May 26
My Fabulous First Year At The Pierre
This month, I am celebrating one year of my dream job. And what a year it has been!
From producing special events to managing TV and magazine photo shoots, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some of the most exciting projects of my career, with colleagues who represent the best of both hospitality and humanity. It takes a lot to deliver five-star service every day. And that’s exactly what The Pierre does.
With my boss Ernesto and General Manager Francois at The Pierre’s 70s-themed holiday party
Following the great example set by our leadership team, everyone at The Pierre is guided by the dual principles of doing what’s right and what is true to the DNA and 90-year history of the hotel. One year later, I am still in awe of the kindness, dedication and excellence of my coworkers. Going above and beyond is the rule here rather than the exception. Often when I’m speaking with guests, they express gratitude for the genuine warmth and caring of The Pierre team. I feel the same way. In these turbulent times, it is such a blessing to spend my days in a place that brings out the best in people.
Valentine’s Day selfie with colleagues (from left) Kim, Deb, Jackie and Vanessa
Of course, it’s no surprise that a hotel of this caliber attracts quite an extraordinary clientele. And it has given me the chance to meet iconic figures from so many different fields. I’ve had afternoon tea and talked about “Downton Abbey” with handsome, witty UK actor David Robb (Dr. Clarkson). I coordinated segments for two national morning shows, including one with legendary anchor Jane Pauley and the utterly charming, hilarious Bill Murray. Fun fact: an ex-boyfriend of mine went on an archeological dig in Cyprus with Bill. Laughing with him about this and sharing our experiences of working Down Under in Sydney with Jane was sublimely surreal.
In the hotel’s iconic Rotunda with Jane Pauley & Bill Murray
Perhaps closest to my heart, I’ve had the privilege to launch Broadway At The Pierre, a cabaret series that revisits the hotel’s long tradition of showcasing musical theater’s brightest stars (The Pierre hosted a similar program back in the 1940s and 50s!). Broadway was a big part of growing up in the Big Apple so working with its extraordinarily talented and equally gracious performers means a great deal to me.
Broadway At The Pierre: Kicking off the series with WICKED alums Hayley Podschun (Glinda), Jennifer DiNoia (Elphaba) and Musical Director Benjamin Rauhala
Just a few weeks into year two, the momentum continues. I have managed photography of celebrity departures for the prestigious MET Costume Gala — including the exits of Uma Thurman, Anne Hathaway, Kris Jenner and Shawn Mendes.
Uma Thurman exiting the hotel on her way to the MET Gala
I coordinated a TODAY Show segment filmed in The Pierre’s beloved Two E lounge. I had the pleasure of listening to Michelle Obama speak about balancing motherhood with life in the White House. And I witnessed an epic Mother’s Day performance by the three incredible leads from The Phantom of The Opera. As I shared with them that night, it was the first time since losing my mom almost 20 years ago that I actually looked forward to the holiday. Words can’t describe what a turning point this is for me.
All smiles on Mother’s Day (!) after PHANTOM’s epic performance
An acquaintance observed that my face always lights up when I talk about this extraordinary hotel. My dear friend Sara’s mom says I have finally found my home. I couldn’t agree more. The Pierre anchors me every day, continually inspiring me to evolve and grow.
Dream job? Job of a lifetime!
Sep 2
An Evening With My Best L.A. Buddy
One of the greatest blessings of moving to L.A. can be summed up in one word — Molly.
Molly and me enjoying a recent concert at the Greek Theater
My dear friend from high school, Molly has made it joyfully easy to pick up where we left off 25 years ago. She is a transcendent human being–loving, kind, funny–and a glorious reminder that good people remain good through all the seasons of life, period.
A talented, accomplished writer/editor and creative spirit, Molly is plugged into LA’s artistic scene. So I was delighted when she invited me to join her at the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica for a gathering of the Young Literati Club.
The Young Literati Club crowd
The fundraising event for the Library Foundation of Los Angeles attracted an engaging mix of Angelenos — and offered readings of Shakespeare from a high profile group. Among them: actors Colin Hanks, Mae Whitman, Shawn Hatosy and Constance Wu. The actors delivered energetic, witty takes on the Bard, making even literary criticism about him leap off the page.
Actors Colin Hanks and Mae Whitman wowed the crowd
Molly and I were also delighted to find ourselve siing at a highboy table during the reception with 2 lovely ladies — one of whom, Alexa, turned out to be a fellow New York transplant too. A writer, former lead singer in a band and retired schoolteacher, Alexa had a flare and bon vivant charm that made me smile when she revealed she’s from the Big Apple.
There is an instant connection when you encounter a New Yorker outside of the Empire State. It’s like an instant understanding passes bewteen you, a bond you can only have with people from your beloved hometown. When that hometown is New York City, you take it with you wherever you go.
Like the saying goes, you can take the girl out of the city….
