Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born in Kitsilano, Vancouver, and ultimately settled in Victoria in 2006.
What has been your career path? I decided to pursue a career in real estate sales shortly after my third son was born. He is 25 today.
What is the one aspect of your work that really gets you fired up? It’s never the house; and it’s always the people. I love listening to understand, and then crafting a strategic plan to achieve the goals. I have a competitive spirit with an empathetic heart and a drive for my clients’ success.
Also, my fountain of youth: I began teaching fitness in my early 20s “by accident” and fell in love. I was later recognized as one of Canada’s top instructors, selected to be a fitness assessor for Les Mills International and a team leader in Victoria. I love my fitness family.
What are you passionate about outside of work? I love to plan and host get-togethers for local women of all ages with a goal of facilitating a community of sisterhood. Also: serving on the BC Cancer Advisory Council and VREB Community Relations Committee, as well as a local business advisory panel.
What fills my cup: Time with family and friends 100 per cent of the time.
Hobbies: Road cycling, a renovation project, thrifting, board games, travel.
What’s the best life lesson you’ve learned in the last five years? This is a threefold answer. In life: confidence is a discipline which grows roots through practice based on intention, focus and commitment. We are our own masters of confidence. In fashion: whether new or pre-used, buy quality. In menopause: linen, silk and natural fibres are game-changers.
Which of your innate qualities or daily practices has led to your success? I’m an eternal optimist, believing in goodness and magic. I have a relentless work ethic driven by a passion to make a difference. I aim to laugh out loud daily.
What is good style to you? Clean lines, monotone palette. I like to mix masculine and feminine elements: a necktie with a strand of pearls; French cuffs and cuff links with floral tie.
How would you describe your personal style? Classic elegance with a hint of fun.
Fashion & Beauty
Uniform: Simple and fast. My wardrobe is 99 per cent black. I have a basic skincare and makeup routine: nude matte lip, waterproof mascara, tinted moisturizer and sunscreen.
All-time favourite piece: My black On the Go handbag.
Favourite shoes: Multi-tone mules by Lodi Love, from Hughes Shoes.
New addition: Adult luggage, lol. I ditched the cheap and unreliable and replaced with a two-piece set by Briggs and Riley from Adventure Clothing on Yates. Game-changer!
Most important work tool: My ears! Second to that is my car. It is my backup office, closet, kitchen and moving truck all in one. When a client requests driving together, I immediately start calculating how I will make it happen without too much awkward shuffling, lol.
Favourite jewellery piece: I was gifted a tennis bracelet, which I promptly went to return. The jeweller suggested I keep it and wear it every day. I did, and use it as a reminder to view every day as a special occasion.
Fashion obsession: Tina Martel: Not_In_The_Pink_ on instagram. She is outrageously fabulous!
Closet confession: My closet is a mix of new, pre-used and hand-me-downs from my sister (who loves to shop).
Scent: Day: Tenue De Soiree by Annick Goutal. Evening: Eau Du Soir by Sisley.
Favourite fashion designer: Randi Barry, Max Mara and Vintage Chanel.
Favourite musician: Mitchell Hahn of OK Charlie band – a Victoria local (and my son).
Film that you just love the style of: Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Cinderella’s ball gown.
Best wine to date: Organic Dingač Reserva Barrique 2012 by Matusko Winery, from Peljesac, Croatia.
Favourite flower: Hand-picked wild daffodils and forget-me-nots.
One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during hard times: A bike ride into the hills with my husband, or a workout with my gym-sisters.
First Hollywood crush: Steve Martin.
Favourite treat: Chocolate cake from Mon Petit Treat. Gluten-free perfection.
Shop online or in store: I’m not an online shopper. I need to see it, touch it and try before I buy.
Reading Material:
Favourite book: Talent is Never Enough by John C. Maxwell.
Favourite magazine: Boulevard and vintage Vogue.
Book currently reading: Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire by Andrew Wilkinson