What’s your historical San Francisco and New York connection?
When I first visited San Francisco in 1999 for the y2k Millennium – I fell in love with the city and knew I would call it home…some day.   I never dreamed it would take so long.

Upon graduating from college at Northwestern University in Chicago, I moved east and made my roots in New York City.   When I first moved to Manhattan, I didn’t think I would last more than a year.  I was a Midwestern girl who was initially overwhelmed and intimidated by the bustling cosmopolitan city.  Ha.  I fell in love with it.  New York became a small town for me, a place where I was the insider and where I grew into a sophisticated woman.

As my business in New York transformed into a very technical one, it required that I spend more time on the west coast.  This bicoastal blessing also came at a time when I was looking for a bit more sustainable life and welcomed the cross-country travel with open arms.

Describe your experience in SF and your experience in NYC.
San Francisco and New York are the yin and yang in my life.  I learned to stop comparing one to another and love each for what they are.  San Francisco feeds my soul – the majestic beauty and access to the outdoors are my zen.  The people are kind and brilliant and quite frankly, the city is brilliant for our business.

New York is a whirlwind of stimulation, to which I have become addicted.  My friends, the arts, culture, music and international vibe have kept me attached to the city for so long and makes me proud to call it one of my homes.

What was the biggest challenge of moving between NYC and SF?
Shoes, sequins, dresses, hats, ski boots…  The biggest challenge of moving between New York and San Francisco has been packing and my wardrobe.  I have grown so accustomed to glamming it up in NY, it’s been hard to let go learn to adapt to the west coast style.  I generally feel like I’m walking around San Francisco either a bit too goth in black my black leather and knee-high boots – or a like floozy in skirts and heels.   To add to it, I’ve been traveling regularly to Mexico City for work – so my route actually looks more like a triangle and packing is a nightmare.  The sombreros and ski boots don’t pack well.

How can NYC and SF best engage with each other?
Perhaps a private cabin on Virgin America for bicoastal travelers like myself 🙂

Favorite SF secret spot
The stairways of San Francisco.  There are some hidden wooden park benches on the Saturn Street Steps that are perfect for meditating or just escaping unseen.

Favorite NYC secret spot
My Wednesday night rooftop yoga class @ 95 Horatio followed by cocktails and green juice.   My friend Donna D’Cruz hosts meditation + music at The Standard Hotel a few times each month, which is also magical to me.

If you were not where you are now, what would you be doing?
Spending more time in flyover country (Iowa) with my family + skiing in Colorado + the beach.

Roadtrip Entertainment: tell us what song/album, TV show, podcast, or web videos you’ve been watching lately.
I don’t watch tv, but listen to music all the time.  These days, I’m jamming to Cheerleader by Omi; Ego by Tove Styrke; Golden by Brett and Another Love – Zwette Edit by Tom Odell.  As for podcasts, am listening to The Broad Experience.