Deborah Emery
Owner and director of the Emery Medical Center and Spa, which specializes in Cosmetic Surgery, Laser Procedures, and Medical Spa Services.
What challenges have you faced as a businesswoman? I feel that women have to work just a bit harder to prove themselves, especially when you are the owner or “Boss.” Women have to be more diplomatic when working with male employees in order to gain their respect, confidence and trust. A woman in command is still sometimes questioned in our society.
What challenges have you faced as a businesswoman? Absolutely, as a woman in business and as a mother, I find that I have the ability to be more objective and insightful in dealing with challenges. I started my professional career as an actress and model where you have to sell and market yourself. You have to assess what people want and need and then meet those needs. Women tend to be good listeners and as a business owner I apply that skill to insure my customer is being heard and receiving what they really want. I take the time to make sure that all my business interactions are full circle so everyone wins.
How do you balance career and personal life?
It is very simple: my family comes first. I keep a flexible work schedule and compartmentalize my day. I use my driving time to accomplish many work-related tasks. To insure the workplace is performing at its best, I hire people better than me to implement the important jobs of the day. This frees me up to have more time with my family. I have a rule: no work, other than volunteer, after 5 p.m. I also do not work on weekends. We have a very close family and we all make it a priority to have family and friend time.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
My husband and I like to travel three to four times a year, especially to the Caribbean. Skiing is something we enjoy in the winter, and summer at our ranch in Sonoma is spectacular. We enjoy riding our horses that we have bred, beaching it at our lake, hiking around the vineyards and socializing with our family, friends and visitors. Like Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz said, “There’s no place like home.”
What are your goals for the future?
I am living my dreams right now, but looking to the future. My goal for our vineyard is to produce and sell a Sonoma Hillside Cabernet that people feel is really special. In the area of community involvement, I would like to expand my contribution in various ways, focusing on our youth and insuring that Sonomans have the best of what any community can offer. Personally, I want to continue to grow and challenge myself as well as staying curious while on this journey of life. Finally, as a grandmother, or “La La,” of two little girls, I want to be a major presence in their lives and serve as a role model to help them realize themselves to the fullest.
Who are your role models?
It may sound corny, but my mother stands alone; she gave me my motivation, desire and determination. What she never had in life is what she gave me the courage to do. She had vision and know-how, and had an ability to impart those qualities in me. They say we learn by example, but in my mother’s case, she may not have personally done something, but could somehow set the tone for me to do the impossible. Then she motivated me to do it. She saw things bigger than life and knew how to put adversity in its place, always having a smile when the going was tough. I am grateful to have my mom and dad living just a quick 10 minute drive across town, where my mom still watches my every move.
As child, did you foresee yourself in this position?
Coming from Oakland, and a struggling family of six, success was what the guy on T.V. or the people in the magazines had. What is really meaningful to me is knowing that I made something of myself because I believed I could. I put in the time and effort it takes; that’s the fun part and I love what I do. I step back sometimes and am amazed and grateful for the quality of life that I live.
Why did you choose Sonoma?
About 20 years ago my husband and I were looking for a ranch property to retire on. We looked all throughout the western states. One day we stumbled upon a small ad in our local newspaper describing a property in Sonoma. After two years of looking around, then viewing the Sonoma property, we had found home on this beautiful ranch. We love the land, the town, the people, and the small town feeling. We moved our business and our family full-time to Sonoma about six years ago and love it.
What makes what you do stand out?
I feel I have infectious energy (like a pied-piper), a zest for life, approachable personality, and I don’t leave any stone unturned. I enjoy interaction with all types of people, in particular young people trying to figure out life. I firmly believe in the saying “never let them see you sweat” and I have learned to never sweat the small stuff. I stay positive, and have a genuinely optimistic attitude. Life is a gift and I love making the most of it.
Deborah Emery, a former actress, model, and beauty expert, held the title of Mrs. United States in 1992-93. Along with owning and directing the Emery Medical Center and Spa, which specializes in Cosmetic Surgery, Laser Procedures, and Medical Spa Services, Emery and her husband own the Emery Estate Vineyards, a 40-acre Sonoma Hills cabernet vineyard. Emery works with her husband, John, in all aspects of the vineyard property; they expect their first release in 2007. She also oversees four North Bay properties that are going to be developed.
Mary Ann Cuneo
President, Chief Executive Officer of
Sebastiani Vineyards Inc.
What challenges have you faced as a businesswoman?
This industry used to be pretty much an old “boys club,” which was challenging to women in the wine industry in the past, but this has progressed over the years. Often times women CEO’s decisions are not as easily accepted as men’s by company staff; I have not experienced this personally, but I am sure it is a challenge for many women CEO’s out there
Is being a woman an asset? How?
I try not to think of my sex as an asset or a detriment; I am in an industry where my product is consumed predominantly by women, so I think being in the same demographic is definitely an asset.
How do you balance career and personal life?
Sometimes it is difficult. But, as my dear mother once said, “Don’t let your work interfere too much with your family and social life.” So, I try plan important events with my family and friends well in advance. Then, I make sure I am covered, but I do take the time to be with the people who are important in my life. But, sometimes there are conflicts, and then obtaining the balance is difficult.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I enjoy being with my family, trips to Tahoe, playing poker with my friends, riding four-wheelers in the mountains, and traveling. I also spend a lot of time playing on my computer.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal for the future is to continue our business as an ongoing viable family business, which is an asset to our community.
Who are your role models?
My father was my primary businesses role model. After I was married, my husband and I became partners in some real estate ventures; he taught me much about business and property management.
As a child, did you foresee yourself in this position?
No, never. Only about 10 years ago did I realize that I might someday find myself in this position. Both of my brothers were pursuing other ventures and it looked as though the mantle might perhaps be passed on to me.
Why did you choose Sonoma?
My father was born in Sonoma, my mother moved here when she was 11 years old; and consequently, I was born in Sonoma. While I love to visit other places, I have never had a desire to live anywhere else.
What makes what you do stand out?
Our business is somewhat unique. We are carrying on a legacy of over one hundred years of winemaking in Sonoma Valley. In a consolidating industry, we have remained family-owned. We make an excellent quality wine at an affordable price. And we have a Declassification System to assure that our wines are either “equal to or better than the wine from our previous vintage.”
The third generation of the famous Sebastiani winemaking family has taken on the leadership role with Mary Ann Sebastiani Cuneo, President and Chief Executive Officer. The daughter of August and Sylvia Sebastiani, Cuneo guides the company in its renaissance and emphasis on becoming the leader among Sonoma Valley’s quality wineries. Cuneo officially joined the winery in 1980, managing all winery property, real estate dealings and the hospitality department. Today, Cuneo’s attention is focused on the ambitious two-year project to renovate and retrofit the original winery building, built in 1903.
Sondra Bernstein
Proprietor of the girl & the fig, the fig cafe & winebar, author of the girl & the fig Cookbook
What challenges have you faced as a businesswoman?
I honestly don’t think that being a woman has affected my ability to be in business. When I was younger (in my 20’s) I think it was more challenging than now.
Is being a woman an asset? How?
Not necessarily. Maybe sometimes on a compassionate level with staff (the motherly instinct in me comes out).
How do you balance career and personal life?
Not very well!!!! My career has always taken precedent over my personal life. The interesting thing about being in the restaurant business is that it is very social, so in regards to that aspect of my life, I am very fulfilled.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love to travel, yoga, read, wine & dine.
What are your goals for the future?
I would like to travel more, continue building my business, spend more time at home.
Who are your role models?
My family — all in their different ways.
As a child, did you foresee yourself in this position?
No, I didn’t know what I was going to do, I actually got a degree in photography.
Why did you choose Sonoma?
I felt that if I was going to be in the Hospitality business, there is no place that is comparable to Sonoma in regards to great product, wine, landscape ...
What makes what you do stand out?
I don’t know that I stand out, but if I do it must be because I am driven, passionate and have an incredible staff that believes in what we are doing!
Sondra Bernstein is the Proprietor of the girl & the fig in Sonoma & the fig café & winebar in Glen Ellen. Berstein is also the author of the “the girl & the fig Cookbook” published by Simon & Schuster in April 2004. Her gourmet food product line is available nationwide under the girl & the fig label. Bernstein also hosts a weekly radio program called “The Sonoma Kitchen” that airs on Thursdays from 3 - 4 p.m. on KSVY 91.3 Sonoma. Later this year, she will open the fig pantry, a gourmet to go, deli, wine & gift store as well as Les Petites Maisons, four vacation cottages one mile from the Sonoma plaza.
Ditty Vella
Owner of The Cheesemaker’s Daughter, a cheese shop (with some other things, too).
What challenges have you faced as a businesswoman?
I have found that the challenges I’ve faced have all been set up by me in anticipation of an expected outcome. And mostly the outcome is not what I’ve expected, there was no real challenge, just my fears. That’s my biggest challenge; let go of the fear and just go for it, whatever it is.
Is being a woman an asset? How?
I have never felt held back by the fact that I’m a woman.
How do you balance career and personal life?
I don’t feel that I have a “career.” My life has been a path bringing me to where I am now and taking me to the next place. My work is part of the whole of my life. People I work with tend to become friends, my life and work are integrated.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love to travel, to look for new tastes to bring back home. Gardening, cooking, reading are all things I enjoy.
What are your goals for the future?
I don’t have any goals really - just seeing where the path takes me next, what’s over the next hill, what catches my interest.
Who are your role models?
I have gotten many lessons from many people. I couldn’t name just one or two.
As a child, did you foresee yourself in this position? No
Why did you choose Sonoma?
I was born here and while I have found a few other places I would like to live, I haven’t figured out how to make a living there.
What makes what you do stand out?
I love people, I love good food and right now I’m putting those two things together in a retail environment.
The Cheesemaker’s Daughter is situated just one-half block off Sonoma Plaza in downtown Sonoma, California. Proprietress Ditty Vella, the store’s namesake, grew up in the award-winning Vella Cheese Company family. Although Vella’s roots are in American cheeses, the shop offers a wonderful variety of fine European artisanal cheeses as well — it’s a small specialty foods store that’s big on friendly, relaxed service. Vella adds her own unique sense of style and is generous with advice on any of the cheeses or other fine foods in the store.
Valerie Brown
Sonoma County Supervisor, representing District 1
What challenges have you faced as a businesswoman?
While I am currently very pleased to serve in the elected capacity of First District Supervisor, I also have had local business experience. I began a business in Sonoma in 1984 – The Sonoma Valley Educational Center. Sonoma is a wonderful place to start a business with many resources available to help a person get started. I joined the Chamber of Commerce and learned from Patti Peters how to market my business and began. I think if you have a business that fills a niche that is needed in the community, the challenges are only those of beginning any new project – time, money and commitment.
Is being a woman an asset? How?
Women are consumers – they understand the marketplace and what benefits in the workplace are necessary for a family to prosper. Certainly approaching a business using the common sense and commitment necessary to all of us in our daily lives is an asset, and those women who have the experience of balancing the needs and demands of children and family in addition to business needs are clearly highly skilled in time management and prioritization.
How do you balance career and personal life?
Sometimes it is very difficult. My days are long and weekends are usually in front of a computer catching up. I have learned that scheduling some down time, working in the garden, being with friends, and reading a good book helps rejuvenate me – so I try to make sure that time is allowed in the schedule for those activities.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I actually find working very satisfying – whether it is county business or my garden – and spending time with friends and family is incredibly gratifying.
What are your goals for the future?
I am very happy as a county supervisor, finding it both challenging and rewarding, and I hope to continue to serve the people of the First District for some time to come. I am also seeking a leadership position in the National Association of Counties which would provide Sonoma County and California with a stronger voice at the federal level.
Who are your role models?
Women who have full time jobs with a young family at home – they actually have two, and perhaps three or four jobs if you include outside activities for the family. Also women who have decided to extend their family to include their aging parents in addition to having a career.
As child, did you foresee yourself in this position?
I saw myself as a teacher – used to play school all the time. Never saw myself in this type of position but recognize that my role is more often than not as an educator – the school room changes with the subject. In fact, I hope the community will come to my Water Summit on March 23 at the Veteran’s Building in Sonoma.
Why did you choose Sonoma?
I grew up in Missouri and lived in Southern California for 13 years. I visited Sonoma during that time and fell in love with a climate that seemed more seasonal to me — without the snow – and a countryside that is breathtaking. During those visits I built a strong community of friendship that exists today. Sonoma is indeed a special place.
What makes what you do stand out?
I work hard and enjoy solving problems and consensus building. Every day is a new learning experience that I enjoy sharing with others. Looking at both sides and making a decision that is in the best interest of all requires a lot of strength, especially when there are those who refuse to consider the facts, just rely on their opinion. I’ve never been afraid to make a decision that is unpopular if I have done my homework and evaluated the issue from all sides.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Valerie Brown’s father was a state zoologist and wetlands expert, and she spent much of her childhood in the outdoors in the Trimble Wildlife Area. Brown received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and English at the University of Missouri in 1972. She earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lindenwood College, Missouri, and was licensed in 1978 as a marriage, family and child counselor. After serving on the Sonoma City Council as mayor and vice-mayor, Brown served in the State Assembly representing District 7 from 1992-1998. She currently holds the position of Sonoma County Supervisor, representing District 1.
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Deborah Emery. Photographed by Rebecca Gosselin
Mary Ann Cuneo. Submitted Photo
Sondra Bernstein. Photographed by Rebecca Gosselin
Ditty Vella. Photographed by Rebecca Gosselin
Valerie Brown. Submitted Photo.
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