About

A bit about my background

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Throughout my entire career, I've devoted myself to supporting first time founders, small businesses and early-stage startups. From building company processes to designing event programs that nurture company culture, I absolutely delight in being a part of the foundational team, using my creativity to implement strategies that lead to sustainable success. 

 

As for my creative side, I've often described myself as a creative dabbler, jumping in and out of various pursuits, never taking any too seriously.

 

Drawing has always been a favorite dabble of mine, but I never felt very confident in it until my brother encouraged me to explore digital art a couple years ago. ​You'll find that my art celebrates the unique and vibrant culture of San Francisco, most often depicting places I frequent and people who inspire me. By blending bold colors and playful compositions, I strive to capture my own feelings of joy, belonging, pride and love for this city and for my community.

The story PAM!

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Many years ago, my brother Brion and I were on the phone when out of nowhere he decided my new name was Pam! (said with great emphasis!), which he referred to as my non-birth name. There was no particular reason behind it; that was just his way—always silly and always keeping me on my toes. Since I idolized him, I never questioned it. Shortly after, I decided he needed one too, and thus the Billy and Pam! duo was born.

 

Billy and I would often dream up business ideas together. He’d always encourage me to take risks and be fearless in all aspects of my life, but most especially in my career. He lived and breathed this philosophy. I wish I could say I embraced this as easily as I did his given name for me, but it wasn’t until very recently that I found the courage. 

 

In August of 2022, my brother was diagnosed with glioblastoma (brain cancer). This battle would prove to be his greatest achievement in embracing fear.

 

Over the course of sixteen months, he underwent 2 brain surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. And not once, throughout the entire time did he ever complain, show fear or speak negatively about the diagnosis. Even after suffering a stroke that left him bed-ridden, he only ever spoke words of positivity and humor. 

 

On December 3, 2023, my beautiful, big brother lost his battle with cancer. There are so many significant moments in those months that I carry with me today, but one in particular was our conversation after his first surgery. 

 

I asked him what he was thinking and if he was scared going into surgery. He responded,“I wasn’t scared, I felt at peace with my life and had no regrets. But then I thought of you, and how you might feel if you were in the same position. And the regret you might feel for not living your life more fearlessly, for not following your dreams...”

 

This moment, our relationship, his endless bravery and encouragement have all led me to where I am today and what has inspired the creation of PAM!

 

We shared a love for music, for creativity, for making new friends and for helping others.

 

Whether it's empowering someone to start their dream business, coordinating events that support local creatives or designing custom prints that celebrate the simple beauty that exists around us all, PAM! is a culmination of all the things I love to do. It embodies my vision to honor Brion and the life we shared by cultivating vibrant communities where People!Art!Music! flourish.

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Pam! the non-birth name came first, its meaning, purpose and significance came later. But I like to think that all along, Billy was setting me on my path to living my dreams, fully and fearlessly. 

 

Thank you to my community and to everyone reading this, for supporting my dreams.

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I dedicate PAM! to my brother, Brion (Billy) Root (12/1979-12/2023). He would have absolutely loved this :)

 

-Courtney (aka Pam!)