About Me
I've always had a passion for design and creating things out of nothing. I started my own apparel line in 2011 called Hotleaf while serving in the United States Air Force. After serving 14 years in the military and running a brand on the side, I decided it was "now or never" to change my career path into something that more aligned with my interests and talents. I left the security of a salary and steady career and to return back to college to attend the University of Missouri so that I could learn how to be a better designer.
I am pursuing my bachelor's in Textile and Apparel Management with an emphasis in Apparel Product Development, and a certificate in Digital Merchandising. I graduate in May 2025.
As a designer, I am inspired by the outdoors, historic architecture, textures and colors of nature, and timeless design and materials. I have a keen eye for design that incorporates textiles and material such as tartan, tweed, quality leather, wool, cotton and hemp, and a talent for creating classic silhouettes and styles. I am passionate about designing affordable, timeless, heritage style garments. I believe that the simplest choice is often the best choice regarding great style, especially garments and accessories made with long lasting material.
Design Work Experience
April 2022- 2023
Digital Merchandising Intern
American Outdoor Brands
August 2022- October 2022
Tartan Undergraduate Researcher
University of Missouri
October 2022
Tartan Designer Nominee
University of Missouri
August 2023
Registered Tartan Designer
The Scottish Register of Tartans
September 2023-Present
Freelance Print Designer
Spoonflower
August 2011- 2021
Founder and Designer
Hotleaf Camouflage, LLC
• Designs and sells custom fabric prints on a popular online platform, demonstrating creative ability and market understanding.
• Registered the "Adams, Rebecca (Personal)" tartan with the Scottish Register of Tartans, Registration Number: 14,016.
• Designed and presented a balanced plaid design option for the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri
• Selected as one of the top 4 designs
• Computed the weave sequence pattern and thread count to ensure seamless weaving set up for woven fabrics
• Collaborated with 7 other researchers to discover the history of the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri
• Presented research findings to academic deans, faculty and computer aided design students to assist in the design of the new tartan
• Conceptualized and manages new affiliate content program for 5 outdoor brand websites, coordinating written content projects with affiliates with at least 10k followers
• Creates and designs article landing pages for 5 multi-million-dollar outdoor brand websites
• Researches keywords for SEO and creates branded and non-branded Google Ads
• Monitors Google Analytics for brand success and trend forecasting
• Manages brand development and e-commerce data with Salesforce
• Creates new web pages and updates current ones using Shogun
• Designs and develops proprietary camouflage patterns for various outdoor related products
• Licenses agreements and joint ventures between Hotleaf and well-known brands for
products featured in outdoor retail locations nationwide
• Researches and analyzes findings to understand customer and market opportunities
• Applies marketing efforts for effective social media campaigns
• Designed and created eye-catching visual displays and floorplan for space at Dallas Market
• Communicates with the public, responding to interviews and customer feedback
• Collaborated with 5+ manufacturers to ensure production for products
Additional Design Experience
November 2022
Guest Speaker
Entrepreneur Day Event, Missouri Valley College
October 2022
Presenter
Tartan Research Project, University of Missouri
September 2022
Presenter
TAM Student Showcase,
University of Missouri
Contributed to a National Entrepreneur's Day event by discussing design principles and entrepreneurial success stories, engaging with college students
• Presented research findings to college deans, faculty, and design students
• Selected to present my conceptualized women’s apparel line for Perry Elllis International
April 2022
Guest Speaker
14th Annual Maastricht Institute of Entrepreneurship,
Missouri Valley College
• Guest Speaker presenting the entrepreneurial journey of creating my apparel line Hotleaf to 100+ business students, local business owners, and college officials
Military Experience
October 2018- September 2021
Aviation Resource Manager
United States Air Force
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Interpreted public law on aviation safety compliance
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Maintained, collected, updated, and audited data on aircrew resources, flying hours, and flight records
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Analyzed and summarized reports and policies as they affected the aircrew resource management program
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Communicated guidance on emergency response to ensure seamless operations
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Drafted and maintained operation procedures and training requirements for the flying operations office
December 2016- October 2018
Honor Guard Operations
United States Air Force
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Directed, coordinated, and oversaw work plans through team leads
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Developed the training curriculum program for funeral honors
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Developed and maintained social media accounts
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Direct liaison between Honor Guard and the public
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Implemented new guidance for sensitive procedures of receiving remains from local airport under private and public scrutiny
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Managed 105+ employees, 5 vehicles, building facilities and multiple security assets valued over $100k
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Led 5 active duty funerals and handed the flag to mourning spouses with flawless professionalism
March 2008- December 2016
Production Controller
United States Air Force
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Managed and implemented emergency response checklists and coordinated with agencies and scheduled work priorities to all scheduled aircraft maintenance
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Collected pertinent information, prepared staff reports and presentations for Air Force base leadership
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Reported and documented aircraft malfunctions into logs and records to ensured asset management and accountability
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Maintained compliance and readiness to meet international treaty obligations, scrutinized by Pentagon level oversight
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Managed 500+ items in tool accountability program; ensured restock and security of $56k in assets, provided customer service to 55+ individuals
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Directed section safety programs and classified military programs
Volunteer Experience
August 2024- President
Board Director
Central Missouri Loop
July 2024- Present
President
Marshall Main Street
January 2024- Present
Vice President
Boonslick Area Tourism Council
January 2024- Present
Secretary
Saline County Historical Society
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Actively contributes to the strategic direction and growth of the Central Missouri Loop, a regional tourism organization.
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Played a pivotal role in establishing Marshall Main Street, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the local economy and quality of life, demonstrating a commitment to community development.
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Serves as a key decision-maker and advocate for tourism initiatives, working collaboratively with stakeholders to promote the region's attractions and experiences.
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Serves as Secretary and Public Relations Committee Chairman, demonstrating organizational skills and a commitment to community engagement.