Family: My husband, Gabe, and I have been married for 32 years. We have two sons, Peter, 25, and Daniel, 22.Education: I have an associate’s degree in business administration from Berkeley College in New York City and have taken courses in floral and interior design.Getting Started: My event industry experience began in the 1980s in Manhattan.  While working as the assistant to a company president, I was asked to help plan an annual corporate event for 500 international attendees. That continued for five years. I traveled all over the country, scouting locations and planning the events and activities for attendees and their spouses. I was hooked! I started planning social events for family and friends. When we moved to Florida 21 years ago, I took some time off to raise my boys and then opened an interior design studio in the late 1990s. My clients began asking me to help them design and plan their social events, so I opened my event planning company in 2000.Goals: A personal goal is to make and take more time for myself.  Business-wise, I plan to redo my website, continue to grow ABC South Florida and Caribbean membership, all while planning the 2013 Annual Conference!On the ABC: I have been a proud member of ABC for seven years. I value the educational opportunities; the professionalism and code of ethics expected of the members; the many benefits, such as being a Certified Sandals Specialist; but, most importantly, the relationships and true friendships I have made.On Achieving MBC™ Status: I am proud and honored to have received my MBC™ this past year at the Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Conference in Denver. It is truly humbling to be a part of such an outstanding group of wedding and event professionals and a special privilege to be able to call many of these distinguished Masters “friend.”Other Memberships: I am a member of the International Special Events Society (ISES) and currently hold the position of director of programs and education for our local chapter. I am also a member of the National Association of Wedding Professionals (NAWP).Mentors: Throughout my life, there have been many people who have provided me with guidance and inspiration.  My husband is a daily inspiration and example of strength and determination. I’d like to thank Tammy Waterman, MBC™, and Elise Enloe, MBC™, for their continued support, faith, and trust—and that little “extra push” when I need it.Industry Influencers: The Internet and social media.Inspiration: Everything inspires me. Books, TV, design magazines, coming back from annual conference, speaking with other members from around the country and the world, but more importantly, my clients and wanting to do everything possible to fulfill their wishes.Marketing Strategy: Building relationships among other industry professionals is key.  I also pride myself on giving clients the best service and most personal touch I am capable of, and that leads to referrals. This year, I plan to focus more on building up my social media presence.On Staying Fresh: I attend other event industry conferences; subscribe to online webinars; and read, read, read.Ideal Client:  I only take on a client I will enjoy working with and who has a vision for her wedding but is also willing to take advice and recommendations while trusting that I will do my job. I enjoy clients who are fun, have a sense of humor, and are looking for something different—not just a wedding 
in a ballroom.Reading Now: The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Les Hewitt and The Vujá dé Moment by Simon T. Bailey.Favorite TV Show: My favorite TV show of all time is I Love Lucy. This past Christmas, my husband bought me the entire collection of episodes!Hobbies: In my free time, I read, catch up on General Hospital episodes that I’ve recorded, and spend time with my family.Words of Wisdom: The best advice I can give is to make friends among your industry peers. Always think cooperation, not competition. Also, continually educate yourself because you’ll never know it all!On Giving Back: I am involved in the local chapters of wedding and event industry associations and enjoy mentoring new planners.