So what does your career as a brand manager entail?

I oversee all the brand and creative for these properties: our brand partnerships, brand events, the overall aesthetic, the smell, just the overall experience when you walk into the space and how that feels. That includes activations focused mostly on community and building community, providing third spaces. We're lifestyle-focused, so a lot of our programming is built around four pillars: health and wellness, food and beverage, music and entertainment, and arts and culture.

How did you first get involved in the hospitality industry?

It’s funny. I grew up in a home that was an open door for the community. We always hosted events, whether it was a holiday, a barbecue, or any kind of celebration. My mom welcomed people from all walks of life. I didn’t realize it was preparing me for what I do now until I started this work. I began in hospitality at the Ace Hotel in New York. I'm originally from New York, and everything just started to fall into place—my passion for creativity, community, food, sustainability—all of that led me to where I am today.

And how did you come to focus on the branding aspect?

 I went to school for marketing. While working at Ace, I was on the front office/operations side, but it was a lifestyle space. We had parties in the lobby, art exhibits in the gallery, a strong food and beverage program. We partnered with different chefs and hosted special dinners. I fell in love.

Then I became interested in all our brand touchpoints: marketing assets, fonts we used, the stories behind partnerships. Sitting in the lobby, I learned that people are deeply passionate about connection and third spaces. That drew me into brand and creative work, realizing you could reimagine what a hotel looks like.

In cities, hotels can feel like resorts, full of programming and activations, but they're also spaces for people to rest. The lobbies are like living rooms of the neighborhood. I’ve seen strangers connect, form friendships, start businesses, even romantic relationships. Two people met at one of our events and recently got married.

Also, at Ace, we partnered with Le Labo. We had key cards and business cards sprayed with Santal 33. That scent became a part of the memory of the place. That made me think of Abercrombie & Fitch. You could smell it before you even walked in. So, those experiential elements—smell, look, feel, story, art on the walls—they all matter.

What is your signature style and voice when it comes to branding?

It’s really about turning spaces into stories, crafting experiences that connect people, celebrate culture, and feel deeply intentional. I thrive at the intersection of creativity and community.

I bring together artists, chefs, brands, and experiences to create moments people talk about the next day and the next. I want guests to leave with that nostalgic, unforgettable feeling.

Recently, I saw a post on Instagram where someone wrote, “Who knew I'd be in town and my favorite photographer was doing a talk at The LINE?” That person had an amazing stay and also got to attend an inspiring community event. That’s what it’s all about: people feeling seen, creativity meeting community, and building something through hospitality.

Can you talk about a big challenge you’ve faced recently and how you overcame it?

One major challenge—especially working in corporate—has been proving the value of branding work when it doesn’t have a direct or easily measurable revenue impact. My work focuses on community activations and long-term brand affinity, which aren’t always trackable through traditional metrics.

For example, we might spend $5,000 on an event, draw 1,000 people, but only make $4,000 in food and beverage sales. Some might question if that’s a success, but it absolutely is. You're building new loyalty, new customer bases, long-term impact.

I’ve had to build systems to track that, like following up to see if guests who came to the event also booked rooms, or returned later.

Another challenge is operational support. We wear a lot of hats. I source partners, do pre-production, help with execution. Having more support would make a big difference.

Switching gears a bit—you have a personal brand outside of The LINE. Can you talk about that?

 Yeah! I have a brand called Co-Host. It's about reimagining hospitality as a form of storytelling through curated experiences, design, and cultural and local connections. I collaborate with brands, creatives, and communities to create gatherings that celebrate diversity and elevate underrepresented voices. I’m also a chef. Food is a love language and a universal language—we all eat. I cook most of the food for Co-Host events. It’s rooted in my Caribbean heritage and serves as a way to build my personal brand and merge my culinary journey with hospitality. I also partner with other hotels to bring these experiences to their spaces.

Of all the things you’ve shared, which passion came first?

I think they came together. My passion for food and community was rooted in how I grew up. My family is full of creatives—from quilters to graphic designers—and we’d gather around food and conversation. Branding came later when I studied marketing in college.

Can you describe a distinct childhood memory where you realized you were a community builder?

I was living in Brooklyn, and I started hosting events at my home. I wasn’t cooking much yet, but I’d invite my chef friends to prepare meals. I'd create little prompt cards with a couple of discussion questions. We’d talk while the food was being made. That’s when I realized I loved bringing together people from different walks of life to have meaningful conversations.

Also, I went to camp a lot and had friends from everywhere. I naturally enjoyed connecting people. My friends still say I’m the connector. I’ll say, “You have to meet this person,” and now those people are friends. That’s how my community has grown.

Where’s your family from in the Caribbean?

 My mom’s family is from Barbados, and my dad is from Costa Rica.

And you grew up in New York?

Yeah, in Westchester.

What brought you to LA?

The pandemic. I just needed a change. I call it the “Great Migration.” A lot of us from the East Coast came to LA. I didn’t have a plan. I picked a date and moved. And I’m so glad I did. LA gave me space to grow and to really listen to myself and discover my purpose.

How do you hope to empower others through your work?

I want to show people, especially people of color, that creativity has no single path. You deserve to be in spaces where you may not have seen yourself before, whether that’s leadership, luxury hospitality, or lifestyle branding.

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We define culture. We define hospitality. We belong at every table. I dream of owning a ski chalet. I love snowboarding and want a space in Aspen that reflects our culture. I want you to walk in and feel the presence of the African diaspora. I also want to build a hospitality group that centers community and culture. I want people to dream big, take up space, and keep pushing.

I want you to make that ski chalet happen! We need some flavor!

Yes! I’ve gone to Black ski group events. They’re beautiful. But I want to own the space. I want our culture infused into it.