Events Manager

1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach

You have, since leaving Jamaica as a minor, lived in Europe, Los Angeles and are now a resident of Florida. What were five lessons learnt along the way?

One of my favourite words is the Portuguese word “saudade” which loosely means melancholy for a time that you look fondly back at that is somewhat bittersweet because it brings memories of a place, time or people that you know you’ll never experience again in quite the same way. Having lived in different places has taught me to appreciate even the simple moments as much as possible. I have become friends with many people whom I’ve shared the holidays with or milestone moments but then they, like myself moved on. I learned to value time, cherish the relationships I already had, make friends quickly, appreciate the time we would share together and embrace it all from a place of gratitude.

The most important lesson is that no matter how far and wide you travel home is and always will be home.

I also learned to embrace challenges because instead of breaking you they can often make you.

Faith will get you very far when you release your fears.

Be open because when one avoids preconceptions of how a person, place or situation should be; what you find is usually beyond your expectations.

When you get too comfortable, change because it will give you the opportunity to grow in new ways.

What words of advice would you give your younger self?

That insatiable desire you have to travel, explore, discover and have new experiences is okay. Embrace it because it will make you a constantly evolving and better version of yourself. Be bold, be confident, do you. Things always have a way of working out exactly as they should. Trust your instincts, trust the process.

You were in Jamaica recently for the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival (JFDF). How was the experience?

In a nutshell, it was an absolutely fabulous experience. I am a major foodie and haven’t stopped showing pictures and speaking about it with my friends, family and colleagues.

The selection and quality of the food presented was excellent. The execution of the events were on point, the staff very attentive and welcoming, the chefs inviting, and the venues I attended were absolutely beautiful. I will definitely return and with more people so they can also share the experience.

The thing that I think the world should know is how Jamaica and Jamaicans have embraced sustainability by taking clear action to enable this in an effort to preserve the country’s beauty. There were eco-friendly plates, wooden utensils, reusable Mason jars provided by Appleton and copper cups by Red Stripe. One of the chefs featured at the brunch at Strawberry Hill was Stush in the Bush. They offered the most amazing vegan food and were well received by both vegans and non-vegans. They topped it off by passing out what looked like mini granitas in wooden cups. It turns out that I didn’t even need to use my own reusable cup and wooden utensil that I had brought with me. This was a welcomed surprise.

You are in your dream job per se. Take us through a typical day at 1 Hotel South Beach.

I love that I work for a purpose-driven sustainable company and get to engage with guests and colleagues throughout the day.

We usually have meetings with the team to discuss the preparation and execution of upcoming events, create menus with the culinary team, provide consultation to clients interested in hosting an event with us and ensure every aspect is executed flawlessly and guests are having a wonderful experience.

There isn’t really a typical day in the world of events here, but it could be dinner party or cocktail reception, a beach clean-up, a panel discussion in alignment with the brand or a sound healing and cocoa ceremony hosted on the rooftop overlooking the ocean. No two days are alike which is what I love.

Where’s your happy place?

My happy place is at a long table at the seaside at sunset with the waves crashing against the rocks. There is a vintage glass of Champagne or a biodynamic wine in my hand, lots of excellent food and candles on the table ready to be lit, chill music in the background and, most of all, great company and conversation. Essentially, great company, food, drink and the seaside.

Nature or Nurture?

Nurture.

In your industry is it more important to be liked or respected?

Quite honestly, it requires a combination of the two. People need to respect you enough to trust your judgment and your ability to deliver beyond expectations. This guarantees new and repeat business. Likability, on the other hand, initiates and allows the building of relationships, which also encourages people to go the extra mile for you when needed.

What is your greatest fear?

That would have to be not making enough of an impact. I remember one year in high school I attended a lecture by the late Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to the United States Congress. I was so in awe of her and her accomplishments yet mustered up the courage to share with her my desire to make an impact and questioned how could I as one person make a difference and she responded, “It just takes one.” I am still on the path of discovering and defining my purpose but this comment has always stayed with me and drives me today.

What book do you recommend most to others?

I recommend a small yet impactful book that was gifted to me as a young adult called The Alchemist.

It’s about always following your dreams and listening to your heart. I think this is especially relevant now as we find more people willing to seek out companies to work for with purpose or identify and follow their passions.

What lesson has been the hardest to learn?

Keeping my feet on the ground, sometimes.

What food sums you up?

A truffle — earthy and refined.

What have you never understood?

People who lack empathy.

What’s the one thing that might surprise people about you?

That I am fluent in Italian.

Heels or flats?

Fortunately, I was blessed with the gift of height so more often than not I opt for comfort and go with flats.

Jeans or LBD?

It really depends on my mood, but I would say jeans. They can be rather versatile in the sense that you can pair them with a simple T-shirt for a laid-back, relaxed look and feel. A darker shade, on the other hand, combined with an elegant top, accessories and red lipstick and you’re ready for a night on the town.

Romantic movie or comedy?

Romantic movie.

Ballet recital or opera?

Definitely the opera! I attended many performances at Teatro dell’Opera while living in Rome and it’s one of the things I miss most about living there. My first experience was in college when my best friend and I went to San Francisco for the weekend. We had to choose between using the rest of our travel budget to go to the opera but spend several hours at the airport before our flight or extend our stay at the hotel. We opted for the former and I’ve been a fan ever since.

Finally, what’s your personal credo?

My personal credo is conscious living and social impact. I feel it is necessary to be aware of how we treat the environment and those around us. An extension of that is being mindful of what we feed our mind, body and spirt. If we are blessed, we need to express that gratitude by giving back in some way.