As Told By

I moved to Seattle from Chicago, trading heavy parkas for the freedom of year-round walks. I find a specific comfort in the scale of a skyline and the energy of people in motion. While many seek out silence for peace, the vibrant hum of a city has always matched my own heartbeat. Having the mountains in the background is the cherry on top for a girl from the Midwest.

My transition into wine was a “yes” to a future I had only previously imagined. After nearly two decades in marketing, I realized that my true superpower was active listening; I had the ability to transform a simple visit into a genuine sense of belonging. At Browne Family Vineyards, I approach every introduction by creating space for guests to share their stories first. Whether I’m walking down 1st Avenue to brainstorm a collaboration or catching up with a friend in Pioneer Square, face-to-face connection is the heart of my work. When you invest in this community, the community invests back in you.

To feel the city’s rhythm, I’ve learned to look past the obvious landmarks and listen to the quieter narratives. This city is built on Duwamish land, and it is a place deeply shaped by the immigrants who built the foundations of our culture. I find myself grounded in the Chinatown-International District or spending afternoons at MOHAI, seeing the history of the Pacific Northwest alongside legacies of the logging industry and the Klondike Gold Rush anchored right on the water.

When I need to reset, I head to the edge of the sound. My family and I love the loop at Green Lake Park or the secret beach vibes of Alki. There is a specific energy that takes over in mid-July, a season when Seattle truly “exhales” and everyone heads outdoors to celebrate. It’s a melodic, mild climate that invites me to stay connected to the elements, no matter the season.

From my windows at Browne Family Vineyards, I can look across to the windows of Populus Seattle and feel a shared energy. We both operate with the focus on elite delivery and genuine connection I refer to as “Michelin-level listening.” Our missions overlap in the most literal sense, too; through our Forest Project initiative, we plant a tree for every bottle sold, mirroring the hotel’s own dedication to urban stewardship and preservation.

Ultimately, I’ve come to see Seattle as a city designed for connection, provided you’re willing to seek it out. Whether through a shared bottle of Cabernet or a conversation over local art, I’ve found that these are just avenues to the true goal of finding a sense of belonging. For me, it isn’t just about seeing the city—it’s about finding a place within it.