Q & A WITH SHE'S LEGENDARY

​Q: We'd love to know your story!
A: I was a journalism major with an emphasis in public relations. My dream job was to be an entertainment publicist, so I interned at one of the largest entertainment PR firms in Los Angeles (if not the world). In would walk Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Shannen Doherty, Priscilla Presley - you name it. But the glamour soon wore off. I then dabbled in fashion and retail marketing before I landed aboard the Queen Mary as the Public Relations Manager. After that, I knew hospitality was my calling.

Q: What has been the most rewarding phase of your career?
A :Each phase has been rewarding for different reasons. Right now is a very rewarding phase because the pandemic and shutdown(s) has made me reevaluate things, which I might not have done otherwise. I'm working on projects that I would enjoy as a consumer--Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant & Cocktail Week, Sip Trips to Santa Barbara, and more feature and travel writing for various publications. While 2020 was difficult (who needs a hospitality publicist when you're not open!?), it also made me pause, take a deep breath, and look not only at the big picture but the better picture.

Q: What do you do for inspiration? Do you ever hit creative roadblocks and how do you overcome them?
A: Traveling--even on day trips to places I've never explored--inspires me. Listening to "How I Built This" on NPR helps kick me into high gear because the topics and people are so inspiring. I love that show. As I've gotten older I seem to hit more creative roadblocks. What's always worked for me is a tight deadline - that's when I'm at my most creative. I was like that in college, and I'm like that in life.

Q: Who has been the most inspirational person in your life and at what stage? A: My dad was my rock. He passed away a couple of years ago, and I miss his advice and wisdom. He always seemed to have the right advice at the right time.

Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a career similar to yours?
A: So many recent grads are thrown into these entry level PR positions without knowing how to really write a basic press release, craft a proper pitch or comport themselves in a business setting. As cliche as it sounds, the saying "You only get one chance to make a first impression" is more than just words. Dress the part, save the f-bombs for the bar (or delete them from your vocabulary altogether), learn not only to write well but to re-write even better, and seek out a professional mentor - someone you respect and admire.

Q: What are the best resources that have helped you along the way?
A: A nice glass of wine at the end of the day. On a more serious note, I'd say networking with other PR and marketing professionals as well as CEOs, CFOs, entrepreneurs, etc. (over a glass of wine, of course).

Q: What are your top self care routines?
A: I get regular facials, massages, pedicures and manicures - if it involves the word "spa", I'm all over it. My husband and I also take long walks every night, which allows us to catch up on our day, discuss our kids, stay connected, etc. I also love to meditate, but I'm not good at carving out time for it.

Q: What is the most challenging part about what you do?
A: Keeping up with all the changes. When I started out in this business social media did not exist. Clients wanted to be on the front page of the LA Times Food section, between the pages of Conde Nast Traveler or on the local morning news show doing a cooking segment. Now everyone wants to be the next "influencer" and accumulate followers. So I find the shift a challenge, but one I embrace.

Q: If you weren't doing this, what would your dream job be?
A: Pouring wine in a tasting room or hosting food and wine tours to Italy


"Well-behaved women seldom make history"- Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

---