President of BalyProjects, a boutique firm handling public policy and public affairs. I am also a commentator on FOX26 (KRIV) weekly political show, The Roundup.  I am a political analyst for FOX.

For all pretentious people, I have a message – “get over yourselves!” Life is too short. Live, Love and Be Happy.

I am a proud native of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. My parents migrated from the French West Indies (St. Martin) to the US Virgin Islands as newlyweds. I’m often asked “how did you end up in Houston?” My father (affectionately still called Daddy) worked for Brown & Root and was recruited to work at Exxon Mobile for only one year. That was in 1976 and they never left.

Lipstick, perfume and lotion.

My parents are from the French West Indies and at the time, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy was an icon for many French and American women. At work, formal daytime and political events, Jacqueline Kennedy’s style has a strong influence in my style. I am often the only woman and the youngest person at political or professional events. As such, I like to create a visual metaphor for the youthful, internationally minded professionals and serve as a symbol of a new era of cultural sophistication in politics. My formal daytime ensembles I take a leaf from Jackie Kennedy’s page book by using brilliant solid colors and bold line that help me be easily distinguished in a crowd. For evening and fun activities, I take a page from Kerry Washington’s character, Olivia Pope, on the TV show Scandal. A sexy dress or jumpsuit at a cocktail or evening event after conducting meetings and giving speeches in a leopard-print. A lot of her wardrobe comes from catwalk brands such as Stella McCartney and Mulberry.

French fries, chocolate, jewelry and furs.

I swear by two pieces of advice I was given years ago. 1) Be sure to pick a career/job/profession surrounding or embracing your passion. Passion fuels your energy and your energy fuels your success. 2) Greet everyone with a hearty smile – a genuine one. Upbeat people excel. Upbeat people have good relationships. Upbeat people feel good.

Veritas (in Sugar Land), LaGriglia and Caracol.

This year is going to be a sentimental one. It’s the senior year of my eldest son. He is an Honor Society student and great athlete with a very bright future. He is well prepared to handle the next stage in life. However, I know letting go will be very emotional and difficult.

I love hanging out with my best friends, my sons. I also enjoy merengue and salsa dancing. And, of course, shopping!

1. My active day outdoors involves the Sabine to Bagby Promenade that runs along Buffalo Bayou. This pedestrian-friendly park has biking and hiking trails, canoe launches and public artwork. 2. I’m not a huge movie person, but when I do enjoy a good movie, I often skip the megaplexes and check out a movie at River Oaks Theater instead.

Etsy.com, Cult Beauty, Snob Essentials and otteny.com

1. Drink a minimum of a gallon of water every day. I think this really helps my skin glow and helps regulate your digestive system. 2. Your body makes a key antioxidant called Coenzyme Q10, but as we get older, we make less of it. So, store up on CoQ10 by eating salmon, tuna, poultry, liver and whole grains. CoQ10 helps soften wrinkles and other signs of aging. 3. I just hired a trainer in an attempt to take my physicality to the next level. I’m now in the weight room lifting a minimum of 3 times per week and doing cardio 6 days per week.

My Samsung, my Nutri Bullet and my hairstylists, Roi Alan and Travis Player of Tease, Color & Style Bar.

Yes. Everytime I get on an elevator I have an abnormal fear it will get stuck and I will be found dead in there months later. Thank goodness it hasn’t happened!

St. Martin, Paris and Hong Kong.

I really think participating in politics first as an elected official, now as an analyst in combination with my consulting firm is my dream job! However, if I had to pick one other, maybe  an anesthesiologist.

I used to date a gentleman who introduced me to the James Bond movies. I know I’m on the late-train for this one, but even though we don’t date anymore, I’m still watching those movies on NetFlix. I’m  still catching up on the James Bond series from Sean Connery all the way up to Pierce Brosnan. As for those Bond girls? I think they’re fabulous!

I love to jam to rap music when in my car or my son’s truck. My sons often post videos of me on Snapchat while I’m jamming. They think it’s hilarious.