’m always willing to make the changes that I need, so that I can continue to grow in life, as a mother, in my profession, and be the woman I have been called to be.

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My goal is to help as many young girls and women learn about welding and the many opportunities that it can offer them.

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