Name: Darlene Richert
Title: CEO/Founder of Avery Lane
Married/Single: Single
Kids: 2 Daughters (Delaney 19 and Avery 14) — my store is named after my girls
City you live in: Scottsdale
A typical day in my life includes…
walking my dog Ringo in Sereno Park which feels like Central Park, drinking coffee on my patio listening to Andre Boccelli, Orange Theory Class or Pilates or hiking Pinnacle Peak now that its cooling down. In the afternoon, I’ll go to happy hour or dinner on an outdoor patio in the Kierland area, most likely with my dearest friend, Billy. I can be found most week days working at Avery Lane designing the showroom, assisting clients decorating their homes or visiting a luxury estate to preview wonderful furniture, antiquities or art that clients want to consign. I’m very involved in EO – Entrepreneur’s Organization and 2-3 times per month, I’m attending an event with top-notch speakers. EO is a big part of my life, and my success, which helps me interact with some of the smartest and most inspiring people in Arizona.
I was born…
in Michigan, but grew up Montana with horses, cows, chickens and a goat…and lots of manure.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
sunshine and dining outdoors almost every month. AND a robust cultural arena of museums, galleries, theater and concerts which so many people say doesn’t exist here and I say “you’re just being lazy”.
I’m listening to…
John Mayer’s new album and this great British band my 14-year-old is crazy about called Auto-Heart. I think they are the new Beatles…British invasion 2017/2018
My family…
I have 5 siblings (3 brothers and an identical twin sister – yes, we look alike). We are all really close – and the cousins all enjoy each other.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Oprah Winfrey – I find her very inspiring, although I’d completely steer clear of politics. I love her spiritual outlook on life and I admire how she’s overcome obstacles and has created a remarkable brand. We share a great passion for books, the stage and movies…and Santa Barbara. I think we could end up being besties. I’d like to design her next house.
One thing I cannot live without…
champagne if we’re talking consumable…otherwise, my closest friends Billy and Donna. And also, music – I’ve got to have music at all times of the day.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
an Opera or Broadway Singer. I am still passionate about musical theater and dream of doing a small singing part (like the maid or the grandmother) and living in NY for a year or two.
I’m inspired by…
artists and exceptionally good literature.
The one person who motivates me is…
my twin sister, Donna. She is the most encouraging person on the planet and her support means the world to me.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
get rid of smart phones and iPads and have a more connected and personal world again. Things are going too fast and I see people living with their heads down.
The perfect day would be…
in Paris…doesn’t really matter what I’d be doing. I just love Paris.
My first job was…
changing irrigation pipes.
My favorite escape…
Sedona for hiking or Santa Barbara to see my daughter in college and play a round of golf.
My life…
is full of creativity, love and laughter.
I’m currently working on…
spearheading our “Give Back” Campaign by organizing several charity events to be held at Avery Lane. We believe in being good community stewards. I’m also working on automating some business practices at Avery Lane with the goal of expanding to another location in 2018. Personally, I’m playing piano, painting a cool abstract and planning a summer trip to Montreal. (Paris on this continent, right?)
Always…
say Yes. Yes, to contributing to a charity, to going on a crazy trip, helping a friend or meeting someone special, etc.
Never…
have the 3rd shot of tequila. It gets ugly after 2.
Favorite Quote…
“Life is not a dress rehearsal…it’s the real performance, so give it your all”
Biggest Dream…
traveling the world.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
lack of good manners, learn to apologize and graciously say thank you.
