I’m still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up but I’m getting closer. My life has never been a straight path to a specific place; I have always looked around at the opportunities, found one that was most interesting to me, and pursued it. And that is how I became the President of a company. My mother was very active in our community and I have always seen myself following her lead when the time was right. It is a privilege to finally be in that place where I can serve others and am honored to be actively supporting Rosemary’s Babies Company as a Board member.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My mother and father met in grade school. In those days (1920s/30s), you always sat alphabetically and because my mother’s maiden name was next on the class list after my father’s name, she sat directly behind him every single year. They were married in 1941 and settled in College Hill, where both of their parents lived. I’m 1 of 4 children who all went to St. Clare School and we are all Bearcats. So Cincinnati! I lived in other cities in the 80s and 90s but this is home and I am grateful to have had the chance to return.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
During my career I have always been known as the person who could right the ship when it was in trouble. I did it a lot and what I loved is that it required me to think differently in order to solve problems. That was always exciting to me and since others preferred not to take on the hard jobs, I had the freedom to try new ways of doing things.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Trio Bistro in Kenwood has been a favorite of ours for many years. For a casual meal, we love May Cafe and Padrino’s in Milford.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Born and raised for 20 years in College Hill. I took a 20 year hiatus to live in other cities for the next 20 years, in the 80s and 90s. Then returned right around 2000 and have lived and worked here ever since.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Rosemary Ogleby-Henry – CEO and Founder of Rosemary’s Babies Company. She is such an inspiration – taking a unique approach to tackle issues that plague us generation after generation. Talk to her for 1 hour and she will change your life.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Africa, on safari. My husband is an outstanding person and this is his dream. If I could give it to him, that would make me so happy.
What is one of your favorite movies?
“Waiting for Guffman” is my all-time favorite.
What advice would you give to people?
Offer 1 genuine smile to someone every day.
What is something on your bucket list?
Learn Ballroom dancing.
What is your go to music?
Anything Stevie Wonder.
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Woolworths on Hamilton Avenue in College Hill. As a child, I loved buying little gifts here for others at Christmas and also making my own wish list.
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Oprah. She is a great conversationalist. We would go to Orchids at Palm Court and Graeters for dessert. She loves their black raspberry chip ice cream.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
It is odd to those not born/raised here that when we ask someone about where they went to school we mean HIGH SCHOOL. I actually love this because our neighborhoods have so much heritage and personality you can understand so much about a person with this one fact.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’ll let you know when I get there.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m an introvert. While I have many friends and family who I enjoy being with, I really enjoy doing things by myself.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hawaii. It’s really worth the trip!
What is your favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is May. Favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Best single day – when we turn the clocks BACK and get an extra hour of sleep.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
UDF Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter inspires me to be better because of how hard she works at making a positive contribution to everything she touches. Somehow, I was completely surprised at how much I have learned from her.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
1. Celery-onions-butter cooking on Thanksgiving morning (to make stuffing).
2. Viburnum Bush; there was one outside our side door and as a child I could smell that white flower in our kitchen in the summer.
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Crickets, Johnny Carson, Dinner in the dining room.
