How long have you lived in Virginia Beach?

Born & raised here in Virginia Beach.

When and Why did you start your business OnieTonie Designs?

Started OnieTonie in 2014 and my main motivation was having a job and working for myself, but also with the intent of giving back and positively impacting the community and children’s hospitals.

What inspired your designs for the Virginia Beach 10 Miler?

I really wanted to incorporate the OnieTonie Fish and Heart design as the foundation. I think it’s super positive, inclusive imagery for something like this big community event. And then I worked with the J&A team to add other elements like the ferris wheel to make it more Oceanfront specific. Overall I’m stoked on how all the designs turned out.

What are some of your hobbies other than painting and designing?

Surfing and hanging out and traveling with my family. My fiancé Kelley and our two young children are constant sources of support as well as inspiration.

What is your favorite restaurant or locals only hangout in Virginia Beach?

There are so many awesome spots here at home, we’ve always enjoyed our time at local’s favorites like Tautog’s and Big Sam’s. And of course mixing it up with the 1st Street crew surfing when I’m not able to get down to the OBX.

What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

That’s easy, doing the artwork for the CHKD Transport Ambulances. All my work with OnieTonie and CHKD has been super rewarding, but being able to wrap the Transports with OnieTonie artwork and characters has been really special.

What is the next big thing for OnieTonie?

The VB 10 Miler! And we just set up the OnieTonie Foundation that donates OnieTonie ‘Smiley Packs’ to kids in the hospital. Each pack has a coloring book and crayons, beanie, squishy fish, turtle stuffy, sticker page, wristband, water bottle, non-skid socks, & poster. Search OnieTonie Foundation to find out how to support our mission.

Where do you find inspiration here in Virginia Beach?

My inspiration comes from day to day life here at home trying to make designs that make people happy. I have a newfound purpose to not only provide for my family, but also the drive to make this successful for the people who directly support OnieTonie and all we have been able to do. It’s not just me anymore, there is a small group of people who are putting everything they have into making this a brand that provides positive colorful designs and merchandise, as well as giving back and supporting our community.

What has the process of creating a medal for thousands of runners/participants been like for you as an artist?

It’s been exactly what you want and that’s a challenge. There’s a pressure to make something that everyone will love and something that will make people be proud of home. I hope we got it right this year! Excited and grateful to have OnieTonie a small part of an event that I’m sure will bring a lot of smiles to the community this year and beyond.