My Story
I wanted to start Ladies of The House because I knew it could be something incredibly special and endlessly beneficial to so many hard-working women who really deserve a place to feel supported and celebrated for all the work they do everyday.
Have you ever had a perfectly ripe farmer’s market peach on top of a freshly baked crostini, paired with the most well-proportioned slice of brie and a light drizzle of honey? If you haven’t, I promise you—it’s heaven.
I used to work as a hostess at one of the newest and most popular restaurants in West Hollywood. Before we opened for service one day, the chef handed me this simple yet decadent snack. That was the moment I fell in love with food—and with the feeling of home that fresh ingredients can evoke in just one bite. What I didn’t realize at that moment was that I wasn’t just tasting delicious food; I was getting a taste of hospitality.
Hospitality is commonly defined as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” For those of us who have worked in the hospitality industry, this can be summarized as offering a home away from home.
Welcoming others into our “home” can be deeply personal—especially when our home has several moving parts and requires many hands to set the table. It’s easy to lose ourselves in being hospitable to both our guests and our staff. Having spent 12 years in restaurant management, I know how our insatiable desire to prepare and serve the most beautiful dishes, craft the smoothest cocktails, and make people feel satisfied and welcome can absolutely consume us.
When I first started as a manager, I was certain that I had to be at the restaurant every moment of every day and always available the second anyone needed me. On top of that, I encountered a lot of doubt and microaggressions from others because I’m a woman of color. My journey as a manager was a difficult and tiring path, but it shaped me into a compassionate and effective leader. Thanks to the guidance of bosses and mentors—especially the powerhouse women I was lucky to work alongside—I learned how to lead authentically and take care of myself and my well-being.
Now, as an executive coach, I partner with passionate hospitality leaders that want to enhance their effectiveness, communication, and boundary-setting skills. Together, we explore how they respond to challenges such as operational pressures, over-commitment, and strained relationships with time.
My clients have found their voices as managers. They’ve untangled themselves from stories that made them believe they had to sacrifice themselves to be successful. They’ve created safe and supportive environments for their teams and guests. Together, we’re setting a new standard for effective and impactful leadership.
Welcome to Ladies of The House. I am grateful you’re here and I look forward to working together.
If you would like to find out more, get in touch with me here.