Age: Let’s just say that my birth year requires a lot of scrolling on drop-down menus. Profession: Yoga instructor. Alma mater: American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Languages spoken: English.
What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Leaving rural Mississippi for New York City after being accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. It was a culture shock, and I absolutely loved it. Hobbies: Art, books, yoga, working out, travel and food. Recent travel or adventure: India, Morocco, Brazil and Switzerland. I love traveling and exploring other cultures. Last book read: The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas. Recently viewed recommendation: Orange Is the New Black. Recent unique acquisition: A signed first edition of Tropic of Cancer, by Henry Miller. You studied theatre in NYC. What was the first Broadway show you saw? Miss Saigon.
Personality profile: Soulful, nurturing, peaceful, cheerful, intelligent and irreverent, with a soothing voice and sense of humor. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Adventurous. Moral compass: I trust my intuition. How do you define a perfect friendship? Compassionate, noncompetitive and an opportunity to be completely yourself. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Respectful, with both people wanting the most and best for each other. What is your greatest joy? My son. What natural talent have you neglected? My voice. I studied singing and voice for decades and have dabbled in voice work from time to time. What is at the top of your bucket list? Japan, or a return to India.
What was your first paying job? Grocery store checkout girl at 16. What was your favorite college course? Philosophy. What book have you repeatedly read? Love in the Time of Cholera and One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Jackie Brown, American Psycho and American Hustle. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Art, furniture and décor from my travels. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My son.
What message do you want to send out into the world?
Lead with compassion and assume the best in people.
What mega-trend most excites you? Women becoming more financially independent. What mega-trend most concerns you? Misogyny.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My dad. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An anesthesiologist—turns out math is not my strength. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My son’s drawings and baby clothes. What advice would you give your younger self? Worrying is a terrible use of one’s imagination.
Personal mission: To help people live healthier, happier lives by leading with compassion, fostering curiosity and promoting wellness of both mind and body. Personal motto: Happiness is having something to look forward to.
