I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico but New Orleans and Covington have always been my other homes. My oldest sister moved here for college when I was a year old, and subsequently I was shipped off every summer since I was 6 to spend time with her. I ended up following her footsteps and moved to Louisiana in 1999 to attend Tulane University. After graduation, I began a career in high-end event sales and management and worked for a premier planner in New Orleans until moving to the Bay Area of California after Hurricane Katrina. 10 years, 2 kids and thousands of event hours later, I returned to Covington in 2015. I left the event industry in 2017 and have worked in customer facing sales, inventory management and marketing since then. I have made my professional home at Southland Plumbing Supply’s Mandeville showroom where I work with contractors, designers and homeowners to choose the best in interior plumbing fixtures, appliances, lighting, and more for their new builds or renovations. Our main location is in Metairie, but we have a gorgeous location on Highway 59 and work with many Northshore builders and residents. I enjoy cooking, playing tennis with my partner, Dave, watching my kids play sports, taking them to Saints and Pelican’s games and traveling.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the youngest of 4 girls, born to parents that still reside in Albuquerque. I am fortunate that my maternal grandmother, Olivia, lives with them and is healthy and thriving. She will turn 103 this summer! I have 2 sons–Ronan, 12 and Mac, 9. They attend Christ Episcopal School and are true sports fanatics. You can find them on a field or court somewhere, or memorizing sports statistics! I live with my fiance, Dave, who is also in sales and and an amazing woodworker on the side.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have always worked with people on a very personal and detailed level. My first career, spanning almost 15 years, was in corporate and social event sales, planning and management. I worked with my clients on every level–from selecting venues, writing menus, arranging decor, entertainment, and executing day-of coordination. I am proud and a little shocked to say I have planned close to 350 weddings! Now, I work with clients on projects also dear and personal to them–helping create the home of their dreams in terms of style, beauty and functionality. I truly enjoy engaging with people, seeing their excitement when their visions come to fruition, and helping them with such a personal project–creating their ideal living space.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love many of the restaurants on the Northshore including Leonardo’s, Albasha, and my newest favorite, Desi Vega’s Smokehouse.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been back on the Northshore for 8 years and am happy to be raising my kids here!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This may be kind of cheating, but my sister Reina is one of the most interesting people in the community, I think! She was a teacher and then division head of the Early Childhood Campus of Christ Episcopal and now that she’s retired, is a Court Appointed Child Advocate for our district. She’s super creative and is always coming up with the most ingenious projects and gifts! She has never met a stranger and knows the ins and outs of the Northshore!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love John Hughes movies, am a big fan of Wes Anderson films and like to watch sports documentaries with my kids. We just finished The Last Dance and are watching Last Chance U on Netflix right now.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I’d have to say Southland! The business is based in Metairie, but still in the hands of the original family owners. Southland combines the newest and best products with truly old fashioned service. There are more than a few people at Southland that have been there for decades…it’s one of those places that few people ever leave. It’s the best combination of a modern business with the gracious, personal service of a bygone era.
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?
I would love to have lunch with Kim Mulkey…I find her fiery and larger than life. I’d just like to pick her brain! I’d probably suggest somewhere on the lakefront where we could dine and relax.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The Northshore has really grown, but still has small town sensibilities. Where else can you find constant block parties, free concerts and a mayor that does a weekly Zumba class for the community?!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to have grown more established and knowledgeable in my business and the building industry and help Southland grow even more successful on this side of the lake. I hope to be enjoying the last years of having my children at home and to be traveling more.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I was a competitive runner and went to Nationals in the 400 meter dash and placed in the Junior Olympics….way back when!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Our regional cuisine!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, comfort and good food!