How do you want to retire?

I want to retire at a good place with my health and having made a difference during my service at LAUSD as a Special Education Instructional Assistant. After my formal retirement, from the district, I’d like to become a substitute teacher, continue writing, and contributing to the fashion industry within the traditional and computerized genres.

Who do you spend the most time with?

I spend the most time with my cat Zombie. Even when he gets on my nerves by playing too rough my time with him is still the best part of my day because we love each other so much.

Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.

The one simple thing I do that brings joy to my life is play in my closet and coordinate.

How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?

I know it’s time to unplug when I feel overwhelmed by technology and social media information. To unplug, I either write in my journal or read an escapist piece of literature like Atlas Shrugged.

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.