Modaspia | 419 Main Street, Suite 304 | Placerville | 510-772-3193

Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

I design a line of women’s clothing called modaspia. My husband encouraged the idea of a “real” business after the birth of our son—something I would never have considered otherwise.

What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from the experience?  

When I was 14 years old, I worked at a local diner called the Golden Egg Omelet House, setting tables. I learned a lot about grown-ups.

How are you involved with both the community and your customer?  

I rely on community businesses for different aspects of running modaspia—from using a local knitwear designer, to creating lookbooks and postcards to generate wholesale business.  

Why is your staff the best in the business?  

The business is primarily myself. I contract out two small sewing factories in the Bay Area to produce clothes from samples I create. Both teams of seamstresses are highly talented and show great attention to detail.

Who is your role model in business or in life, and why?  

Women who run successful design businesses and manage to have families awe me; children need time and attention, and it also takes time and devotion to create something beautiful and unique in your business. I admire all of the female entrepreneurs out there with young children.

Where do you go when the going gets tough?  

I lie down on the Persian rug I have in my studio and have a little rest—one of the perks of working for myself.

What’s your favorite place to eat out locally? 

Tijuana Taqueria in Placerville for Sunday dinner.  

What’s your favorite local business other than your own? 

A Wild Hair in Diamond Springs—it’s like a cozy little ski lodge…very relaxing.