It was like an audition, ... And at the end of the lesson, he asked me how I would feel if I competed and didn't win.

The best part about designing and working in the ballroom dance business is when a lady who might not feel so good about herself puts on a gown and her eyes light up, ... They feel like a Cinderella at the ball, or they feel like a princess or a bride walking down the aisle. When they look in the mirror, that's the most satisfying part of my job.

It was really exciting, ... The excitement and the hype and the energy was all there. It was great meeting the celebrities.

This is a dream come true. I would always pick up my brother's copy of the swimsuit issue. I always thought that if I ever got into modeling, I would love to make it into Sports Illustrated.

You put your heart and soul into being on the road with these gowns, ... These gowns are my babies.

On considering a career change, I would say go for it, ... Life is short-lived, and you've got to take it while it's there and run with it.

Some people watched the show just because of the wardrobe, ... That's exciting.

Seeing her swaying her hips all over the dance floor with a glow on her face, I had never realized how movement can bring such life to people at all ages,

I was basically just walking by a dance studio that was advertising salsa lessons, and I thought I'd go in and see what it was all about, ... I fell in love with the fox-trot, the tango, the waltz, the cha cha.

He saw I had talent and he wanted to keep me in the business, whether it was through dancing or designing,