ABOUT ME
I was born and raised in California and spent a brief period living in Jacksonville years ago. In 2018, my husband and I relocated from San Francisco to Tampa Bay and quickly fell in love with the area. I am very much a tropical weather girl, so the warm climate, along with the close proximity to the ocean, is my favorite part of living here.
As Tampa continues to grow, I am excited to see a broader variety of venues, experiences and activities throughout the city. I would love to see more kid- and family-friendly options, as well as additional rooftop bars and restaurants, which is something Tampa could definitely use more of.
I have always been creative and enjoyed working with my hands, but my passion for home design truly began when I purchased my first home in California. What started as decorating and small projects gradually evolved into larger renovations with each home. Today, my work focuses on full-scale renovations and custom builds.
MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
When I’m not working, I’m a true homebody and love hosting friends for dinner parties and game nights. On our days off, we enjoy taking the kids on local outings or bike rides around the neighborhood.
Lettuce Lake Park is a great nature escape just outside the city. We especially love visiting as a family during the cooler months, as it feels like a peaceful retreat from everyday life.
When the weather cooperates, we often bike to the Riverwalk from our home and enjoy a drink on the lawn while enjoying live music.
For home decor finds in Tampa Bay, it is hard to beat Schiller’s. I have discovered some incredible antique and architectural treasures tucked away in their old warehouse.
Psomi is my go-to daytime spot. I usually order the chicken souvlaki and pair it with a Hugo spritz.
For new restaurants or bars, I had a great experience at Bar Terroir recently. The food, service and atmosphere were all top-notch.
For special occasions, I love Noble Rice or Predalina on Water Street.
Water Street has been featuring live music lately, and it’s one of my favorite areas to stroll and enjoy the atmosphere.
For an evening out on the town, we would start with dinner somewhere on Water Street, then head to Alter Ego for cocktails. Depending on the occasion, we might finish the night dancing in Ybor City.
On a rare kid-free evening, we love driving over to St. Petersburg for dinner and drinks downtown, followed by a sunset walk along St. Pete Pier.
If I were designing a day out with family, I would start with brunch at Psomi, followed by a leisurely bike ride around Davis Islands. From there, we would visit the Florida Aquarium, have lunch at Sparkman Wharf and take a streetcar ride to Ybor City. We would wrap up the day with dinner and sunset drinks at Armature Works, followed by a stroll along the Riverwalk.
Meacham Urban Farm is a hidden gem in downtown Tampa. They grow and sell their own organic fruits and vegetables and host local events and farm-to-table dinners.
For art or culture, I love catching a show at Straz, and MOSI is always a fun and engaging experience with the kids.
For staycations, I have to give a shout-out to our own vacation home, Hacienda Hideaway, which we designed as a relaxing local escape.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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