Today's Minted Mentions: An oh-so-inspiring lady who has more experience in her field than I have time to share, and is also a true pioneer, continuously refining her craft.✨
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Tara has only been at The Pitcher Inn for a few years but has had an enormous impact on what makes it a truly unforgettable dining experience.
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I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Tara on my recent trip to The Pitcher Inn, and I was immediately drawn to her passion for what she does and the lives she touches. Not to mention, her cocktails are simply divine!🍸
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Who: Tara Downs
Where She Shines: Food & Beverage Manager at The Pitcher Inn
Zodiac Sign: I am a true Pisces! Full of adventure, passion & compassion
"Aha" Moment: "My mom owned a restaurant as a kid (before her truck driving days)...it's just in my blood...even though I have tried to venture into other careers...I always find myself back in the industry. It's more that I love good food, good spirits, good wine and I want to share that with people..."
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Watch right to discover more about Tara & her vision for her corner of the travel industry!
Today's Minted Mentions: A true gem that has more than 20 years of experience within the PR industry, and has worked with some of the world's greatest boutique hotels and award-winning restaurants. Not to mention, numerous other entities. Rebecca knows exactly how to land her clients, front and center, in the national and international press.
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But all that aside - it is Rebecca's sweet and oh-so-inspiring demeanor that really captures our attention and admiration. We are better for having crossed paths with Rebecca and excited to see her continue to thrive.
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Who: Rebecca Widness
Where She Shines: Widness & Co. Public Relations (@widnessandcompany)
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
"Aha" Moment: " My first trip to Brazil in my 20s. It was to Rio De Janeiro and the city was so alive and magical, the people warm and gracious, the music and food incredible. When I returned to NYC, I quit acting and applied for a job at a travel PR agency. (I got the job!)
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Watch to discover more about Rebecca!
Today's Minted Mentions: A true pioneer, excelling in the seed-to-table philosophy, Executive Chef Chris Eddy of Winvian Farm takes the culinary experience to the next level. Chef Eddy's technique is heavily ingrained with classic and southern French, with an emphasis on using local ingredients and artisanal products.
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And, to complement your culinary experience, Winvian Farm has created an eclectic selection of wines in its very own cellar, assembling from 13 countries and 37 regions to include biodynamic, sustainable and organic.
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Last, but not least is the grand finale: a flight of surprising, seasonal desserts from its award-winning Pastry Chef Jim Hutchinson.
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Who: Executive Chef Chris Eddy
Where He Shines: Winvian Farm (@chef.chris.eddy)
Before Winvian Farm: Chef Eddy gained valuable experience as a sous chef to both Alain Ducasse and Daniel Boulud, and even worked for the Jean-Michael Bergougnoux.
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Watch to discover more about Chef Eddy!
Today's Minted Mentions: She's a true virtuoso in her field. Having lived on tropical islands, remote countrysides, and everywhere in between, Maja has fine-tuned her skills as a hospitality consultant, and, along with her husband Thomas, led some of the world's finest properties to great success.
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We especially love their stirring philosophy: "A hotel can have a beautiful 'hardware', but it only lives through the 'software' - the personality of each individual of the entire team working together."
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To say we are honored to know Maja is quite an understatement. From afar, we are continually learning by watching her lead. So, without further ado, please meet this inspiring lady!
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Who: Maja Kilgore
Where She Shines: Kilgore & Kilgore (@majakilgore)
Zodiac Sign: Libra
"Aha" Moment: "Until today I always enjoyed the special atmosphere of Grand Hotels or Grand Dames as I call them. The Hotel Raffles in Singapore is my absolute favorite. The most memorable experience at the Raffles was when we came up the driveway and a tall Indian doorman welcomed you entering into a whole different world of the Raffles."
Watch to discover more about Maja & her vision for the travel industry!
Today's Minted Mentions: A true inspirer when it comes to following a passion and shopping for a cause.
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Having been in the fashion industry previously, Gina opened Mondiale Lifestyle in 2016 - a boutique store in NYC with products made by individuals Gina met through her travels.
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She was drawn to this as a way to work with small artisans and women's groups throughout the world, helping develop their unique products and skills, so they have a steady income and can advance their quality of life. Inspiring, right? 🌟
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Not only are the items gorgeous and unique, but they all have an amazing story behind them, which Gina is happy to share with you.
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Who: Gina Richer
Where She Shines: Mondiale Lifestyle (@mondialelife; 20 Clinton St. in NYC
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
"Aha" Moment: "Kenya, my first trip there in 1987, I rode a horse throughout the Massai Mara, pitched a tent every night in a different spot, no running water or electricity, only incredible nature and amazing people, it was a life-changing experience!"
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Now, you're probably wishing to learn more. If so, watch to learn more about Gina and stop by her store if you are ever in the area!
Today's Minted Mentions: A millennial expert. An industry insider. A luxury travel advisor. But, most importantly, the founder of an exclusive social network for the modern travel advisor.
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Marisa saw the need for a digital community where advisors can share ideas, innovate the industry, and grow their businesses. So, she created Amiko to do just that.
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From the first time we met Marisa, many years ago, we've been impressed by her drive to take the travel industry to the next level. Please meet this dynamic #girlboss! 💃🏻
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Who: Marisa Costa
Where She Shines: Founder - Amiko (@helloamiko & @marisagoesglobal)
Zodiac Sign: Aries
"Aha" Moment: "On my first safari!"
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Watch to discover more about Marisa & her vision for her corner of the travel industry!
Today's Minted Mentions: Recently returning to Austrailia, Lea Seguier took the entrepreneurial leap and is representing some of the best properties around the globe, including @LaReserveParis. Based in Sydney, Lea represents her clients throughout the Asia Pacific region.
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We are inspired by her, as she takes a parallel path to us, by following her passion - from the other side of the globe.
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Who: Lea Seguier
Where She Shines: Sales Ambassador (@leaseguier)
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
"Aha" Moment (to solidify the travel industry was her path): "My very first work experience as a trainee in a palace."
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Watch to discover more about Lea & her vision for her corner of the travel industry!
Today's Minted Mentions: An amazing women who started a social project back in 2012, dedicated to living well. Established in Turkey, Global Wellness Day is now recognized in over 100 countries and is celebrated the second Saturday in June each year (tomorrow!!).
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We can't wait to celebrate this oh-so-important day and ask ourselves - "How can I live a healthier and better life?"
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Who: Belgin Aksoy Berkin
Where They Shine: Founder of Global Wellness Day & Richmond International Creative Director (@globalwellnessday; @belnua)
"Aha" Moment: As a teenager, watching the American soap opera, Generations - Sam's character really inspired Belgin to explore the travel industry as a career.
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Watch to discover more about Belgin and her vision for their corner of the travel industry!
Today's Minted Mention: Two knowledgeable and trustworthy gentlemen who have a desire to share their expertise of all things 'eden' from around the world, by way of their boutique luxury travel agency - Eden For Your World.
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We are so inspired by these two as they are continually refining their craft!
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Who: John Oberacker & Kasra Esteghamat
Where They Shine: CEO & COO, respectively, at Eden For Your World (@edenforyourworld & @traveltoeden)
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius & Aquarius
"Aha" Moment: "There was no one moment. We both were raised by curious, travel loving parents, and when we got together that was something we loved to do together. When we figured out we were good at planning, organizing and getting the nuances all in order, we thought we would be wise to make this a career. It's sort of a selfish way of traveling vicariously through others :-) We can never get enough!"
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Watch to discover more about John & Kasra, and their vision for their corner of the travel industry!
Today's Minted Mention: A travel writer who has been sharing her experiences from more than 500 luxury destinations for 15 years! But, she has also gotten a tattoo in Bora Bora, been bitten by a massage therapist, and flown in a small aircraft above three continents.
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So, needless to say, we are honored to share a few fun facts about this incredible lifestyle journalist.
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Who: Ann Abel (@abeltotravel)
Where She Shines: Travel writer for @forbes, @robbreport, @afarmedia, @iamwellandgood + many more - forbes.com/sites/annabel
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
"Aha" Moment: "Attending the PURE conference (@pure_theshow) in Marrakech for the first time. I met so many adventurous people (tour operators and hoteliers) who push the limits of what we think is possible."
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Watch to discover more about Ann & her vision for her corner of the travel industry!
Today's Minted Mention: A seasoned hotelier and visionary with more than 15 years of on the ground management. She happens to also be the founder of a hospitality consultancy agency, which specializes in hotel and residential mixed-use properties across the globe.
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We have gained so much since connecting with this dynamic lady, and we are thrilled to share a little more of her story so you can get to know her better!
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Who: Cara Federici
Where She Shines: Principal at The MADISON MELLE Agency (@themadisonmelleagency) & mom
Zodiac Sign: PISCES
"Aha" Moment: "Walking into The Standard Hotel on Sunset when I first moved to Los Angeles in 2001. From the 'Box Girl' behind the front desk to mod diner or brilliantly blue colored pool deck - I was amazed at the creativity brought to life around me. It was thrilling to think their staff got paid to work in such a fun environment, and I had never seen anything quite like it! Obviously, I immediately applied 😊"
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Watch to discover more about Cara & her vision for her corner of the travel industry!
