I began my career in the Precious Jewelry department at Neiman Marcus Precious Jewels Salon in Saint Louis. My fascination with jewels started in childhood. My grandfather was a jeweler and diamond trader in Cleveland, Ohio, and both of my grandparents shared their knowledge and love of jewelry with me. Soon after starting at the Precious Jewels Salon, I enrolled at the Gemological Institute of America to further my knowledge and expertise.

During my 17 years as a sales associate in precious jewels, the Neiman Marcus Corporate buying office sent me on buying trips to New York and Las Vegas to help select products for the stores. The response after these trips was tremendous, resulting in renewed excitement from clients and increased sales.Over the years, vendors became close friends, and I forged strong working relationships with many in the jewelry industry.

In January 2011, I retired from Neiman Marcus and began a joint venture with my husband, Robert. This venture, "Splendid Company," is a wholesale company specializing in precious gemstone beads and 18-karat yellow gold with a specially designed trademark "S" clasp. Splendid Company’s jewelry is currently carried in the Neiman Marcus Precious Jewels Salons across the country.