1) How did it all begin? Where did you start out and how did you get involved in the fashion industry? When I was 15 years old, I dreamt of being an opera singer, so when my teacher told me that I didn't quite have the talent, I was pretty devastated. She suggested I meet with her commercial agent in San Francisco. I met with them and was immediately sent to Paris to model for the summer. It was an incredible experience but I was pretty nerdy and sheltered at the time, so I didn't fit in too well with the other models. At a young age, I realized that I wanted more than to be just a pretty face. At 17, I retired and went to college, modeling only part-time.
2) Based on a business standpoint and looking at other personal achievements, how have you succeeded? How have you failed? I've succeeded by taking risks and pursuing my various passions. Life is short and we're all meant to find happiness through hard work and discipline. I love being an entrepreneur, taking chances - trying to solve problems through ventures. How have I failed? I like to view every hiccup as a learning experience- failure is not an option. The only way you fail is by not taking action and trying your best to achieve the goals you set out to accomplish.
3) You're one of the 5F faces for Bergdorf Goodman! How did that all happen and what do you get to do because of it? A friend suggested I submit a photo. I've been a big Bergdorf “supporter” for years (I shop there incessantly!), so I decided to enter the contest. I was in Paris attending couture with friends when they contacted me about being a finalist. I had to cut my trip short, but it was worth it. The whole experience was surreal. Besides being featured on their website and in Lucky, I was featured in the store’s window and in their pamphlets. I remember (on yet another Bergdorf shopping binge) being shocked to see my face in one of their pamphlets.
4) Describe your personal style and what we might find you wearing on a typical day vs. a night out. "Understated Elegance" would be the phrase most used to describe my style. I air on the side of classic over trendy. I love luxe basics like crisp white button-ups, ultra-soft tank tops, and well-tailored pants. No matter when it's day or night - I wear black. I mean a lot of black! Black lace dresses, black blazers, black sequin skirts. Black is the main event in my closet.
5) What advice would you have for young people trying to get involved in this industry? Don't take what others say about you to heart. Be happy to be you, find your passion, and don't take things too seriously. When I was younger, I'd get personally offended when I didn't book a job. I'd starve myself, thinking that if I was thinner I'd be picked. Find the beauty within yourself and people will find it in you. Don't be so hard on yourself, have fun no matter what...
6) Tell us a little more about you! Favorite hobbies, shopping tips, places to go, people to see, etc. I love mentoring young women in business, life and in their careers. One day, I hope to launch a website that helps finance and mentor woman in emerging markets around the world. I am also a dessertaholic! You can see all of my favorite New York spots for sweets here.