Home: Alpharetta, GA. Birthplace: Sautee-Nacoochee, GA. Profession: Tech. Organization: Gatsby. Title: Founder. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: University of Georgia.
Current project: Gatsby: a startup building tech to make getting together easier. Recent recognition: Featured on Atlanta Tech Village’s “Five & Thrive” podcast. Recent professional development: Graduate of Atlanta Tech Village Pre-accelerator program. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Building a startup from scratch as a solo founder. Hobbies: I love working out and physical challenges. Recent travel or adventure: Buena Vista, CO for a music festival. Last book read: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Personality profile: Extrovert, comedian, realist, leader; open, opinionated, thoughtful. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Sarcastic. Moral compass: The Golden Rule, with a “what’s best for the greatest number of people” on the side. How do you define a perfect friendship? Honesty, selflessness, easy, compassion, fun, shared interests. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Honesty, education, growth, empathy. What is your greatest joy? My kids. What is your greatest fear? Not living up to my potential. What is your guilty pleasure? French fries!
What was your first paying job? As a dishwasher. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Pride and Prejudice. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My husband. What’s the best advice you received growing up? It’s about who you know, not what you know. What’s the best advice you received in your career? How you do anything is how you do everything. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The iPhone. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The pandemic.
What is your big idea?
Preservation through hospitality; rehabilitation of historic places for hotels, restaurants, etc.
What change would you like to see in the world? Equity for underrepresented groups. What message do you want to send out into the world? One person can make a difference. What widely held belief do you reject? That people are inherently bad. What mega-trend most excites you? Sustainability.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? A Work in Progress. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Julia Roberts. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A radio host. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, at the beach. What advice would you give your younger self? Start now and push for what you want. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? College.
Personal motto: Always be a student. Favorite quote: “I am ready to face challenges that may be foolish enough to face me” (Dwight Schrute). Desired epitaph: She was a weird one.
