When did you decide you wanted to be a designer?
At a very young age, around 8 or 9, I knew I would be a designer. I always wanted to design my own clothes and decorate everything from my bedroom to a cake.

When did your career in design begin?
When I was 11, my mom agreed to buy me a sewing machine if I would make her clothes. But, I guess the first official job in design was working in the costume department in college.

Who or what has shaped your designs the most over the years?
I am influenced by so many different things, but I would have to say that artisanal handicrafts from all over the world like weaving, hand dying, beading embroidery and jewelry making inspire me the most. I love taking these century-old techniques and modernizing them for a product that can be used on the table.

If you didn't become a designer, what would you be?
I started out in fashion design and then started my home accessories company. I think anything I did would have to have some element of design or I don't think I could do it for long!

How would you describe your style?
I would have to say that there is a sensuality, glamour and feminity in almost everything that I design.

Which foreign country inspires your style most?
India. I think I was a yogi in another life!

What are your favorite foods?
Stone crabs, chocolate and potatoes in any form

What is your least favorite food?
Raisins

What is your beverage of choice?
Pomegranate juice and Pellegrino

What do you eat when you are home?
Take-out or FreshDirect

What are your favorite cities to dine in?
New York, Hong Kong, New Orleans and Florence

How do you incorporate your sense of style into your cooking?
If I cook, I keep the food simple and set an over the top table. I like to take the pressure off.

Do you decorate your plates before serving?
I save the decorating for the table.

What is the one rule or value you try to instill in all of your staff?
"Listen to your inner guide." If I instinctually love something and will go out and buy it at retail, then our customer will feel the same way. If I am not feeling it and try to make it work, it usually wasn't right to begin with. I believe this is true in all aspects of the business — listening to your gut will lead you to making the right decisions.

Where is your favorite place to eat?
The Stone Creek Inn in Quogue. The owners Elaine and Christian are like family. It is the perfect place to stop for dinner on my way out to my house in Wainscott on a Friday night.

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
I moved to New Orleans after I graduated from college and had the pleasure of living next door to Warren Leruth. My boyfriend and I would come home and Warren would have left some delicious treat on our doorstep. We had company visiting us one weekend and one of our guests had just finished a course at the Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, so we decided to take them to LeRuth's for dinner. Warren knew she had just finished the course, and went all out with the most beautiful meal I have ever experienced.