Up– Toward a higher place.

Vibe – A distinctive feeling capable of being sensed.

It was the early 2000s, & Rob Beiner, a TV sports producer, was looking for a lead commentator for a small show called the World Salsa Championships on ESPN. I was nearing the end of my professional dancing journey, & I desperately wanted a new career: lead commentator. I knew I could do it, but I wondered, how do I get on Mr. Beiner’s radar?

I found out he was going to be watching performances at the New York Salsa Congress in Midtown Manhattan. I was pretty well-known in the salsa world at the time, so I knew meeting him there wouldn’t seem like an addicted caffeine drinker chasing his morning espresso.

I grabbed a female friend I knew in the scene, started dancing with her, & danced my way over to Rob. I created a small crowd of people to attract his attention. When the song ended, I thanked the girl while a few onlookers applauded.

I then walked over to Mr. Beiner, introduced myself, & casually said that I was interested in auditioning for the lead commentator role. He asked me if I had any experience, and even though I had never commentated before, I listed off numerous dance performances I had the pleasure of being a part of—Madison Square Garden, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, & a slew of other places. He didn’t look overly impressed. In fact, his facial expression was somewhere between a stone & a cardboard cutout.

Sensing the BIG lull in the mood, I quickly upped the vibe. That’s when I said, “Mr. Beiner, I know you are probably bombarded with people asking for an opportunity to work with you but this lead commentator job is perfect for me, & I can prove it.” He said, “Okay, prove it!” I replied, “With your 11 impressive Emmys along with my Emmys, together we have a total of 11 Emmys.” He smiled, looked at me, laughed a bit, & said, “Give me a call Monday morning. I like the way you think.”

What does this have to do with UP Vibe?

A lot actually.

I started UP Vibe when I realized the need for a positive change, or, shall I say, an up vibe in my life. This realization followed a challenging 3 year period that involved two dance-related surgeries, numerous illnesses, & a bacterial infection resulting in a loss of over 30 pounds.

Grateful for a 2nd chance at a real life & fueled by newfound energy during my healing process, I stumbled upon the art of candle making. After discovering that I could make concrete candle jars as well, I expanded my educational research and quickly started to obsess about my concrete candle branding. Keep in mind, I had no idea what I was doing, yet I was looking to brand my inexperienced work before even learning how to create it. 

As my passion for branding grew, UP Vibe took form. More than just a concrete candle business, UP Vibe embodies a part of my soul that empowers me to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Corny? Maybe, but through the UP Vibe YouTube Channel, my Winning Formula Concrete Candle Jar Course, the sale of unique silicone molds, and the creation of distinctive UP Vibe concrete candles, I aspire to bring joy, laughter, inspiration, education, energy, & a commitment to self-improvement into the lives of those open to experiencing an UP Vibe.

Let’s go!