Michelle
Michelle’s passion for photography began when she was gifted her dad’s 1990’s Minolta camera in high school. Ever since that day, she always has a camera of some sort in her bag. She attended UC Berkeley, and when studying abroad in Italy for school, she was nicknamed “Flash” because she brought 3 different cameras with her to document her travels. With an extremely infectious bubbly personality, it’s hard to not immediately want to be her friend. You can find her going on adventures with her dog, Watson, all over California or sipping some delicious Sonoma Valley wine in a hammock in her backyard while blasting some sweet classic rock tunes.
WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE RIGHT NOW?
There are two places right now that I would go to immediately. The first place would be to the island of Lesvos in Greece to visit and meet my extended family. My Great-Grandparents immigrated here from the island and it holds a special place in my heart. The second place I would go would be Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. After the epic climb, I would spend a week on safari, exploring the country and supporting any and all causes that help protect endangered animals & African wildlife.
WHERE DO YOU FEEL MOST INSPIRED?
When I’m driving my car along the backroads of Sonoma and Marin Counties. Growing up in Marin, I would take the backroads to all the beaches along the coast and roll my windows down while playing groovy songs. This is something I still do till this day and where I develop all my most creative ideas.
IN WHAT HISTORICAL PERIOD WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE LIVED?
I would love to be around during the Renaissance. To see the world the way Michelangelo and da Vinci saw the world be incredible. The age of rebirth, a time when the appreciation for arts and architecture really emerged in the modern era.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SONOMA HANGOUT(S)?
One of my favorite areas in Sonoma to have Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch is the Sunflower Cafe! It’s so delicious, fresh, and taste exactly how you would expect Sonoma to taste. Another place I enjoy hiking and exploring is the Sonoma Overlook Trail where you can see the whole Sonoma Valley and if you look close enough, you can see the San Francisco skyline! And of course, all the wineries! Two of my favorite wineries would have to be Gloria Ferrer and Scribe. Awesome places to taste wine and relax.
what is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sitting at a table with my family, sipping some wine, and cracking jokes that make us all laugh until we fall out of our chairs. It can also be when I’m cruising on my bike, lift my head up, and feel the soft summer breeze wash over me. And that moment when I come back home and I am greeting with uncontrolled excitement & kisses from my best fur friend, Watson.
Go-tos
My Dog
My dog Watson is one of my best friends. She is my constant entertainment and adventure partner.
Mentos Gum
This gum helps me stay focused and it lasts forever!
NAPS
I am the nap queen. Naps help re-energize me and it is typically the time I get the best, most vivid dreams.
TRAVEL
No fear of flying will ever stop me from my dream of visiting every country!
DOCUMENTARIES
Any documentary ranging from True Crime, WWII, Historical Figures, or Modern Day, I love it all! I love learning new things, especially anything historical.
I'm a Mediterranean girl, so a yummy seafood diet is in my blood.
