First, I would like to say thank you for choosing me to be the Face of Loveland, the place I call home! Loveland is also symbolic of our family’s love. I married my high school sweetheart and all four of our children met and married their high school sweethearts in Loveland. That sure makes Loveland the Sweetheart City to all of us.
I like to have fun! Photography is my happy place and playing on a volleyball team with my daughter Tiffany & hanging out with my grandkids and girlfriends is something I always look forward to.
With over 35 years of networking experience, I truly enjoy mentoring, inspiring and encouraging other entrepreneurs and businesses to pursue their dreams and reach their goals. I have a passion for creating and have appeared on Denver’s ABC & NBC promoting Tickled Pink products that I had developed from scratch; from concept drawings, to naming them to trademarking. Such as, pink chocolate, a pet shampoo line, perfume, soaps, candle, and a clothing line.
I love serving the community and I currently sit on the Boards with the Colorado Women of Influence and CREW Northern Colorado. I’m an author who loves to write quotes and poetry and I share them on social media to inspire others. I’ve created three 3 greeting card lines which inspired me to share my poetry with the world and I’ve launched four books on Amazon; my newest is a journal titled ‘A Conversation with my Soul’ and can be found on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble in Loveland.
I consider myself as a fundraising expert and received top sales awards with companies like Time Warner, Reader’s Digest and the Colorado Rockies baseball team. Throughout my years as an entrepreneur, I’ve received numerous awards including eWomen Network’s International Business Match-Maker, BizWest Women of Distinction, Colorado Women of Influence Vision Award and Inspirational Award, Loveland Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Achievement Award and I am an award-winning poet.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Family means everything to me, I’m a mom of 4 kids and Nana of 12 grandkids. Being with my family is the most important thing in life, it fills my heart and soul. We have so much fun together and always look forward to new adventures but holidays are the best! I love taking my grandkids on fun adventures so they can experience life, it’s usually something they have never done before. Of course, I’m always capturing these moments on camera. 😊
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Being the Business/Membership Director for the Loveland Chamber of Commerce allows me to live my passion with purpose! I’m grateful for all the new businesses and owners, not only to get to meet but, share my connections and marketing ideas with. Creating events, sponsorships, welcoming new businesses and building business relationships comes so natural to me. When you’re living your passion, life comes easy. And, what I love most about what I do is, serving our Loveland Community, attending, and creating events. Connecting individuals and businesses is one of my highest priority’s daily!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Oh, for sure the Loveland Chophouse! Origins, Henry’s, and Betta Gumbo, Biaggi’s are also great places I enjoy taking clients for lunch.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve been in Loveland for 40+ years. I’ve lived, played, worked and raised my family here!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are so many interesting people in Loveland, it’s hard to narrow it down to one person. If I had to pick someone, it would be John Perrine aka Santa. I never met such a caring, giving person who devotes the entire month of December to making so many families happy. Seriously, he and Mrs. Claus even have their own sleigh, it’s magical and when you see John, he always has a smile on his face. We are blessed in our community to have such a jolly St. Nick!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Costa Rica, for the atmosphere, sunshine and most of all, some relaxation!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie – Cinderella!! TV Shows – I really enjoy reality TV shows created around music: American Idol, The Voice, The Masked Singer and Dancing with the Stars. I also enjoy game shows like Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live your Purpose with Passion. Give more than you receive. Know that you have choices in life. When you live in gratitude, your life will change right before your eyes. Pray often and know God is listening.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To meet Kelly Clarkson (Brianne) and PINK the singer
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Beatles
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Dairy Delite. My husband and I would go there often for their Chicago-style hotdogs & roast beef sandwiches! There’s no one in town that can compare to their old-fashioned milk shakes and ice cream. It’s been a memorable place for the past 40 years and now I take my grandkids there and they love it.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Kelly Clarkson (Brianne) and we would go to the Loveland Chop House.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Every year for Valentine’s Day, I order a custom heart that hangs on a light pole in the City with a family message on it. I look forward to the Thompson Valley Rotary Club hanging up the hearts each year!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Five to ten years from now, I will be a well-known influencer, traveling and supporting businesses along the way. You’ll be able to follow me for the latest reviews, photos, videos, and a lot of fun along the way! I’ll be know for my site, JustAskDixie.com. And I’ll have a movie with Hallmark titled “A Messenger of Love.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love being a part of studio audiences on TV shows; it is so fun and energetic to me. I’ve been in the audience of Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Jay Leno and The Price is Right, both here in Loveland and also in California. And playing baseball at Fantasy Camp with the Colorado Rockies, Clint Hurdle was my Coach.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month: June
Favorite holiday: Valentine’s Day
Best single day on the calendar: June 30th
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
LOVELAND
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My inspiration comes from my late husband, Ed. One day, I was receiving an award in Texas that I wasn’t aware I would be receiving, but Ed knew about it. While I was on a plane traveling to Texas, he was in a car driving there to surprise me. When my name was called to receive this award, I heard our family whistle and I immediately knew he was there! Ed was invited to join me on the stage when I received the International Business Matchmaker award, it was such a special moment! Now, that’s what I call an example of inspiration and love!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Christmas pine tree & lavender candles
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Faith, Family & Love
