Fashion lovers always looking for the latest thing  can count on Saks Fifth Avenue at The Mall at University Town Center. In addition to the first full-line retail store opened by Saks in the last decade, Saks in Sarasota now has a new general manager to help shoppers navigate through the world of couture dresses and designer shows. Terri Najmolhoda spoke with us about a few of the favorite things in her own life.

The Family Unit

My father had a large family but I was the only daughter and only granddaughter in my family. Growing up with 10 or 11 boys, it helped me know there were no boundaries. I could do everything they could do.

Peter Diamandis

I am in deep in his book, Abundance: The Future is Better Than You Think. His perspective is fascinating. I just love it. I heard him speak for 30 minutes and I was impressed. He had everyone’s full attention, and his whole message is that we need to embrace what is really going on in the world and form our own opinion based on data instead of relying on other sources and only stopping there.

Troy, Michigan

I began at Saks in Troy as designer manager, and started right on the designer floor. It was a great opportunity to be on the front line and involved with everything. Later I returned to that store and dedicated myself to the community.

Coco Chanel

Her tenacity. Her courage. She was taking risks during her time. She introduced trousers, and she helped women understand that in times of war you can still be fashionable and practical. She celebrated fashion with simplicity at a time when it was about abundance. Think of the little black dress that now hangs in every woman’s wardrobe in some way, shape or fashion.

First Chanel Bag

Every woman remembers her first Chanel handbag purchase. My first one is absolutely beautiful and inspired by vintage. It reminded me of a handbag my great grandmother carried. It’s lavender and has a beautiful camellia, the flower of Coco Chanel, made in the same toile she wrapped the back of the bag. I absolutely treasure it.

Tapas

Barcelona is a city that really stayed with me. It has great culture and great people, and the food—so many types of tapas. The tradition there is eating much later at night. It’s almost as if Barcelona goes to sleep for just a few hours and then everyone just wakes up. That was fascinating.

Marriage

I’m celebrating 20 years of marriage with my husband, Vahid. His parents are still together, and my parents are still together. It’s about understanding each other and supporting each other. I wouldn’t be able to travel all over unless I had a husband supportive of that.

Kayaking

I was recently living in Washington, D.C. and took up kayaking. I grew up around the Great Lakes in Michigan. But when I was growing up, everyone was paddle boating, and then jet skiing was a big deal. I like kayaking because it’s an independent sport. I relax by the water. It’s a great escape, and at the same time, it’s a good physical workout.

Finley

My No. 1 hobby is walking my dog, Finley. He was a four-month-old rescue when we got him. He’s a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. We got lucky.