About Karen

I’ve always been fascinated by the big questions—about existence, ethics, knowledge, and the values that shape our lives. That curiosity has guided everything I do, whether I’m selling rare and collectible books, creating fine art, giving tattoos, or promoting bold, disruptive brands through design and events. My work might look eclectic on the surface, but it all ties back to one goal: sparking deeper thought and meaningful conversations.

I earned my BA in philosophy and political science from Indiana University, where an unexpected spark came from Tibetan studies—thanks to the Dalai Lama’s oldest brother, who taught there. Around the same time, I was working my way up to a brown belt in Hapkido, blending discipline and mindfulness in a way that still informs how I approach life and work.

As a lifelong lover of philosophy, I began collecting rare books—especially ones that had been banned, challenged, or otherwise labeled “controversial.” I was fascinated by why these works caused such a stir. That curiosity led me to create a top 10 list of the most common reasons  books are banned and eventually build an online store around it. Each listing includes my personal commentary on why the book matters, both historically and philosophically.

My art is heavily influenced by the years I spent as a henna artist on Clearwater Beach. That intricate, free-flowing style now shows up in my watercolors, 3D paintwork, and mixed media pieces. Many of my works carry philosophical themes or are directly inspired by the books in my collection.

As a tattoo artist, I’ve had countless deep conversations with clients—there’s something about getting a tattoo that invites people to open up. It’s a unique setting where I get to sharpen my drawing skills and, at the same time, explore the mysteries of the universe with someone sitting just a few feet away.

I’ve also worked in advertising for over 30 years, earning two national ADDYs and an AIGA award along the way. One of the highlights was partnering with Jennifer Helms, an MBA from Northwestern and former acting COO of the Yosemite Institute. Together, we brought the first-ever Telluride Mountainfilm Festival to the Indianapolis Art Center—and made it profitable. I’ve continued to stay involved in community projects too, like serving for a decade as board secretary and as an instructor for Sailability of Greater Tampa Bay, a nonprofit that teaches sailing to individuals with physical and cognitive challenges.

Today, I offer a wide range of marketing services for mission-driven and unconventional brands that want to stand out. Whether it’s through design, storytelling, or events, I help them break through the noise and connect with people on a deeper level.

In the end, everything I do—from tattoos to banned books—is about encouraging people to think differently, question deeply, and live authentically. If that makes me a professional rabble-rouser, I’ll take it.