I worked one day in a bar in NYC and they never called me back (I wouldn’t have either!). I didn’t come from a professional hospitality background. What were some hurdles you had to overcome in the early days as a hotelier? I love the notion that designing a hotel is literally designing a world, a world that can inspire. It’s this beautiful old-school notion that serving and hosting is a great honour, like welcoming people into their own home. I will always maintain that Europeans do hospitality best. I can’t even remember the names of them, but the way they made me feel left such lasting impressions. Some of my favourites have been non-descript fincas and shacks in parts of Europe. I visited over 50 countries in my twenties and my favourite experiences were personal, boutique, unique, and always the most authentic to a place. The simple act of inspiring has such ripple effects. My own travel experiences and the idea that travel can literally expand people’s worlds. It was my first real lesson in “if you don’t ask, it’s already a no”. The landlord’s email address was I took a leap and sent my resume with my signed lease and she called me in for an interview the next day. I moved on a whim (no money, no plans) and was applying for a short-term apartment. My first “real” job out of university was at Condé Nast in New York. I’ve been working odd jobs since I was 14-years old, including full time through uni. Hospitality is like being an architect of an experience. It took me years to find discipline and balance in this regard. It doesn’t stop, it doesn’t sleep, and it doesn’t have holidays. In fact, it’s usually the smallest that matter the most! This is as invigorating as it is challenging. An experience is the sum of its parts and so every single piece counts, no matter how small. The notion that my work literally exists to make people happy, and that I get to travel around the world for “research”. The people – our team, collaborators, and guests. What is the most rewarding part of the job? I am extremely sensitive to the energy around me and the weather (an Australian sun-child Pisces) and so this really depends on the day. What time of day are you at your most creative? ![]() On a really good day, a tasting with The Surfrider’s incredible chef. ![]() For me though, on a good day, a smoothie. I’ve always dreamed of being Italian where pasta, a Spritz, and a swim is just a normal 1PM. I am self admittedly terrible when it comes to breaking for lunch. ![]() Loving Nina Simone, Alice Coltrane, Françoise Hardy and a good Van singalong. Natural light, fresh flowers, a candle burning, personalised stationery for handwritten notes, and a great playlist. As a visual person they help to keep my design on track and my creative juices flowing. Identify something in your workspace that’s special to you (and why)… They are also a platform for small non-profit organizations in Africa, Latin America and Asia who work directly with the communities and the wildlife that they support.PIN IT The Surfrider Hotel. They focus all of their love and energy into the creation of beautiful handmade pieces that contribute to programs related to ocean conservation, reforestation, endangered species protection, sustainable practice education, youth empowerment and more. Lunamar's mission is to bring awareness through our passion and work for a better planet. Join us for the screening of Given and the launch of Lunamar for the Planet on Thursday, Jat 7PM at Surf the Greats. This event is a fundraiser for our Freshwater Fund and all proceeds from ticket sales go to the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper for swimmable, drinkable, fishable and surfeable waters.Īs part of this event, we are excited to welcome Lunamar for the Planet to our shop.
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