Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

I grew up in Secaucus, NJ. This is a hard question to answer not because I’m reluctant to share things but because it’s hard to summarize the experience of my childhood in a paragraph or two, including all the drama and intrigue!

I was bussed into a private prep school for High School because I needed a more rigorous learning environment, and the one story I’ll never forget is the day my college guidance counselor (the person who was meant to be facilitating college admissions) decided to tell me that I was being unrealistic to think I would be accepted early into any of the schools I had on my list. I only planned to apply to a handful of schools and had no intention of settling. It was actually cinematic the way I remember it (I’m sure I’m distorting the memory!) but our very intense conversation ended along the lines of me saying… “whether you help me or believe in me or not, I’m getting in.”

I’d been visualizing my college acceptance for years, and no one was going to take that away. I submit what I thought were awesome essays (very experimental creative writing) that people told me not to send. I did things I wasn’t supposed to do. I didn’t have a usual resume for a college applicant. And: I did get the early acceptance letter.

It paid off to believe in myself and my own ways of doing things. I don’t do things in “normal” ways most of the time. Not everyone could understand my thinking or my interests. It didn’t always look wise to make the creative choices I’ve made. But it all came together in a wild way, creating the incredible career that I have now.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

I wish I had some of the knowledge and modalities of healing (energy work, trauma therapy, and of course, my own Feng Shui Method) as early as possible, but it’s all the way it’s meant to be.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

Feng Shui –as it’s done in other methods– is often riddled with superstition, limitations, and fear that I reject 100%. There are a lot of harsh rules and “right and wrong” ways to do things that, if you choose to ignore, the “Feng Shui” will go bad and bad things may happen to you. I find that ridiculous and incredibly disempowering. It’s what moved me to experiment for a decade to home my unique School of Intention Feng Shui Method and Feng Shui School. My work is completely free of judgment, limitations, fear, and superstition and it’s full of creativity, possibility, and self-actualization. By changing your environment you can revolutionize your life.

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

A long time ago, experienced a near-death illness, the loss of a job in a surreal way, and the loss of a parent suddenly in a span of weeks. My friends, family, and Buddhist practice pulled me out of the darkest point of this, but it was a process of true surrender to the grief that was essential. I had a lot of support and couldn’t have done it alone. Everything was rebuilt in very small and consistent steps daily, so small that I barely realized my entire life was transforming in amazing ways. I used to be very “all-or-nothing” when it came to making life changes, but I’m a big proponent of making small consistent changes after that experience.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

I really, truly, deeply want people to know how creatively powerful they are and want to help them feel at home in life.

What is your morning routine?

6:30 am Buddhist practice. Usually, I’ll do journaling, planning, and some space clearing (burning herbs, using oils) to get the energy flowing in my home after I make the bed. I don’t load up mornings if I can avoid it so I can slowly wake up and do things at my own pace.

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

My spiritual practice is a cornerstone of my life. On the day-to-day practical side, learning to use a planner and really set out ambitious deadlines for creative projects has been supercharging!

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

I keep the energy clear in my house, including clutter clearing and organizing my workspace. But, I’m only truly productive when I’m sleeping enough, taking enough breaks, and doing things I actually want to do. Usually, when I dread doing things, it’s a sign to change what I’m doing (or how I’m doing it) because I need that spark to really do my work well!

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

There are two:

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It’s always life changing to realign life and become more creative in every way.

Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain. This is a CLASSIC. It’s one of the simplest yet most incredibly rich books full of Creative Visualization methods to bring dreams to life and I come back to it every year for more inspiration.

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

I love the saying my Emile Coué: “Every day in every way I’m getting better, better and better.”