Do you have any collections?

What started out as a survival tactic as a Fashion Merchandising and Journalism major while getting my BA at CSULA and MA at Academy Of Art University became a passion. Now I collect and wear vintage clothing and jewelry constantly.

What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?

The oldest things I’m wearing today are a white eyelet blouse, a pair of Route 66 jeans, a pair of brown men’s bucks, and a straw hat. Everything is vintage and sourced from various thrift stores.

What was the last live performance you saw?

The last live performance I saw was the Broadway to Hollywood production of “Tina” about Tina Turner at the “Pantages Theater” in Hollywood, California. It was amazing!

I saw Ike and Tina Turner when I was around 9 years old at the “Forum” and it reminded me of that night.

Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.

One of the most positive things a family member did for me was to pray on my behalf.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I see myself retired from LAUSD as a Special Education Instructional Assistant and working on my second book while working as a substitute teacher, fashion columnist for a newspaper or magazine and possibly not living in L.A. any longerI also see myself with a life partner and still owning my beloved cat Zombie.

If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?

If I could be a character from a book I’d be Denise Baudu from Emile Zola’s “The Ladies Paradise” because like her I’m a hard worker, quite humble, and transformed by realism.

When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was five I wanted to be an interior decorator.

What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

My middle name is Jean. I was named after my aunt, my father’s sister. No it has no significance except to bridge my first and last names.

Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

The phase of my life that was difficult to say goodbye to was my first year of college at Holy Names in Oakland, California. Not only was it my first time living on my own it was also my first taste of life in Northern California.

Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?

I’m very patriotic because I believe I’m a product of my country and positive representation of its output and issues. Overall I’m very proud of being an American and try to live up to its promise and goals.

Do you need a break? From what?

I need a break from working three jobs or at least a reduction where I only work at the job I truly love, fashion Journalism.

Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.

The thing on my “to-do list” that never gets done is to finish organizing.