What inspired you to start your career in this field?
I was inspired by Henk Rogers, the designer of Tetris.
What has been your proudest professional achievement so far?
Raising three sons.
Who was your biggest role model or mentor growing up?
Kumu Hula Iwalani Tseu
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?
Fail to plan, plan to fail.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a woman in business?
Stay authentic.
How do you define success for yourself?
Success for myself is to see my staff move up or be promoted.
What motivates you on the tough days?
Laughter.
What is one risk you took that really paid off?
Making a career change and taking a leap of faith.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Take lots of photos!
What’s your vision for women in your industry 10 years from now?
I would like to see more women executives in the hospitality field.
How do you balance work and personal life—or do you believe in balance at all?
I take time to have a nice meal every week.
What’s your morning routine or ritual that sets the tone for your day?
I wake up and I say thank you for my beautiful life.
What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?
Taster’s Choice in a packet.
If you weren’t in your current role, what career would you be pursuing?
Working in NYC in fashion.
What’s your secret talent or hobby people might be surprised to learn about?
I dance Tahitian.
What’s the most recent book, podcast, or show that inspired you?
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL by Mayte Garcia.
What’s the best way you like to recharge after a busy week?
Going to the gym at Fit Waikiki.
Describe your leadership style in three words.
Inspiring, understated, and elegant.
What’s a song that always gets you pumped up?
Anything Justin Bieber.
If you could swap lives with another woman for a day, who would it be?
Jessica Alba. I admire her business ethics.
What’s your “power outfit” that makes you feel unstoppable?
A white suit.
What’s a mantra, quote, or saying you live by?
You don’t know until you ask.
What would your younger self be most proud of you today?
My younger self would be proud that I remained authentic and grounded, staying true to my values and identity along the way.
If you could host a talk show, who would be your dream first guest?
Gianni Versace.
How do I show up for myself when things get difficult?
I stop, think, and then make a decision on how to handle the situation.
What parts of my life make me feel most fulfilled?
Knowing that my children are caring, compassionate, and successful.
What values guide my decisions, even when no one is watching?
What will be the outcome, how will it affect others and does it matter.
Am I truly passionate about the work I’m doing, or am I doing it out of obligation or comfort?
I am very passionate, I love that I get to meet people everyday and change their lives.
What skills or knowledge do I need to grow to the next level in my career?
We are always learning to do better. Read books, have a mentor, and travel to learn about other places in the world.
