Transcript

Wendy Cohen
(0:16) Hello, Powerhouse Smart friends and colleagues. We are here for episode 10 of the Powerhouse (0:23) Cool Collabs. And this is kind of a second generation of this discussion on what just (0:31) transpired in Naples, Southwest Florida at the Naples Luxury Conference.So today I have dual (0:38) guests. They're both going to share some really interesting and exciting information. So I'm (0:43) going to have them both introduce themselves.And then we're going to ask a few questions and share (0:49) about their experience at the Naples Luxury Conference. But let me give you a little sneak (0:53) peek of what happened. We decided that, and we always have a charity benefactor, (1:00) mostly at all of our events, but for sure at our luxury conferences that are in key cities.So (1:06) Naples was just recently in February of 2025. And then the next one will be in Chicago, (1:12) the ninth annual luxury conference at Chicago, November 5th, 2025. So we always want to give (1:19) back because we're so fortunate that we live in a community where we get to be surrounded by (1:24) beauty and we get to help people achieve what would be a dream for most of them, designing (1:30) and building luxury properties, homes and commercial properties.And so we decided (1:37) that this time we would have an artist create a live painting. And in this case, we interviewed (1:45) and selected the beautiful Michelle Gorga. And you're going to learn about who she is briefly.
(1:51) And she actually started with a blank canvas, quite a large canvas, 60 inches by 48 inches. So (1:57) you can imagine for those of us in the design world, that's a beautiful key piece you would put (2:03) in a room and would be the signature piece. So Michelle started with a white canvas at (2:09) Walter E. Smith, where they were our host for the conference.And by the end of the day at about (2:15) seven o'clock, we did a raffle. There were other raffle prizes, but Michelle's piece was the key (2:22) and just such an unbelievable opportunity for raffle winners. And we unveiled by turning around (2:30) the pieces she had been painting and the room went quiet and in awe.Just such a stunning, (2:37) stunning original art. And then we've selected the raffle winner. And the winner is with us today.(2:43) She owns and operates her own interior design firm. So perfect, right? Everything comes together, (2:50) music to our ears. So what I'm going to do is let Michelle Gorga start by telling us a little (2:56) about her and her artistic world. Michelle, please tell us about yourself.

Michelle Gorga
Thank you, (3:01) Wendy. It's a pleasure to be here.And hi, Diane. It's good to see you again.

Diane Torrisi
Hi, Michelle.

Michelle Gorga
So (3:08) I paint peace and possibility on large scale canvas for cottages to castles in the sky. (3:16) And it was an honor to be invited to the event. Thank you, Wendy, for having me.And (3:21) I was so excited to get the invite. And it's a pleasure to be here again today. Thank you.

Wendy Cohen
(3:27) Wonderful, wonderful. So Michelle was you and I didn't really know each other six months ago, (3:32) but since then we've become fast friends and, you know, intimately know each other's lives and (3:39) take care of helping each other. And I learned so much about you.You really have such an amazing (3:45) story. And I'm just thrilled that this is just the beginning because we're going to do lots of (3:50) other things together real quick before we turn it over and we learn about Diane has anything (3:55) transpired about other people reaching out to you after meeting you at the Naples Luxury Conference (4:01) new colleagues?

Michelle Gorga
Oh, my gosh. So well, actually, I had a meeting with West Edge, (4:13) your colleague in California, regarding the event in November, the Chicago event in November.(4:23) And, oh, my gosh, and Diane and I discussed a potential opportunity with her penthouse client (4:31) for next year, maybe. Yeah, I mean, I was thinking of the different unfoldings, if you will, (4:40) the conversations that I've had since I met you, and it just continues to grow. Thank you.

Wendy Cohen
(4:47) And that is exactly why we do what we do. We just love that. And we want to keep hearing that.And (4:52) you, you and I will stay in close contact. So that's wonderful. So Diane, so nice to have (4:58) you in my network and my family now.So please share with us you and everything you do.

Diane Torrisi
 (5:05) Well, the pleasure is all mine. It was lovely meeting you, Wendy, and Michelle has come into (5:10) my life has been like this little extra angel.I am Diane Terresi. I have a design studio here (5:19) in Bonita Springs in downtown Bonita, where it's all fun and everybody's flocking to. (5:26) This is a second career for me.I actually went back to design school at the age of 48. (5:31) And I have not looked back. I have loved every minute of it.It was the best decision I ever (5:36) made. Funnily enough, I have never ever won anything in my entire life. I bought the raffle (5:45) tickets, I splurged on them, because I absolutely wanted a chance that you know, I didn't think I (5:51) had to win whatever Michelle was making, because I saw her in the background, working feverishly.(5:57) And when I won, I mean, I could not believe it. And I have been so, so, so pleased. (6:04) I actually work with another designer here in my studio.And he's like, you cannot take this home (6:08) yet. You have to leave it in the studio. So people can see it.And everyone who walks in, (6:16) stops and it has to say something about it. And everyone loves it. They better love it because (6:21) otherwise, but it is it is a fabulous piece.It's huge. I'm not sure I can get it into my little (6:28) Kia to take it home. But for the moment, it has a very honorable place in the studio.So everyone (6:34) can see it when they visit.

Wendy Cohen
Wow, wow, that's wonderful. So I do want to mention that the (6:40) raffle tickets, all of the proceeds went to the nonprofit David Lauren centers, and they specialize (6:45) in serving all of Collier County and beyond with mental health and behavioral services.(6:51) The money went to an amazing cause, but I love the fact. And so we in the preview, (6:57) we had a preview podcast with David Lauren centers and Michelle. And so you can watch that (7:02) and learn about the charity as well.So Diane, you started your business as a second career. (7:07) So are you living like every day, like pinching yourself or what?

Diane Torrisi
(7:12) Oh, absolutely. I can't wait for Monday morning. I really, I mean, I know it sounds a little (7:16) cliche, maybe a little cheesy, but I really, really love what I do. I look forward to I just (7:24) want to make things more beautiful for people. I love meeting my clients.I love working with them. (7:29) Some of them become friends, as we all know, in everything we do. You do sometimes have that (7:34) connection with people, which is absolutely a gift and a gift from the universe.And (7:41) yes, it's, it's, it's, I am in the right place for it as well. I mean, Naples and Bonita, (7:47) but I love the small town feel of downtown Bonita. It just feeds my soul.

Wendy Cohen
(7:53) Yeah.

Diane Torrisi
And I live here too. I live six minutes away.So yeah, I hate, you know, community (8:00) traveling. So this is wonderful.

Wendy Cohen
Yeah.We've loved everyone that we have now (8:05) added to our network and our community in Naples, Southwest Florida. It's just been (8:10) like a breath of fresh air. Everyone's really just, yeah.And so I see you won a best of (8:16) congratulations.

Diane Torrisi
Oh yes. That was in, I think 2022 best of Gulf shore life.
There's a couple of (8:22) things. I actually, you know, it's a, it's another designer friend of mine that said, (8:27) you have all these accolades and these pride, you need to show them because I was being a little bit (8:32) more, you know, I'm like, I don't want to brag about it, but it's nice. It is, it is absolutely (8:36) very nice to have these awards and have them, you know, be recognized and have them in the (8:41) background there with of course, the best thing is a picture of my granddaughter.

Wendy Cohen
(8:45) Absolutely.

Diane Torrisi
Grandchild. Yes.

Wendy Cohen
Right there with you. And you know what the accolades (8:51) just are a reinforcement that you're exactly where you're supposed to be. Right.

Diane Torrisi
Well said.

Wendy Cohen
(8:56) Yeah. So, and so, so tell us where do you think you might place this magnificent piece?

Diane Torrisi
(9:02) It will go in a living room somewhere when I find, and I will put things, you know, (9:07) I do have some things hanging on the wall right now.They will have to be moved, but I don't see (9:13) it going to my house anytime too soon because it's, it has really sort of, you know, found its space (9:19) here and part of the family.

Wendy Cohen
Okay. That's wonderful.And I understand getting it to you was a little (9:25) bit of a challenge. What happened?

Diane Torrisi
Well, I, Michelle, thank God had a big car because I have, (9:33) I have a Kia Soul in it, which is kind of boxy and you can definitely get a lot in there. (9:37) I'm surprised people, but it might have been a challenge.It is a big piece and I love a big (9:42) piece of art and an original piece of art is just, I think once you start buying original art, (9:50) you just keep going because there's nothing more satisfying.

Wendy Cohen
(9:54) Absolutely. Absolutely.Well, that's wonderful. So Michelle, tell us, you know, about your (10:00) living with an attitude of gratitude and I'm going to find this piece to share if you don't mind (10:05) while you talk.

Michelle Gorga
So when you ask that question, the first thing I think of is my grandmother, (10:10) who was the woman, the mother, if you will, in my world.And it was, it was a way of life (10:19) to simply give for the sake of giving. She did things like keeping her church afloat when (10:28) they were struggling in my little tiny town to whatever organization showed up at the door. (10:35) She took her checkbook out.She wasn't afraid to give. And I think I inherited that from her. (10:42) And I believe that we can all give whether it's time, money, product, something, there's always (10:48) something that we can give.And the fastest way to feel amazing for anybody is to do something (10:56) philanthropic.

Wendy Cohen
Oh, absolutely. Absolutely.It's so interesting because I didn't know you real well (11:02) yet. And I asked you to do a live painting, having no idea, you know, and the value was just under (11:08) $7,000. And you so graciously, Michelle said, yes, right away.And it's just, it filled my heart. And (11:16) I just knew I was in the right place. So the photo I'm showing you here is when we actually selected (11:25) Diane's raffle ticket.And so Diane, you were sitting next to your friends and they're laughing (11:29) like I can't believe it.

Diane Torrisi
Oh, because I had just said to her that I've never won anything. And I (11:35) really, really wanted to win that.And then when you read out the number, I said, that's me. (11:41) And we couldn't believe it. Oh, yes.They were happy for me, as you can see her beautiful face. (11:46) Yes.

Wendy Cohen
Yes.Oh, that's wonderful. And then this is actually, I love this picture because look at (11:53) Michelle, she's so proud, like, we had just announced all the other, you know, selections. (12:01) And this was, of course, the whole reason why people were waiting till the end of the evening.(12:05) And there you are next to the piece. Look at that piece. That is magnificent, Michelle.

Diane Torrisi
(12:10) The colors don't do it justice. I mean, it's actually much bolder. (12:15) Or there's more luminosity when you see it in real life.

Wendy Cohen
(12:19) Absolutely. And so then there's Michelle and you now fast friends. And it's just (12:26) just one of those lovely stories that is what are what we hope to have every day in our life, (12:31) right, where we can come together, grow together, build new relationships, and then the giving (12:37) keeps coming back and forwards and all paying it forward.Right.

Diane Torrisi
(12:42) It's important for designers to have relationships with artists, local artists, (12:46) I love to promote locally. So in any way, shape or form.So yes, it's it's really important.

Wendy Cohen
(12:52) Wonderful. So we're having another event in Naples, Southwest Florida, it'll be a smaller (12:58) event.We'll probably do three or four quarterly events. I know Michelle already told me she would (13:02) be my powerhouse greeter at the door because she's already made so many beautiful relationships. (13:09) And of course, Diane, I might even have you be I understood you've had your own podcast in the (13:15) past

Diane Torrisi
So that's correct. That's correct. Yes, tastefully yours.Oh, we enjoyed very much. But (13:21) it's as you know, it's very time consuming. But yes, anything I can do to help you organize, (13:27) let me know.

Wendy Cohen
Okay, well, you're definitely part of our powerhouse smart community. We love to have (13:31) you and I hope to see you on or I hope to see all the excitement that happens in the next event. (13:37) And then this penthouse project that you and Michelle might work on going forward.
That'll (13:41) be awesome. Michelle, any closing words here? I know you and I are going to be very tightly (13:48) attached to the hip. How's that?

Michelle Gorga
I just want to say, thanks, Diane, for being the person that (13:55) was the winner.And you are a winner. And thanks to Patrick also for loving the work as well. It (14:04) was a pleasure to meet him as well at your studio.And I really, really had a great time. It was it (14:11) was so many different pieces and parts. And in the earlier if you see the earlier podcast, (14:18) Wendy refers to the conference as a love fest.And I had, we all kind of chuckled. But it really (14:24) is what I mean, everybody was laughing and having fun. And it was really an amazing event.So if you (14:33) for those people who are watching it, or watching this podcast, if you haven't participated or (14:38) got involved, I would encourage you to do so because Wendy is a rock star. Thank you.

Wendy Cohen
(14:44) Thank you.Thank you so much, Michelle. And I'm so glad that you're boots on the ground for us (14:48) in Naples as we have more events. And then you mentioned you're going to come to Chicago for the (14:54) ninth annual Chicago Luxury Conference.We started powerhouse smart when I opened up (14:58) the company 19 years ago. And this is our ninth conference in Chicago. So what you saw in Naples, (15:06) Diane and Michelle, you're going to see exponentially.So it'll be a great event. (15:12) Diane, I seriously would consider anybody flying in if you want to expand, you know, (15:16) expand your business and, and meet other colleagues that are like minded as you are. (15:21) And then West Edge Design Fair, Michelle.That's in Southern California. That's another part of (15:27) what we do in powerhouse smart. That's actually where I am today in Southern California.(15:31) Megan Riley's the co founder, they have 10,000 people that come to West Edge Design Fair over (15:39) three days. So we do a preview event 100 luxury industry professionals, all builders, architects, (15:46) interior designers, landscape architects, as you saw in Naples, we get a pre tour before it opens (15:51) to the public. And then we roll right into their charity opening night reception.And so Michelle, (15:58) if you decide to come in, you're welcome to stay with us. But if you decide to come in, (16:03) I promise you if you even have anything on display, talk about growing your business and (16:10) everything they do in West Edge is design related. So it's all of everything in the industry, (16:15) including art, and wallpaper and lighting and you just name it.So I can't stress enough, (16:22) if you were going to come and dip your toe into what we do in the Southern California area, (16:26) that would be an event to come in for. So without further ado, ladies, I want to (16:31) just give you my incredible gratitude. Thank you so much for helping us give back and help humanity (16:37) for putting your your faith and support and coming to our events.And, you know, for just (16:43) being who you are and helping us, you know, live every day to the fullest and an attitude of (16:48) gratitude. So thank you, ladies.

Diane Torrisi
Thank you.

Michelle Gorga
Thank you.

Wendy Cohen
(16:52) And all the links to reach Diane and to reach Michelle will be here below as well as a (17:01) transcript of this. So for all my viewers here today, it's all about sharing and giving without (17:07) expecting anything in return.And that's exactly who these two women are and hope to see you very (17:13) soon. Thank you.

Michelle Gorga and Diane Torrisi
Thank you.