Dana feels it is very important to be involved in something outside of her everyday life. “I think you need to be involved in charities or volunteering and in someway contribute to the world.” Dana loves children and devotes a large amount of her free time to children’s causes. “My thing is contributing to causes relating to children. I can make a difference in their lives now. In the future, they are the ones that will make a difference in our lives.”
Looking back at her childhood, she says, “I had a great childhood and in today’s world, we can’t offer that same kind of childhood. We need the kind of neighborhoods I grew up in where you can feel free and not be afraid, where parents can let their children roam and explore and not be worried about them.” Dana takes her volunteerism to heart. “If I can make a difference in one child’s life with one little event that I do, it’s worth it.”
Do you have a favorite childhood story? What is it?I grew up in the Bearcreek farms area in a neighborhood full of kids. The summers were my favorite time of the year because my brother, sisters and I spent the whole time in the pool. All the neighborhood kids played together from 7am until bedtime. We didn’t have to lock our doors; it was very safe. All the kids would come to one house and just play. It was a lot of fun and a lot of good time memories. We all played very well together. One incident that stands out is the time my mom went out of town. I was a good kid and really didn’t get into too much trouble. My siblings decided to throw a big party while she was gone and it got out of hand. I got real scared and called the police. I was scared the house was going to burn down. My brother and sisters were so upset with me. But it needed to be done. The party was totally out of control.
Tell me a little about your career. I’ve been in retail since I was fourteen years old and have been in management for years. I was the Men’s Manager at Sak’s and store manager for Chico’s, Eddie Bauer Home, Benetton, Liz Claiborne and Abercrombie. Now I’m a personal shopper for Neiman Marcus. My favorite thing about retail is the interaction with the client, making them feel good about their wardrobe and their life. I like the personal shopping aspect of retail the best. I can develop better relations with clients and I love working one on one and having a more hands on approach. It also allows me to become friends with my clients. I offer individual help for men, women’s and children’s wardrobes, client’s homes and any gifts that need to be purchased. I also do a lot for charities, celebrities and corporations.
What’s important in your life? Nothing is better than having the whole family together.
What’s in your future? In light of the fact that I am pregnant, my future is uncertain. As expecting parents, we have obviously planned for the arrival of our first child. In reality, like every parent reading this can relate to, we have absolutely no idea how much our lives are about to be turned upside down!
What are your volunteer activities? I am grateful to be involved with three charities for children. The Av’s Better Halves, Step Right Up for Kids, and Adoptions Options. All three of these are making a difference in the lives of children in Colorado and I encourage anyone that wants to get involved to please just call me. I’ve been involved in getting corporate sponsorships and auction items and I help set up the event.
Which social event is your favorite? Adoption Options events. Every two years they have a “Stars for Life.” My nephew Flynn was adopted through this agency and so our entire family is involved in this very worthwhile cause. Listening to the stories from both the birth parents and the adoptive parents will move you to tears. I appreciate the opportunity to let everyone know that the bi-annual charity event is October 16, 2004.
Favorite restaurant? I truly enjoy Del Frisco’s for a Filet Mignon and a piece of the lemon cake. It is just wonderful. On a casual night nothing is better that Santino’s for an order of the chicken Santino with a side of sausage and grilled peppers.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? This was a hard question because I have been very fortunate to spend a lot of time with what most people consider celebrities. Of course, I would never reveal my client list. I have also spent a great deal of time with sick children who have such courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Each of these kids is heroic, and it can break your heart. If I had to pick one person it would be Bruce Deifik. The Deifik family gives so much of their time, effort, and resources, seemingly anonymously in this city, that it is humbling. He is a hero in my book.
Do you have any pets? We have coy in our pond. They are nice to look at but are terrible at the game of go fetch.
Favorite books/authors? Ten Thousand White Women. I like fiction and non-fiction and novels. I read to escape and don’t want to read anything hardcore.
Tell me something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you? I’m not a “go out” person. I’m not as social as people think I am. I’m very hard on myself.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you?I am certain that it would tell about how full of love, family and friends we’ve kept it. If the house cannot keep secrets it will blab that we hosted a large dinner party for every Sunday night episode of Sex and the City.
What was your first job? I started out working as a waitress at Don Juan, a restaurant on Wadsworth and Jewell and on weekends I worked for Dave Cooks in Bear Valley.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Perfectionism
What trait do you most deplore in others? Obviously, poor customer service is something that I cannot tolerate.
What is your greatest indulgence? That is easy. I love a vacation at a great hotel in a fabulous location. The Four Seasons on the Big Island of Hawaii is my favorite place to go and read a book by a pool.
What type of clothes do you like? It depends upon the occasion. A Channel outfit is perfect for the right occasion; however, I love to have a casual day at home wearing a pair of Juicy Couture sweats.
What is the best gift you have ever given? My time and efforts for charity.
What is the best gift you’ve received? I treasure the time that I have been able to spend with sick children.
What or who is the greatest love in your life? Family
What is your current state of mind? I am pregnant; my current state of mind revolves around food.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Getting pregnant. It was not an easy task but Dr. Debra Minjarez, and Dr. Lara Lane are able to work miracles.
What is your most treasured possession? My health.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Honesty.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Honesty.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Consider the source!
Do you have a motto? No
What are your hobbies? Other interests? I tend to read at least two books every week so that takes up most of my spare time. I also enjoy long walks and pilates.
If you could go anywhere and do anything, what would it be? I would be at home in bed reading a book. I am a true homebody, and while that is not exciting, it is what I enjoy.
What do you like about the town you live in? The People. I continue to be amazed at how small a town Denver really is. But no matter where you travel, I believe that the people of Colorado are some of the nicest, most genuine people you will ever meet. And of course I should mention that I love the shopping.
