The Gilded Bellini Turns 5! | Reflecting on 5 Years

5 YEARS OF THE GILDED BELLINI!!! I can’t believe that on March 11th, 2016 I launched The Gilded Bellini. Where did the time go? 5 years has certainly flown by and I am proud of what The Gilded Bellini has grown into. Of course, the last 5 years have not always been a breeze with trying to get TGB to where it is now, and to what it’s evolving into. This site has opened up so many doors for me and my career and I can honestly it has been the one thing in my life that has taught me the most. The Gilded Bellini has led me to some of the coolest opportunities, connected me with some of the most interesting and intelligent people, and brought out different sides of me I didn’t even know I had! If you asked me 5 years ago who I had envisioned to be in 2021, I don’t think I would have pictured being way more brave, courageous and willing to take as many risks as I have over the years to make it all happen.

It is really rewarding having something of your own - to create something out of nothing and to take a vision and make it into something tangible. TGB has taught me a lot - my strengths, my weaknesses, hidden skills and brought out a confidence I never really had prior. It has helped to shape my identity - I am a firm believer that what you do is NOT your identity; but the characteristics, traits and talents you have that stem from the growth and development in what you do is what molds it. TGB has done just that.

TGB has enabled me to grow into a business woman with a creative drive to continue building my brand and adapting to the changes in the landscape of the ever-changing and competitive world of media. The Gilded Bellini has helped to allow for some incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunities over the years, and I am completely aware there would have been much less of a chance of them happening otherwise.

I have been put in very pivotal situations involving all aspects of business, creativity and genuinely, leaving behind any fear or insecurity in putting myself and my brand out there. The Gilded Bellini has shown me through time, exactly what direction I want to go in my life more than any other job I’ve ever had in my life.

The Gilded Bellini began just focusing on brunch, but it really did evolve into a true lifestyle destination combining the things that I love. Brunch was just the jump off point. It landed me into TV work, solid relationships, partnerships, genuine connections and so much more. Lots of twists, turns and changes. But everything led me to what The Gilded Bellini is today. As my own biggest critic, I have to say I am pretty proud of all that I have accomplished over the years, specifically the footprints I have left in the TV world! It’s a part of my career that I hold so close to my heart because it’s something that I really never thought would happen. I’m not where I want to be just yet, but I am surely on my way.

Aside from that major love of mine, I have a ton of great memories over the years…

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE HIGHLIGHTS SINCE 2016

• Hosting my own live lifestyle segments in different cities and news networks including KTLA, MORE FOX 5 Vegas, FOX 5 San Diego, The CW Las Vegas, Lifestyle Today Show and Good Morning Arizona.

• Working out with Mark Wahlberg at F45

• Getting featured on Shoutout LA

• Interviewing celebs like Shay Mitchell and Mercedes Javid from Shahs of Sunset

• Ate dinner on camera with Gordon Ramsay

• Collaborating with Z Gallerie: Creating my first signature holiday cocktail called The Z Bellini in partnership with the company, exclusive to Z Gallerie. I hosted and produced the holiday event at its Mission Viejo store, bringing both new and existing customers and followers to TGB + Z. The event was a celebration that brought a ton of people together during the holiday season that drove sales for Z Gallerie and (overwhelming!) interest in The Z Bellini cocktail recipe as well as my home entertaining tips.

• Collaborating with BarreWell: Hosting my first work out and mixology event!

• Traveling home to NYC to grow TGB - and of course have the best time with my friends and family.

• Cultivating relationships and partnerships with some of my favorite brands/companies like Eataly (LA&NYC!), Campo Viejo, BABOR, Sipsmith Gin, Sterling Vineyards, NOLET’s Gin, Ice Shaker by Chris Gronkowski and Irvine Spectrum. So many more to name across the board - anything from lifestyle to beauty to wellness to fashion to spirits!

• Hosting on the red carpet for the San Diego Film Awards

• Being a part of Facebook Watch’s 365 Days of Love by Sofia Vergara

• Being in a commercial for Skin It — LONG time ago!

• Being named a “Trailblazer” by VoyageLA

A BIG THANK YOU...

I want to thank every person who has ever believed in me and followed TGB throughout the 5 years leading up to this milestone. The Gilded Bellini's success would have never come this far without the support of my close friends, family and new friends I have made along the way. It has truly been a labor of love, an investment, an uphill battle, a rewarding and challenging journey. But I wouldn’t change a thing along the way!

Because of you, The Gilded Bellini continues to flourish into a true brand that is ever-changing and branching out into its fullest potential. While brunch was the foundation of TGB, it has proved to be much more than that - a celebration of a lifestyle and social experiences that brings people together.

I am so incredibly grateful to you all! Thank you for everything. Cheers to more gilded times ahead… and onto year 6!

Photography by: Marisa Trujillo

The Gilded Bellini Turns 3! | Reflecting on Three Years

3 YEARS?! I can’t believe that on March 11th, 2016 I launched The Gilded Bellini. I’ve finally reached this milestone! I’m so excited about it, it actually feels like my birthday, but better. 3 years has certainly flown by and I am proud of what The Gilded Bellini has grown into. Of course, the last 3 years have not always been a breeze with trying to get TGB to where it is now, and to what it’s evolving into. This site has opened up so many doors for me and my career and I can honestly it has been the one thing in my life that I have felt completed me. No job or person can fill the space in my heart or mind where TGB has filled. I know it may be difficult to understand that from an outside standpoint, but if you look at it from a position of an entrepreneurial level you may get a sense of how I feel.

The last 3 years have been filled with lots of ups and downs - moments that were truly surreal and others that were disappointing. I’m always super vocal about the behind the scenes of TGB in a sense that nothing is ever handed to me, and I genuinely sacrifice A LOT to make things happen for my brand which includes money, time and limiting social activities which I once invested a decent amount of energy in - I’ve learned how to manage my time and my priorities in an organized and responsible way. What a lot of people don’t realize is that I’m on the verge of 27 and I have normal, twenty-something year old professional and social desires, but because of TGB I have to sometimes say no to a lot of things. There’s nothing bad about it, but it’s something that not all people my age have to think about. TGB has enabled me to grow into a business woman with a creative drive to continue building my brand and adapting to the changes in the landscape of the ever-changing and competitive world of media. The Gilded Bellini has helped to allow for some incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunities (remember Gordon Ramsay + hosting on FOX 5 San Diego?!), and has allowed me to truly become the best version of myself. I have been put in very pivotal situations involving all aspects of business, creativity and genuinely, leaving behind any fear or insecurity in putting myself and my brand out there. The Gilded Bellini has shown me through time, exactly what direction I want to go in my life.

The Gilded Bellini has been something that I take more seriously now more than ever. I don't really remember what life was like without having this outlet and the freedom to constantly create and execute any visions I have, meet new people and get to do things I have always dreamed of doing. It’s really my baby!!!

A Few of My Favorite Highlights

• Collaborating with Z Gallerie: Creating my first signature holiday cocktail called The Z Bellini in partnership with the company, exclusive to Z Gallerie. I hosted and produced the holiday event at its Mission Viejo store, bringing both new and existing customers and followers to TGB + Z. The event was a celebration that brought a ton of people together during the holiday season that drove sales for Z Gallerie and (overwhelming!) interest in The Z Bellini cocktail recipe as well as my home entertaining tips.

• Hosting on the red carpet for the San Diego Film Awards

• Being a part of Facebook Watch’s 365 Days of Love by Sofia Vergara

• Celebrating and learning about St~Germain for the brand’s annual Maison St~ Germain summer event

• Being named a “Trailblazer” by VoyageLA

A BIG THANK YOU...

I want to thank every person who has ever believed in me and followed TGB throughout the last few years leading up to this milestone. The Gilded Bellini's success would have never come this far without the support of my close friends, family and new friends I have made along the way. I also want to thank my AMAZING, TALENTED & DEDICATED team: Rebecca & Patrick. Without you, I could never make any of my visions a reality. Thank you for sticking by my side every step of the way.

Because of you, The Gilded Bellini continues to flourish into something so special that feels so surreal and allows me to continue building what I am so passionate about. TGB is more than brunch, but celebration of a lifestyle and a social experience that brings people together.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has read any of my posts, watched my videos, engaged with any content I have put out into the world…  If we've met this past year in person, exchanged a few words on social media, or even just said an "Oh, I think I know you!" to one another in passing, I am grateful to have connected with you. I started this blog to be able to have a platform to bring people together that goes beyond just brunch. But hey, brunch is a great way to start! And the fact that it has been the foundation for so many new relationships, collaborations and growth has been such a blessing. Brunch is part of our culture, and I am so happy to be able to honor this fun lifestyle in a way most of us can relate to... at least I try my best to!

My goal of all The Gilded Bellini content is for you to have a true social experience and an escape, whether it's through writing, video or imagery.  Thank you for all of your support since day one. I hope that you continue to join me on this gilded journey... and I look forward to another incredible year with you! Here’s to year 4! Cheers! 

Photography by: Rebecca Gnasso

The Gilded Bellini Turns Two! | Reflecting on 2 Years

It's The Gilded Bellini's 2nd birthday! Wow, I can't believe it has been two years already. 

For the last two years, I've produced content each week for this blog. It's kind of crazy to think about! What started out as a hobby in the very beginning has blossomed into something a whole lot more: a business, a media outlet and my passion. 

In last year's reflection on one year, I said that The Gilded Bellini was therapeutic to me and I still feel that way. Don't get me wrong, running a website and maintaining a brand is a TON of work and you can never really ever take a break. But when it's something you love, it never feels like you're really working. 

The last year has definitely been a different kind of learning process than with year one. I have a better grasp on developing and maintaining my brand. Opportunities that have come my way have paved routes for me that are helping to shape my career and expand The Gilded Bellini. It's for sure no longer a hobby, but probably one of my biggest accomplishments and what I am most proud of. I am honored to be a part of the entrepreneurial space within the digital world. Even the TV world now, too! I feel most like "me" when I am delved into all things content creating and feel really grateful to have a creative outlet that plain and simply, gives me a better quality of life. 

The Gilded Bellini has been something that I take more seriously now more than ever. I don't really remember what life was like without having this outlet and the freedom to constantly create and execute any visions I have, meet new people and get to do things I have always dreamed of doing... To this day I still can't believe I was on a show with Gordon Ramsay and hosted my own segment on FOX 5!!! If you told me a few years ago back in college that any of this was going to happen, I definitely wouldn't have believed it. But, it didn't just happen out of luck. It was extreme hard work and dedication, and I say that wholeheartedly. Any opportunity that has come to fruition has been a direct result of that.

It is a great feeling being able to combine everything I love into one entity that people can connect to. I am so grateful for all of the people that have come into my life that I've made a connection with. It wouldn't have been possible without having The Gilded Bellini as the liaison!

I wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone who has supported my vision and work, and a thank you for all the people that have followed along and been interested in The Gilded Bellini's content over the past two years. It means the world to me and I couldn't imagine The Gilded Bellini without your continued love and support! 

HIGHLIGHTS

Some of my favorite highlights of the second year of The Gilded Bellini have been:

- Being featured on The F Word FOX with Gordon Ramsay

- Hosting a holiday segment on FOX 5 San Diego

- Being in a commercial for Skin It

- Being chosen to speak at the BevNet Live Panel as a Food & Cocktail Expert 

- Interviewing Shay Mitchell of Pretty Little Liars 

- Interviewing Amanda Palomino from FOX's Hell's Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay

- Attending the 2017 VMAs 

- Brunched with Maggiano's in honor of their partnership with Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles and campaign, Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish

- Traveling home to NYC (for the first time in 2 years!) and making it a complete first time business trip, connecting with brands and restaurants on my own out there for a whole week

- Creating solid friendships with other people that I crossed passed with through the world of blogging

- Being able to connect with the talented people behind LA and San Diego's best restaurants

A BIG THANK YOU...

The Gilded Bellini's success would have never come this far without the support of my close friends, family and new friends I have made along the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has read any of my posts, watched my videos, engaged with any content I have put out into the world..  If we've met this past year in person, exchanged a few words on social media, or even just said an "Oh, I think I know you!" to one another in passing, I am grateful to have connected with you. I started this blog to be able to have a platform to bring people together that goes beyond just brunch. But hey, brunch is a great way to start! And the fact that it has been the foundation for so many new relationships, collaborations and growth within blogging community/entertainment industry/hospitality realm has been such a blessing. Brunch is part of our culture, and I am so happy to be able to honor this fun lifestyle in a way most of us can relate to... at least I try my best to! My goal of all The Gilded Bellini content is for you to have a true experience and an escape, whether it's through writing, video or imagery.  Thank you for all of your support since day one. I hope that you continue to join me on this gilded journey... and I look forward to another incredible year with you! Cheers! 

Photography by: Rebecca Gnasso

The Gilded Bellini Turns One! | Reflecting on One Year

March 11th, 2016 was the day The Gilded Bellini first launched and it's so hard to believe that it has already been a year! It's The Gilded Bellini's first birthday! 

It's amazing all that's happened in such a short amount of time. When I first launched, I had a picture in my head of how I wanted everything to unfold, but of course life happens and things just happen the way they're supposed to. It really did start out as a hobby, and I was proud that I had finally executed my long-term desire to start a blog. On brunch, no less! I have always been a huge brunch-er, and this needed to be my niche. It just brings people together, and what's not to love about brunch? 

It's kind of crazy to think that I've put out original content EVERY single week since March 11th 2016. Sometimes it was once, sometimes three times and others it was five. I don't think I realized how much of a huge responsibility a blog is when I first started. It's literally your baby. You start from the bottom, learn as you go and keep building and growing from each step and mistake you make along the way. It's certainly not easy. It's stressful. There is ALWAYS more work to be done. To have a blog, you need to be fully in it. You need to want to go above and beyond and have that quality in you. Luckily, it never feels like homework to me. It feels like I am building a brand based on what I am passionate about. 

Since launching The Gilded Bellini, it has opened up so much light and positivity in my life. It's therapeutic that I have such a cool creative outlet that I can share with the world, but still know that it is both a responsibility and a business at the same time. I sit back sometimes and think: wow, I'm my own creative director. I am my own boss. This is my vision and the only person who could make it come to life is me... and I have.

I've been able to combine my love for writing and video to create just more than a brand, but an experience for my viewers and readers that unites us.

I love being able to connect with so many people that I would have never been able to connect with if it weren't for this platform. I've found really great friends just by being immersed in this world and it's refreshing that the community is so uplifting. Regardless of whatever industry you're in, there will always be competition especially if you're looking for it. But I've found the way you and your blog will succeed is if you embrace the differences around you and collaborate.

Highlights

Brands and companies recognize you when you genuinely put the work in, develop your brand and aesthetic and know the quality in you and your work. Lots has happened in the past year that looking back, I am extremely grateful for some opportunities that have come my way. Some of my favorite highlights of the first year of The Gilded Bellini have been:

- Being featured on The Huffington Post as an Inspirational Influencer

- Attending the Vanity Fair Social Club Emmy's Edition Party & Influencer/Young Hollywood Panel

- Having the opportunity to work with fashion brands, beauty brands, lifestyle brands, wine & spirits, and authors of award-winning books

- Being able to connect with the talented people behind LA's best restaurants

- Covering Serafina Sunset's grand opening party & media tasting event

- Being cast for a brunch sketch for Cosmopolitan.com

- Creating solid friendships with other people that I crossed passed with through the world of blogging

- Attending & covering La Nuit en Rosé festival

- Getting to know the Los Angeles hospitality & nightlife scene on a much deeper level

- Attending & covering the 2017 GRAMMYs Gifting Lounge

A Big Thank You...

The Gilded Bellini's success would have never come this far without the support of my close friends, family and new friends I have made along the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has read any of my posts, watched my videos, engaged with any content I have put out into the world..  If we've met this past year in person, exchanged a few words on social media, or even just said an "Oh, I think I know you!" to one another in passing, I am grateful to have connected with you. I started this blog to be able to have a platform to bring people together that goes beyond just brunch. But hey, brunch is a great way to start! And the fact that it has been the foundation for so many new relationships, collaborations and growth within blogging community/entertainment industry/hospitality realm has been such a blessing. Brunch is part of our culture, and I am so happy to be able to honor this fun lifestyle in a way most of us can relate to... at least I try my best to! My goal of all The Gilded Bellini content is for you to have a true experience and an escape, whether it's through writing, video or imagery.  I am so grateful for all of your support since day one. I hope that you continue to join me on this gilded journey... and I look forward to another incredible year with you! Cheers! 

Photography by Marisa Trujillo