Home: Glencoe, IL. Age: 45. Birthplace: Chicago, IL. Profession: Interior designer. Organization: LZ Interiors. Alma mater: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Dean’s List and James Scholar). Languages spoken: English and French.
Latest accomplishment: Featured in the “Ones to Watch” and “Dynamic Women” features in Chicago Social magazine. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Leaving finance to pursue a career in interior design. Hobbies: Collecting art. Recent travel or adventure: Visiting Villa d’Este in Italy. Recent unique acquisition: A 100-year-old home that I’m renovating.
Personality profile: Creative, unconventional, approachable and discerning. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Open communication between both parties. What is your greatest joy? My children. What is your greatest fear? I’m fearless. What is your guilty pleasure? The Kardashians. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Nurses. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Incredible trips with people I love—and shoes.
What was your first paying job? Working in a clothing store. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Barbie. What book have you repeatedly read? The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Art, photography and mood boards. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? G-d. What’s the best advice you received growing up? You’re not an ice cream truck; not everyone needs to like you. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? The death of my father.
What change are you working to effect in your profession or field?
Making luxury design concepts accessible to everyone.
What change would you like to see in the world? More kindness and less jealousy of others’ success. What message do you want to send out into the world? Be kind; do good. What widely held belief do you reject? That you need to be wealthy to live in a beautifully designed home.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? I Did It My Way. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Anne Hathaway. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A lawyer. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Nothing else. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my children and family. What advice would you give your younger self? It’s all going to work out even better than you hoped. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? A day spent with my father while he was alive.
Personal motto: Do not go where the path may lead, but go where there is no path and leave a trail. Favorite quote: “If you want to have an exceptional life, you have to put yourself in exceptional situations.”
