My family moved to Covington when I was in the 4th grade. My parents still live in Riverwood in the house I grew up in. I attended River Forest- which is now Kehoe France- and then SSA before going to college at Ole Miss. I’ve been a travel advisor for the past seven years, but prior to this, I worked at SSA doing their marketing. I loved working with all of the girls and still keep in touch with some of them! It’s so special being able to help them with their destination weddings, honeymoons, babymoons, and family or friends vacations! I also used to volunteer for Love on a Leash with my previous mastiffs. They are such a special breed and I loved being able to visit nursing homes, the library, and Barnes & Noble so my girls could spread some joy to others! Other than my family, travel and dogs are my passion.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been happily married for almost 25 years. Our daughter graduated from FSU this May and just left to be an au pair for a year in Germany. Our son is a junior at LSU. We also have a mastiff mix named Stella.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a travel advisor for 7 years. I LOVE my job because I get to help couples, families, and friends create special memories together. I love it when my clients share their pictures with me and tell me what an amazing time they had on their vacations. I know it sounds cliche but it really does make my heart smile knowing that I helped just a little bit to make that happen!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are so many great ones in our area! I love Crazy Pig Southern Kitchen for breakfast/brunch. Any of Pat Gallagher’s restaurants! And La Carreta for Mexican.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Been in the area since around 1982
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I don’t really watch TV but probably Downton Abbey or Friends. I also really liked Ted Lasso.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I know it sounds like a plug for my business, but honestly my advice to people would be for them to travel! Ask any adult, life is a collection of moments and it goes by in the blink of an eye! Go somewhere new with family & friends and choose to make those core memories! Take that once in a lifetime opportunity! Learn about and experience the world and different cultures! It’s been proven that just thinking about a future trip makes people happy! That feeling and those memories will live much longer than any material gift you can give someone.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Maybe Taylor Swift? I think she’s amazing! Look at the positive impact she’s making everywhere she goes right now! I just think look looks like she’s a really good person with a good heart, and she doesn’t seem to take any of her fame for granted. Even though she grew up as a female in the entertainment industry and has continuously been put under a microscope and scrutinized on almost everything, she keeps doing what she loves; writing music, singing and performing. And she gives back to her fans and their communities. I’d probably meet her at the Covington Coffee Rani because everything there is delicious, it’s a business that has been around for a long time, and the location and atmosphere show off the charm of downtown Covington.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Even though our community has grown tremendously throughout the years, we still have that small town feel. I still see so many people here that I grew up with! I still see their parents and I’ve met their kids. I love that most people always find their way back home to our community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Honestly, I don’t know. Hopefully I’ll still be traveling and doing something within the travel industry.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I can’t think of anything right now. 10 out of 10 is perfect, and nothing is perfect.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandmother. She passed away 11 years ago but she always tried to find the silver lining in things and the good in people. If something bad happened, she would look for the good that came out of it. If somebody did something wrong, she would find something they did right.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love, Safe