What year were you born?

I was born in1973. I believe it was a Thursday. And I’m fond of Thursdays now! :)

What was your life like growing up? What dreams and goals did you have for your life when you left High School?

I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. I was the first grandchild on both sides of my family. I’ve been told I was an incredibly sparkly child, charming everyone who engaged with me. My parents divorced when I was 7. This had a big impact on me. My mom, sister and I struggled financially for years, and I felt I needed to be the emotional support for my family even at a young age. I always made friends easily. I became interested in boys early and became sexually active at 15. My sexuality has been a big part of my life ever since. I love sex and feeling sexy. Though I would say I have only really embraced this without shame in the last 10 years.

I dreamed of becoming a super model in my early teens. I wanted to be seen, adored, worshiped (those are my words now. I don’t think I was aware of my motivation then). Modeling never came to be. I heard that I should be able to support myself without depending on a man so I went to college for chemical engineering. I hated working as an engineer, even though I was “successful” in my career. I got an MBA and eventually started my own Private Concierge business.

What is the one piece of advice would you give your younger self?

You are more magical than you know - own that. Trust your feelings, your intuition. They will not lead you astray.

Name at least one outstanding experience you have had in your life. How did this or these events affect you?

In 2018 and 2019, I attended Regena Thomasauer’s (aka Mama Gena) Mastery program in NYC with some friends. Both times, it was the most eye opening, inspiring, and impactful experience. It was a deep dive into reclaiming ourselves as women in a patriarchal society, honoring our sexuality, our desires, sisterhood, what it means to be a goddess, how to experience the full range of feelings that come through in life,l, and more. It was the magical icing on the cake of the things that molded me into the woman I am today.

*“Lean into the sisterhood of women who see you, celebrate you and can remind you that you are magnificent.”*

When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?

In general, I feel confident when I can connect with my turn-on, my delight, my magic. Most recently, I felt incredibly confident for a good year after my divorce (in the fall of 2018). Finding myself, reclaiming myself and my sexuality was so good for my confidence. I felt unstoppable.

Share an indulgence:

Baths, chocolate soft sere ice cream cone with chocolate jimmies, drinking rose in the sun, the luxurious and indulgent feeling I have when spending time in wine country, buying myself flowers and especially peonies (which I do often when they are in season)

How do other people to describe you or see you?

Magic, sparkly, powerful, authentic.

What is your super power?

SEEING people and connecting deeply and quickly.

Can you share what your favourite part of your body is? Why?

I love this question and often ask it of my pole students. My favorite part of my body is my collar bone - I think this area is so alluring and sexy. I’m also usually really into showing off my belly - however right now, I have a few more lbs than I like - and I’m practicing still loving my belly with the extra padding.

Do you like being 40+?

OMGoddess Yes. So far my favorite decade. I feel sexy and embodied and wise and more grounded in me than I ever have.

How has your relationship with yourself changed as you have gotten older?

I’m learning to be unapologetically me. I’m learning to own how big I am. I feel sexier and more powerful than I did in my 20s or 30s.

How do you think women of your generation are perceived?

Our partriarchal culture continuously tells us we are less worthy as women, and especially as women over 40. We are told we are old and no longer sexy and that everything that is happening to our bodies (wrinkles, changes in our bodies, etc) is undesirable.

What advice do you have to offer to those who are approaching mid life or those that are in mid life and perhaps struggling with it.

Lean into the sisterhood of women who see you, celebrate you and can remind you that you are magnificent. Find things that help you stay connected to your turn on, your pleasure, your desire.