In a culture of reality TV publicists, young people want to break into your industry. What does it take to be a PR goddess?
It’s a four-letter word, darling…it’s called WORK. No, really, I mean I get girls all the time wanting to work for me thinking it’s all giggles, shopping, fashion and moments straight from “The Hills.” Yes, the perks are amazing—free clothes, jewelry, parties—but the reality is that this is a hard job that takes a certain person to pull off hard work with grace and style always under pressure.

What did you do prior to starting Cross Marketing?
I cut my fashion teeth working for two of the most glamorous women in publishing, Jeanette Change and Cynthia Lewis at “Harper’s Bazaar” and “Marie Claire,” respectively. I worked for “Harper’s Bazaar” and “Marie Claire” for nearly a decade and loved every minute of it. Now, in fashion PR, I have a sales and marketing background that keeps my clients happy that I am also concerned about their sales figures and not just pictures in magazines and on celebrities.

What is the most exciting part of your job?
I would say when my opinion is asked and valued. I am currently serving as a creative consultant for a fashion brand and love giving my input. Everything from the look of a sleeve to the length of a dress. And the free clothes make it even better! Working with dynamic people is also a plus.

You are an outstanding philanthropist. What are some of the charities you support?
I live for giving back. It’s something that my children are very aware of, and it is how we learn to feel blessed. I am involved in kids, green [living] and AIDS [awareness]. With children, I am chairman of the board of Raphael House, a homeless shelter for women and children, work on Global Green’s Gorgeous and Green Fashion Show every year and am excited to work with AMFAR this year for the first time. We dedicate 25 percent of our PR business to non-profit.