On to New Beginnings, The Starting Days of Aura Surface Works

Here I am in mid-June 2026, recently let go from a local high-volume auto care business.

A few years ago, I had a partnership with a friend through Sharp Auto Detailing. At the time, however, I was pursuing a career in insurance. The governing body was very strict when it came to side businesses and outside income, requiring approval for virtually everything. Rather than risk my career, I stepped away from the detailing side of things, and we decided to put that chapter on hold.

The passion never left.

I originally made the leap from a secure insurance position with a well-known company to try the brokerage side of the industry. I knew it was a risk, but I wanted to see where it could take me. Looking back, it wasn't the right fit. Over time, I realized that lifestyle simply wasn't for me either.

Cars, on the other hand, always have been.

I've loved everything automotive for as long as I can remember. Working on cars, detailing them, attending auto shows, and learning how things work. My mom always jokes that she potty-trained me in two weeks by bribing me with Hot Wheels cars. I've been hooked ever since.

Earlier this year, after stepping away from insurance, I launched Aura Surface Works.

While I still have a great relationship with Ryan and hope we can collaborate on future projects, we both operate our own businesses now. In many ways, it feels simpler and more natural this way.

That brings us to today.

I'm building Aura Surface Works from the ground up. Every day is a combination of detailing vehicles, building a website, learning marketing, improving search rankings, collecting reviews, and creating systems that will help the business grow long-term.

It's a lot of work, but it's work that I genuinely enjoy.

Not everyone gets the opportunity to pursue something they're passionate about. I'm fortunate to have customers who trust me with their vehicles, many of whom become repeat customers and continue to support the business.

My long-term goal is simple: own a property with a dedicated shop where I can focus on providing the level of care and attention every vehicle deserves. No rushing cars through an assembly line. No cutting corners.

Quality over quantity will always be the foundation of Aura Surface Works.

This is only the beginning, and I'm excited to see where the journey leads.