Where did you grow up? Houston, Texas 

Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to continue dancing with the Houston Ballet Company to become a principle dancer.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I workout — yoga, Pilates — and spend time with my son.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Barbara Jordan, Anne Richards, Molly Ivins, Diane Sawyer, Christiane Amanpour – for their fierceness and fearlessness.

 What is Houston’s best kept secret? The diversity of our local restaurants — you can literally get anything from any culture you want in Houston.

What do you love most about the industry? Teaching borrowers how the mortgage loan process works and how ownership can build generational passive wealth – it’s an investment in themselves,

 What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Telling a borrower I cannot get them approved

What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Networking, talking and caring. I built my entire book of business based on under promising and over delivering, because I truly care about my borrowers.

What’s your favorite meal in Houston? A really great steak at Vic & Anthony’s, Chicken Bryan at Carrabba’s or short ribs at Grace’s . . . I could go on and on.

 Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston? The Esperson building is still an all-time favorite, the interiors of the Julia Ideson Building — the stained glass, the books — and any of the homes in Sam Houston park.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? My art background — I went to school for creative writing and studio arts. My father was a successful artist with pieces throughout the world.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why? Florence is tiny but there is so much to explore. But truly, I could be anywhere in Italy and I would be happy.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Listen to the smarter, tenured people in the room.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? Everyone from Raoul Pal of Real Vision to Chamath Palihapitiya, Deepak Chopra to Chrissy Teigen.