Blog
Who am I?
As a businesswoman
I am an award-winning speaker, author, and business consultant/coach.
Before launching Advanta Strategies, LLC, I was President and Chief Marketer for THE LRF Design Group, Inc., a leading mid-size interior design consulting firm in NJ, creating relationships with Fortune 500 companies and building a 7 figure business from a room in my basement.
As a student…
Graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Interior Design
I graduated from Rowan University with a degree in Education – Art.
I am currently attending Kutztown University for my M. Ed. Art
During COVID-19, I completed a six-month noncredit program through the University of Pennsylvania, Foundations in Positive Psychology through the University of Michigan, and Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most.
Recently, I completed a certificate program in Feng Shui to add depth to my knowledge as I gave the workshop “Envision Possibilities” based on the Feng Shui principles on Jan 20th, 2024.
Today, I attend a watercolor class with the most fantastic teacher. I’m excited to explore those rusty skills.
As a Rotarian
I’ve been a member since 2000 – State College Downtown Rotary, Trainer for District 7360, National Immunization Day Madagascar, and Humor Week in Bulgaria as a clown. I was married to a district governor, so I underwent the same training he did during the ramp-up to his leadership position.
Wife of Jerry Friedman – deceased
I was married to a great guy. A brilliant Aerospace Engineer and Astrophysicist who died of Alzheimer’s in 2019. I was his primary and only caregiver. You can see the drop off in activity since 2017, when doing anything other than caregiving was impossible. I wouldn’t change a minute of our time together.
My personal timeline is an exciting ride. I caught the tail of that comet as it swung by, and I’ve been hanging on every sin
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
The Designer’s Elevator Pitch:
If you can’t explain your vision in a minute, you’ll lose the moment. In the world of design, opportunities often appear unexpectedly,a quick chat at a showroom, a brief meeting at a networking event, or a chance encounter with a potential...
Wow! You’ve accomplished so much! It is inspiring. It gives me hope that I can reach my greatest potential.