Welcome! Today in The Lounge, special guest host Stacy Garcia meets long-time friend and collaborator, philanthropist and resort designer extraordinaire Jacki Arena.
Jacki has made a name for herself in designing high end resorts throughout the world, and for establishing her celebrated Florida based design house Jacki Arena Interiors (JAI).
In this episode, Stacy and Jacki discuss the importance of ‘getting out there’ to establishing connections in the industry, how to find a mentor (and how to become one), and they talk about how crucial Jacki’s philanthropic work has been in developing her creative mindset and directing her professional vision for JAI.
Prior to founding JAI in 2001 in Northern Virginia, Jacki’s hospitality experience included The Boca Raton Resort and Club from 1992-1996 learning all aspects of hospitality operations; Extended Stay America from 1996-1999 developing ESA and Studio Plus prototypes; Hospitality Purveyors Inc, better known as Sandals Resorts, from 1999-2000 designing luxury resorts in the Caribbean followed by a small interior design firm from 2000-2001 designing custom business hotels where she discovered her niche.
Learn more about Jacki at her website, www.jackiarenainteriors.com!
Take that step back, and look at the big picture. Don't just look at what's on the paper. Be in the space.
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Wrap Up
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