Unleashing the Strategic Art of Gifting
From Classical Ballet to Strategic Storytelling Through Gifts
From my earliest days living abroad, I’ve been captivated by the power of stories — not just those told in words, but those expressed through movement, art, and objects. As a classical ballerina performing on global stages such as the Kennedy and Lincoln Centers, I learned that every gesture can carry meaning, every detail can tell a story. Later, in a twenty-year career in public relations and consulting, I came to understand that storytelling isn’t only creative — it’s strategic. It shapes perception, builds trust, and inspires connection.
That understanding deepened during a pivotal chapter in Washington, D.C., where I served as a White House Diplomatic Gifts Officer. In that role, I designed gifts and orchestrated the high-profile exchange of gifts between the White House and foreign leaders — an extraordinary opportunity to fuse strategy with artistry. Each gift became a message: crafted to convey intent, advance relationships, and embody the values of a nation. I witnessed firsthand how an object, when designed with strategy and narrative, could influence diplomacy and strengthen alliances.
I had the honor of curating gifts for world leaders on behalf of the U.S. President, First Lady, Vice President, Second Lady, and Secretary of State across two administrations. These were carefully designed artifacts — archival folios, historic patents, antique books, and custom-crafted pieces — each presented with precision and purpose. Through this experience, I became an observer of how strategy and story intertwine, and how gifting, when done with intention, becomes a language of influence.
That mastery — of symbolism, timing, and storytelling — became the foundation of Grand Unveiling. Today, I bring that same strategic artistry to organizations and corporations, helping them transform gifting into a powerful communication tool that strengthens relationships, expresses identity, and creates lasting impact.
My promise is simple: to design gifts that are as strategic as they are meaningful, that reflect who you are, where you are going, and what you value, and that deliver an element of surprise — a true Grand Unveiling worthy of the moment, much like Cleopatra’s legendary reveal to Caesar.
Because the best gifts don’t just impress — they influence, connect, and endure.
Curious about the logo? It’s as layered in strategy and story telling as the gifts I curate!
The Cleopatra Connection
As I considered how to share my philosophy of gifting on a wider scale, I came across a story that perfectly captured the essence of what I believe gifting can achieve — the legendary moment when Cleopatra unveiled herself to Julius Caesar.
According to history, she devised an ingenious plan that was part gift, part theater, and entirely strategy: she had herself rolled into a carpet and delivered to Caesar’s chambers. When the carpet unfurled, the Egyptian queen emerged — a breathtaking act of surprise, storytelling, and diplomacy. That single moment not only captivated Caesar but also reshaped political alliances and history itself.
This act — equal parts art, intention, and influence — became the inspiration for Grand Unveiling. It represents what I strive to create through every curated gift: something that reveals meaning, sparks connection, and transforms a gesture into a strategic statement.
The Grand Unveiling logo embodies this philosophy. A partially rolled rug reveals an Egyptian-inspired motif of royalty, echoing Cleopatra’s headdress. At its center sits the vulture, symbolizing power, grace, and protection — the queen herself reborn in modern form. Subtle “GU” for Grand Unveiling appears as if painted by hand with a reed brush (historical accuracy!) — intentionally imperfect, reflecting the artistry and humanity behind every curated detail.
Together, these symbols form more than a design. They represent a belief — that gifting, like Cleopatra’s reveal, is both an art form and a strategy. A way to tell a story, command attention, and create lasting influence.
Every gift has a story — a whisper of history, emotion, and intention. The Unveiled Journal explores the art and strategy behind meaningful giving, drawing on years of diplomatic gifting experience and a lifelong passion for storytelling. From behind-the-scenes insights to curated inspirations, each entry reveals how gifts can connect people, shape relationships, and leave an impact.
Engagements
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I’ll personally be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!