Personal Profile
Forging your own path can look different at many stages in life. But what if life progresses faster than anticipated? I have been the CEO of my own life from a very young age and have been working to survive and succeed ever since high school. From where I started, to where I am now, it’s been an amazing journey. But it hasn’t been easy.
I was out on my own before I graduated high school, and I picked up a waitressing job to make money so I could support myself. After high school, I worked multiple jobs simultaneously until I could afford to get myself my own apartment. Just before I turned 19, I moved to the city of Toronto, Ontario because I wanted more. I was determined to be successful and hold my own.
My career in hospitality started in restaurants, but after taking over a position in events, I fell in love and never looked back. I climbed up the ladder and became a Director by the age of 26, and from there I continued to lead teams at the Executive level at some of the most luxurious venues downtown Toronto. Because I was so young, I was in constant fear that people wouldn’t respect me if they knew how old I was. I kept my age a secret because society generally associates age with experience. I have to feel a strong connection to whatever I’m doing, and I will rock the boat when I really believe in something. I don’t give up. If I want something, I am going to achieve it. Sometimes the way I’m going about it doesn’t work, but I find a way.
In January 2021, I became a mother to two beautiful children through the magic of adoption. After returning to work from a full year of parental leave, I found it very challenging to balance family life and meeting the demands of my career. Because of my reputation I was receiving referrals, and I decided to take on a handful of events to create another stream of income to support my family. But what happened through that experience was something special. I organically discovered a new type of passion, purpose and fulfillment in my job. Joyfully creating while bringing people together on my own terms. With aligned clients and my favourite events pros, thinking outside of the box and pushing creative boundaries. The true essence of my role is seeing the looks on people’s faces when we reveal the final result of a space, taste the food, hug each other, and so purely and vulnerably enjoy themselves in an environment that you dreamed up in your brain. It. Is. The. Best. I want to always bring more happiness to others, entertain, host, create, and spend time with like-minded people and clients as much as I can.
Bringing a vision to life through food, entertainment, décor and carefully curated experiences, to me, is an art. All of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, sometimes years in advance, with multiple suppliers and event professionals, it is truly a team sport that brings happiness to others in the most beautiful way.
I have always had a burning desire to help people whether that be within my own social circle, coaching and mentoring aspiring leaders, working with non-for profits, immersing myself in my community, and bringing people joy through event planning and service. In my spare time I love interior design, writing, entertaining, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops with my friends, and spending as much time in nature as possible.
I didn’t always have this business or this lifestyle. Not that long ago you would have found me crammed on the commuter train in my stilettos, buried in my laptop, filled with stress and anxiety. I have been through a lot of change and healing in my life, and through writing, mentorship, and community I openly share my journey with a 360-degree viewpoint. I consider it my duty to humanize our experiences because I truly believe the power is not in the story but in seeing ourselves in others. I hope I can be an example of how, our stories, when we share them and the reason they connect us, is they remind us of our shared humanity. I invite you to my blog to learn more about my story.