Photographer wanna be who enjoys eating out, spending time with family, friends and of course, my girlfriend. Yeah, I may be young and in love, but we only get to live a moment once. That’s why I like to take pictures. So I can relive those most memorable moments over and over. Verte is a fragrance I created because, like a picture, scent is very closely tied to memories. And what better way to reminisce than with a photo and a scent?

I’m a full time grandmother to six nieces and one nephew, and now a niche perfumer with a foot firmly planted in the door of the perfume world. I was in my living room, working on an art project when my son came into the room discussing perfume formulas with a wonderful perfumer who works for Whiff. We got to talking and sharing ideas and just by chance, I suggested a few scents that, to me, seemed like a new and unusual combination that I would love to have for myself, if only it were real. The perfumer working for Whiff was intrigued by the idea and mixed the fragrances into a formula while conversing with us. Over the next hour and half, I had somehow, with her assistance, created a perfume. It was more exciting than I had expected to be a part of that process. I really liked doing that, creating something new that nobody had ever done before.

Although I consider myself a businesswoman, the people I work with on a daily basis are also some of my best friends. The Whiff Lab is located in one of the buildings I own and every day, I can pop in and see what is brewing with the perfumers. I never thought I would be able to create a fragrance of my own that I would actually like, but the experience far exceeded my expectations. My fragrance Moment, to me, is about enjoying what you have today, living life to its fullest and never forgetting the people around you who love and support you.

I’m a development professional with expertise in art, education and philanthropy. Currently, I’m an Associate Director of Development for the UC San Diego Rady School of Management focusing on several initiatives as part of UC San Diego’s $2 Billion Campaign supporting the enhancement and improvement of resources for students, faculty, and greater community. Sunkissed by Kate is a gift to myself and those who are busy career women, because every once in a while, it’s okay to take a moment to dig our toes in the sand and enjoy the lull of the tide.

I came from across the pond many years ago with my very own Prince Charming to whom I’ve been married for twenty nine years. I guess that ages me right there! I live on the east coast of the United States in a state that sometimes feels as if I’m in a time warp, shh, it shall not be named. Anyway, this land has given me opportunities that probably would not have been available to me had I remained on far away shores. Perfume, to me, is the essence of a person, be they male or female. We all go through life trying to find our own 'something' and a perfume can give that secret essence we seek. It lifts the spirits to a new high that no one can take away. For me, fragrance is an essential part of my being, just as music takes me to new places, so it is with the beauty and sensuality of a fine fragrance.