Describe your personal style. Relaxed, eclectic, exotic at times, conservative at others. I play into my surroundings and my mood. I definitely feel like a whimsical chameleon.
What are you wearing? A very comfortable wine-colored dress that I bought at Bella in San Rafael for an event celebrating our new Carneros Wine Blossom candle. Also, my favorite BCBG boots and jewelry by Coryn Madley, an L.A. designer.
Who are your fashion influences? My mother. She was a very eccentric, vibrant and exotic Bulgarian woman. I grew up in Hawaii, where color and flair were very natural and acceptable. I love the free-spirited style of the islands, but when I lived on the East Coast for seven years I learned to tame that a lot. I like the natural beauty of Drew Barrymore, Keira Knightley and Eva Mendes.
Favorite designers? I love a lot of clothes that are not necessarily designer names. But I also love Betsey Johnson, Kenneth Cole and BCBG.
Where do you love to shop in Marin? I love a little boutique in Mill Valley called Le Melange. I tell the owners that going to Le Melange is like my spa; I can relax there. Also, I love Bella on Fourth Street in San Rafael.
What is your best cheapo secret? I dye my own hair black. I am a natural blonde. But my mother had black hair and I always wanted to look like her.
Where do you love to eat in Marin? I loooove Café Gratitude. I also love to eat at Small Shed Flatbreads in Mill Valley and Punjabi Burritos next door. Maya Palenque in Novato is where I go for good margaritas and nachos. Oh, and I’m excited about Balboa Cafe opening in Mill Valley.
How do you spend your weekends? I love to spend Sundays in Golden Gate Park roller skating with my partner, Carlos. He is the best roller skater ever—we met in the park so it is very special. It’s like church, and as with church I don’t go as often as I like, but I am always really glad when I do.
Where do you go to pamper yourself? Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary near Occidental. It is hands down my favorite place to relax. The cedar baths are so special and I have never had a disappointing massage. I pay a little extra for the Pagoda Massage in a beautiful room surrounded by nature—the best.
What was the last book you read and why? I am reading Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni because my best friend calls me the “sister of her heart” after reading that book.
What was the last movie you saw? Charlotte’s Web, the new one with Dakota Fanning. Great movie! My favorite part is when Charlotte weaves the words “radiant” and “pig” into her web. I don’t know why I love that so much…but I think it is fantastic!
If your life were a movie, what would be your theme song? This is my favorite question, because I am addicted to music and lyrics. Hold on while I consult my iTunes library—it could be several, but I am going with “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson. It’s got a great beat for dancing and I think every time I have heard it I have wanted to jump up and dance. I think the title is very appropriate: don’t stop ’til you get enough! Ooh…