Contributors
Connie Blumenthal, Founder represents Seattle lifestyle at its best – driven by her spirit, diversity of culture, arts and entertainment, Connie is often found enjoying the best that our area has to offer. Connie’s life experiences have included involvement in music, entertainment and celebrity productions and a third generation family business. Her diverse professions offered her the opportunity to travel the world, which has resulted in valuable relationships from coast to coast; Los Angeles to New York and as far reaching as Hong Kong. And with her current real estate career, she found her perfect match of being an enthusiast of fine art and wines, in Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, which continues to give her great excuses to travel the world.
In 2011, Connie was designated the Haute Living Residential real estate representative for Washington State. Haute Living is dedicated to those who desire—and have the means to experience—the finest things in life. Connie’s vision is to bring the essence of Haute Living home to Seattle culminating in the launch of Spotlight Seattle; an online magazine highlighting the best our city has to offer.
A native to the great Northwest, Connie grew up in Seattle, and earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Puget Sound in Business & Marketing. Her deeply rooted involvement in the Seattle community and business organizations allows Connie a unique perspective on living well in the Northwest. Aside from her passion for work, she enjoys watching her son, Alec, play baseball or football. You may also find her jetting around downtown with her super cute dog-Val, a Boston/pug/ Chihuahua mix.
Posts by Connie Blumenthal:
Dining ‘family style’ with Mario Batali
Costa Baja, La Paz : A Life Styled Luxuriously
SPOTLIGHTseattle For Haute Living Seattle : FNO Wraps @ The Bravern
UPDATED: Nordstrom Designer Preview 2011
A Swingin’ Good Time at the Festival of the Fountains
PICTURES coming soon! Nordstrom Designer Preview 2011
GiltCity Enters The Seattle Market
Washington Wine Festival-Still going!
Exclusive Artist Reception for Melissa Herrington at Realogics Sotheby’s July 7th
A Waterfront Life: Spotlight Property of the day.
Cathi Hatch, of Zino Society talks with Mark Owen from Puralytics
Sotheby’s Auction House and Real Estate E-zine: Each month in the Wall Street Journal Online.
Detlef Schrempf Celebrity Golf Classic & Gala Auction
The Beauty of La Paz, Baja California South
Surprisingly Seattle: iconic loft residence.
Celebrate PONCHO wine auction for the arts.
One of the top views in the city.
Amy Yamada, Contributor is a talented and personable emcee/spokeswoman, International Success Mentor and the co-host of “Renew You Retreats.” From black tie galas to conferences to well-heeled fashion shows, Amy has an impressive portfolio of speaking engagements on stage and on camera and is passionate about inspiring audiences to live life to its fullest!
Amy has successfully advised business leaders and media agencies, with an emphasis on improving brand awareness and creating revenue-generating concepts for each client. Additionally, Amy has mentored audiences to live happier, healthier lives, with the goals of helping them discover and live out their truest passions. Amy believes any individual or business can achieve desired results through self-awareness, determination, passion and a positive mindset!
Amy Yamada has over twelve years of experience in the media, entertainment industry and sports industry as an advertising executive, emcee, motivational speaker, journalist, copywriter, promoter and DJ. Amy has appeared in television commercials, on the red carpet with “Seen by Team Photogenic,” on billboard ads, in lifestyle magazines and on-air with voice talent. But if you ask her about her biggest passion, it is helping people realize their potential and grow both personally and professionally.
When Amy auditioned for “Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star,” she received a great deal of exposure through live radio interviews, online blogs, news articles and on NBC KING 5 television’s “Evening Magazine.” Since then, she has been requested for a variety of speaking engagements locally, nationally and internationally. Amy believes that anyone can make positive changes in their lives, as long as they have the passion and drive to make these changes.
Visit her website at www.AmyYamada.com or learn about her “Renew You Retreats” at www.RenewYouRetreats.com
Dr. Jonathan (Jon) Zhang, Contributor is a professor of marketing at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, where he teaches marketing to undergraduate and Ph.D. students, and undertakes the cutting-edge research of quantifying consumer behaviors.
Jon has experienced his first mechanical timepiece (an Omega Seamaster) at a young age, and has never looked back…
He has merged his passion for high-end artistic mechanical timepieces and his academic training by founding the online luxury group JZ&F – Jon Zhang & Friends (JZandF.com), where he serves as the CEO.
JZ&F offers some of most sought-after, small production, and inspirational artisanal high-end watches and jewelry, while providing education and a forum for dialogue and exchange to the sophisticated watch collectors.
The few spare moments when Jon is not busy teaching, doing research, or running JZ&F, he enjoys reading, swimming, hiking, going to art galleries, and debating with friends on the intricacies of various Bordeaux vintages.
Jon holds a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Marketing from Columbia University.
Mike Flynn, Guest Columnist retired in April of 2006 after 24 years as publisher of Puget Sound Business Journal and moved to what he likes to refer to as his “entrepreneurial encore” of consulting, counseling and advising businesses, business people and business organizations. In fact, he now owns the domain name EntrepreneurialEncore.com. During his nearly quarter century at the helm of PSBJ, it became what was generally recognized by its peers as one of the five most successful and respected weekly business newspapers in America, both in editorial quality and financial performance.
Mike reflects that the most satisfying aspect of guiding the Business Journal was in creating the concept of not just informing the business community, but connecting it. Thus he created the Puget Sound Business Hall of Fame, 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies banquet, 40-Under-40 and Women of Influence awards events, as well as the Corporate Citizenship annual publication that became a model for business journals around the country to recognize and celebrate philanthropic involvement by companies and top executives.
He is on the boards of Junior Achievement and Downtown Seattle Association, as past chair, and is a former member of the boards of Metropolitan Seattle and Bellevue chambers of commerce and the Association of Washington Business. He is currently I involved with several non-profit boards.
He and his wife, Betsy, have three children and eight grandchildren.
Jamie Peha, Columnist is the founder and host of TableTalk, Radio that Tastes Good on KKNW 1150 AM with co-host and Chef in the Hat Thierry Rautureau of Rovers and LUC. The two showcase Northwest tastemakers including chefs, farmers, artisan producers, winemakers and other lifestyle professionals in a light-hearted, educational and lively format every other Wednesday at 8am. Between shows the Table Talk Blog at www.tabletalkradio.net provides an inside look at wine, restaurants, cooking, events and culinary news in the Northwest. After a successful 20 year career in professional restaurant management in Seattle and Los Angeles, Jamie spent a decade as the Marketing Director for the Washington State Wine Commission, marketing the growing industry around the nation, followed by five years as the Marketing and Sales Development Director for Seattle magazine, Seattle Business and Seattle Bride publications.
Jamie is a champion for the Washington wine industry – her work resulting in the creation of numerous local, regional and national events and festivals. Known for her promotional prowess, Jamie is the founder and owner of Peha Promotions; a creative public relations, marketing strategy and event solutions company with specialty in the wine, culinary and lifestyle arena. She creates, consults and produces flawless events featuring artisan vendors, wineries, and chefs and offers the consumer an educational experience while raising the bar for food and wine. Jamie is also the owner of the Seattle Wine and Food Experience (www.seattlewineandfoodexperience.com) featuring beverages from around the globe paired with local fare and artisan food producers
Giving back and collaboration are a high priority! Jamie sits on the boards of the Washington Wine Industry Foundation, the Auction of Washington Wines, Celebrated Chefs and the Seattle Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International; an International organization of professional women in food, fine beverage and hospitality.
Recently Jamie has been asked to judge the Seattle Magazine Wine Awards, Foster Farms Chicken Recipe Contest and The Mobile Food Rodeo; and she produces the American Lamb Jam Seattle Chef Competition.
Wining, dining, cooking and travel fill up what free time there is and Jamie shares her life with husband Benson, a wonderful extended family and their two lovable beagles Lucy and Roxy.
Posts by Jamie:
A Dining Experience To Put On Your Bucket List
Canlis Bar: A Bar Exam You’ll Love to Take
It’s Time for New Food and Wine Experiences!
Winemaker Profile: Kay Simon of Chinook Wines
An Insider Look at the Best of Washington Wine Month Deals!
Finding Comfort in Restaurant Bea
In the Kitchen with Edible Seattle: The Cookbook
Ian MacNeil, Guest Contributor is a graduate from the University of South Carolina and Edinburgh University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Ian has over 20 years of domestic and international business development and management experience in entrepreneurial environments. Ian is currently starting a new business venture – an artisan distillery based in Washington State called Lachselian Wine & Spirits where he will be producing Glass Vodka and Lachselian Whisky. In addition, he owns and operates an aircraft leasing business partnered with Galvin Flying Services on Boeing Field in Seattle.
His background includes technical business development, sales and operational roles at Pirelli, Cambridge Technology Partners and Logica, P&L management for WorldCom’s Russian operations, start‐up and fund‐raising experience at Senada.com, Aegis Technologies, Planetary Fuels, and sell‐side transaction successes for companies in the Bio‐Fuels, Software, Wine and Telecommunications industries.
Next to his passion for business, he has very creative side. Ian is a painter specializing in acrylics and encaustic painting techniques. He is also an accomplished golfer, a private pilot, an avid skier and wine enthusiast. In addition to serving on numerous for‐profit advisory boards, Ian is the past‐President of the Board of Trustees for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) WA/AK chapter where he served for six years and past member of the National Board of Representative for LLS. He is also Vice President of the board for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), and a member of the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA. He is an active leader with Virginia Mason Hospital, Billy O’ Winery, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The Seattle Aquarium, The Pacific Science Center, The Washington Wines Festival, and The Rainer Club.
Posts by Ian MacNeil:
Father’s Day – get the ball rolling.
Cynthia Johnson, Guest Contributor is a distinguished tastemaker known for her indefinable style and disregard for tradition. As a partner in the Seattle-based interior design firm, Henderson Kelly, with the brilliantly talented Gary Henderson, Johnson has primed design experiences for select offices, medical environments, residences, as well as posh retail spaces.
A native, Cynthia grew up a block from the capital in Olympia WA. She graduated from University of Puget Sound in Tacoma and has made her home and friends in Seattle.
Known for her busy days and incredible work ethic, Cynthia celebrates every day she can by using color, texture and pattern to promote unexpected styles for her clients.
Cynthia’s affinity for mixing styles is only shadowed by her love of mixing people together.
This love of mingling and connecting individuals is the force behind her new networking group currently launching.
She continues to do philanthropic work in the city and is currently working for the Medic One Foundation and the charity Olive Crest.
Posts by Cynthia Johnson:
SPOTLIGHTED : Common Folk Co. & their gorgeous goblins.
SPOTLIGHTED: JoAnne Cryderman, Photographer & Serenity Seeker
SPOTLIGHTED: Vian Hunter’s House Of Fashion
This Week: Give A “Nostalgic Summer Day” A Try
Kris&Kate / “Maxi-mizing” Summer Trends
In the mood for a Summer “Color Shot”
Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach, Karrie Dutton, Guest Contributor works with top executives, performance athletes, and anyone that wants to make a transformation from mediocre to greatness. Looking at strengths, weaknesses, and motivational factors, she works to find the best fitness and wellness solutions for her clients success. Karrie is Certified American College of Sports Medicine, Yogafit, Pilates and Wellness Coach.
Executive Vice President; Co-Chairman, Impressionist & Modern Art Worldwide –
David C. Norman, Guest Contributor joined Sotheby’s in 1985 and today is one of the most experienced auction specialists in the world in the field of Impressionist & Modern Art. He is a trusted advisor to many of the world’s most active collectors in this category, particularly American collectors who have entered the market within the past two decades and are the driving force behind many auction records. Since he became Director of the New York Impressionist & Modern Art Department in 1999, Sotheby’s has achieved $4.6 billion in sales. Perhaps the most often quoted specialist in the field today, Mr. Norman has organized major sales from the country’s leading museums such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, NY. He has overseen the sale of Sotheby’s high-profile Impressionist & Modern Art collections including Property of the Greentree Foundation from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Hay Whitney, which realized $209 million and achieved $104.2 million for Pablo Picasso’s Garçon à la pipe – the first painting to break the mythical $100 million price barrier.
Posts by David C. Norman:
Sotheby’s Fine Art World In June
$4Million Sotheby’s Sale: “Empire of Lights,” by Renee Margritte
Barbara Malone is co-owner, with her husband Michael, of the Sorrento Hotel where she directs the Community Relations and Hotel Programming activities. An avid supporter of the arts and local cultural institutions, the hotel has been very supportive of SIFF, Seattle Theater Group, Town Hall, Frye Museum and Seattle Pro Musica to name a few. The series of events created to celebrate the hotel’s 100th birthday in 2009, including its Fireside Chats, Art events and the much publicized Night School have generated terrific awareness for the hotel. Barbara also sits on the Board of the Seattle Art Museum and is a non-stop community volunteer. Previously she was Director of Communications for Tiffany & Co. in New York.
Posts by Barbara Malone:
Weekend Wrap, Ewan McGregor, SIFF, and The Sorrento
Luly Yang began creating couture gowns in her Seattle-based studio in 2000. Seattle Bride Magazine has named her as the Best Couture Dress Designer for eight consecutive years, and in 2007 she received the prestigious Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year Award. In 2010, Luly was honored to be one of Puget Sound Business Journal’s Women of Influence, an award recognizing local women for outstanding business and philanthropic contributions.
Born in Taiwan, Luly was introduced to the arts and fine garment creation by her mother and grandmother. Her formal study included a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Washington. A decade in the architecture field and years of experience as a certified fitness instructor laid the foundation for her sculpted fabric creations. “The woman and her body are the soul of the design,” she explains, and always credits her clients as her biggest source of inspiration.
Duell Fisher formed Team Photogenic in 2001 and quickly became the photography company to have at events in the Northwest. “You know you have arrived at an important event if Duell Fisher is there!” said Patricia Szabo, Executive Director, Providence O’ Christmas Trees. Duell is a savvy marketer, successful businessman, and a superb example of philanthropy. He established the Adelia M. Fisher Fund, which donates a percentage of the online sales from his company to local charitable organizations. Duell also serves on the PONCHO board, Providence O’ Christmas Trees Executive Leadership Team and currently the Vice President of the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Arts & Sciences.
Posts by Duell Fisher:
Team Photogenic Covers Seamless in Seattle 2011
Whim W’Him: Olivier Wevers “Reset” Two Day Event
Whim W’him Dance Company Delights Again
18th Annual Detlef Schrempf Celebrity Gala & Auction
Seen Live @ the 48th Annual NW Regional Emmy Awards
Second Annual Providence Golf Classic
Michael Mina: RN74 Opens In Seattle
Farestart: Guest Chef on the Waterfront
Opening Night at Les Miserables
Stacy Jones is a passionate marketer with over 20 years experience in developing authentic and unique consumer brands and campaigns. She is dedicated to creating distinctive and award-winning marketing campaigns that resonate with savvy consumers; resulting in significant changes to the overall landscape of real estate marketing in the Seattle area.
Along with her husband, Dean Jones, she is an owner of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty which currently has two branches; downtown Seattle and Bainbridge Island. Choosing to join the Sotheby’s International Realty franchise was the culmination of converging the best of their personal experiences with an exceptional global brand and together offer a new caliber of real estate residential brokerage for the Northwest. She prides herself on being commitment to quality – both with the people that she employs and the clients that her brokerage represents. At all times is dedicated to marketing excellence.
And as a lover of our city, arts, fashion and human interests, Stacy has been an avid supporter of many non-profit associations over the years including; Seattle Art Museum, Boys & Girls Club of King County, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Plymouth Housing Group, Fashion First, PONCHO, Cornish College of the Arts, The Seattle Foundation, Agros, The Moyer Foundation, Amara, Downtown Seattle Association, Belltown Business Association, Seattle Design Center and The Market Foundation among many others. Stacy and Dean reside in Mercer Island with their three sons and are very actively involved in the local community.
Posts by Stacy Jones:
Dog Days of Summer: Medina Days
Susan Marinello Interiors is an award winning, Seattle-based interior design firm that specializes in high-end residential, hospitality and commercial interior design. The firm was launched in 1996, when Susan returned home to the Seattle area from the East Coast. While living in New York, Susan received her interior design degree from the New York School of Interior Design, and then honed her skills working with a much celebrated Manhattan interior design firm.
Elegant, understated, and in harmony with the architectural and natural landscape are words that best describe the creative practice of Susan Marinello Interiors (SMI).
Posts by Susan Marinello:
Re:public – Feeling bold for brunch
Shimmering Shades: Taupe, Silver, and Warm Gray
Cathi Hatch is the Founder/CEO of ZINO Society, a premier membership, business and social network that connects people with ideas and capital to create opportunities for commerce, education, social interaction and innovation.
Prior to founding ZINO Society, Cathi Hatch has served in executive management positions and consulted in the restaurant business. She holds or has held positions on a number of for-profit and non-profit boards including Zones, Inc.; Pacific Continental Bank; Pacific Northwest Ballet; YMCA; Seniors Making Art, Treehouse, Seattle Symphony, PONCHO; Tateuchi Center and United Way of King County. She has received numerous community and national awards for volunteer leadership.
She is past president of Junior League of Seattle, past president of PONCHO and past Chairman of the Board of Pacific Northwest Ballet.
She is married to Ken Hatch and with the exception of sharing their home with ZiZi Zinfandel Z-Dog, the Yorkshire Terrier, they are empty nesters.
Posts by Cathi Hatch:
Artist Piper O’Neill Debuts First Solo Show
Zino Zillionaire Investment Forum
A Note From Cathi: Auction of Washington Wines
A Note From Cathi: Chasing the ball… was it the white or the yellow?
A Note From Cathi: Vino goes virtual
It was a great night for games…
Bis on Main, a Birthday, BMWs, and the Barriers
Baseball served a bit differently
Wild Ginger & Isenhower Cellars Dinner to Benefit Camp Korey
Passport to Global Health Celebration
Magical PNB Season Encore Performance
An Afternoon in the French Countryside (Almost)
Featured ZINOpreneur of the Week: Kelly Ogilvie Blue Marble Biometrics
Greg & Stacy Lill are a husband and wife team committed to promoting the Washington Wine Industry, Community & Philanthropy. Known for their leadership and passion in the industry and community, the Lill’s are also Washington State winery Ambassadors and involved with the State wine commission. Greg, President, CEO, and co-founder of DeLille Cellars and Stacy, President of O Wines and CEO Cashmere Corporation, both dedicate time to profit and non-profit companies in the Country such as Patrons of Cystic Fibrosis, Auction of Washington Wines, Trustees Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, PONCHO, WA Wines Festival, Virginia Mason Foundation, Sun Valley Wine Auction, Staglin Music Festival Napa Valley, and Pebble Beach Food & Wine to name a few. Between the two of them they have received numerous awards and recognition for their non stop philanthropic support. It would be hard to find another couple in the wine community as committed to as many charities and as passionate and knowledgeable about promoting the benefits of food & wine as an integral part of daily life in the Northwest.
Posts by Stacy Lill:
Nordstrom’s Fall Runway Show Benefiting The Detlef Schrempf Foundation
Chihuly Garden & Glass Exhibition Groundbreaking
DeLille Cellars Winemaker Dinner Raises Money for Seattle Children’s Hospital
SPOTLIGHTer’s Summer MUST DO: Concert’s at Ste. Michelle
“O” Wines And The Gift Of Education
Seattle Chef’s Face Off: DeLille Cellars Bastille Day Challenge
Wine, Dine, & Dine; Cruise the Mediterranean with DeLille Cellars!
A Slice of Americana….Roche Harbor on the Fourth of July!
PONCHO 20th International Wine Auction
First of the Season Copper River Salmon
Visit DeLille Cellars in Woodinville, WA
SpotlightSeattle Welcomes Dynamic Duo Greg & Stacy Lill
Born the daughter of an artist and an attorney, Leigh Canlis is very much a product of the two. Business minded with a vision for the arts, this determined woman continues to create new waves in the art, philanthropy and fashion world. Post-graduate, Leigh moved to Seattle to begin working with Dale Chihuly, who she currently represents as a private art consultant. There she met her husband and business partner, J.P., and they began visualizing their future – Canlis Glass (www.canlisglass.com).
Philanthropy has always been a strong suit of Leigh’s – at age 21, she founded Avant-Garde group at SAM, encouraging 20somethings to include art in their everyday lives. After a move to Hawaii, she co-founded and led Art After Dark as their President, until her departure from the island in 2005.
Modeling throughout her life, Leigh has always had an interest and a natural flare for fashion. Today you can see her gracing the catwalk for a good cause, dancing in Seattle’s version of Dancing with the Stars or in the magazines for notable fashion moments.
Posts by Leigh Canlis:
SPOTLIGHTED: Pilchuck Glass School
Decidedly Decadent: 2011 Nordstrom Designer Preview Review
Winemaker Dinner at Waterfront Seafood Grill
Glass Art Society’s Conference Heats Up Seattle