I believe visualization makes dreams come true, and anything is possible. My life is a testimony to that philosophy.

I grew up in Long Beach, California in a 1928 California-Spanish home. It was there, that unknowingly, my appreciation for historic architecture and my passion for preserving fine, old buildings and the objects within them began.

For as long as I can remember I have loved to create things. From fashion and photographs to floral arrangements and gardens, businesses and houses, even conceiving a thoughtful letter - if I can create something from nothing - even better! My fascination with the "use what you already have" design philosophy began at a young age.

In junior high school I wrote in my journal that I would one day own a business. But it wasn't until I moved to Palm Springs, California in the early 1980s, that I discovered the perfect outlet for that ambition and my creative spirit - retail! My first business was a clothing boutique, La Mariposa, in the heart of that beautiful resort city. While operating that successful business, I opened two more shops in Palm Springs.

AristoKatz, which opened in 1989, was a gift shop comprised solely of cat-related items. Many business owners told me it would never fly, but within a few short years it was among countless pet boutiques across the country building a multi-million-dollar industry. In 1998, I opened a 2,000 sq. ft. upscale gift, home décor and stationery store, Mosaic, next to La Mariposa.

It was then, operating three businesses at once, with a staff of 14, that the City of Palm Springs honored me with the prestigious Athena Award as Entrepreneur of the Year and Small Business of the Year - two awards that I still hold very dear. In addition, the mayor and city council proclaimed December 20 as Diane Matzner Day in Palm Springs.

My husband Evan and I met in Palm Springs in 1984 and married in 1989. Among the many things we share in common, becoming successful entrepreneurs was a personal goal for each of us. We offered each other support and inspiration as we ventured on our independent career paths.

Watching him at work as a real estate developer, I learned quickly that retail merchandising is very similar to interior design, displaying décor and furniture placement in a home. The lines, materials and style of a structure can inspire the décor of a home or set the theme for a business. Coincidently, we made it our side-gig to refurbish and "flip" many single-family homes and rental properties, which was fun and profitable at the same time. Since then, I have also had the opportunity to style two multi-million-dollar housing developments from scratch, which meant choosing all design materials, colors and themes for a total of 32 custom homes.

I love every phase of remodeling and building from blueprints on up. All parts, from cabinets to plumbing, flooring to paint choices, the exterior landscape to the interior furniture placement - even the location of the front door - work best when they are in harmony. I have always paid close attention to details and believe that is my "secret" to success.

Another important aspect of successful growth is sharing that success with others. I believe "you get what you give." During my years as a business owner, a major component of my accomplishments came from also contributing to charity, community and government. I led many boards and committees, energizing "think tanks," which transformed concepts into realities. Organizing special events for non-profits is a natural talent I love to share with others. Friends and family call me "The Queen of Theme," a title I am happy to live up to.

I am passionate about travel and have visited all corners of the globe, including Africa, Australia, Budapest, Europe, Fiji, Greece, India, Prague, Tahiti, with extensive trips to Mexico.

Working hard and playing hard has rewarded me with many rich experiences. Keeping balance between the two is my most challenging life's work.

The journey continues and is always better than the destination!

"Roughing it" in Alaska

Evan and Me - Joshua Tree, Calif.

Trekking Through Luxor, Egypt

Otter & Boswell enjoying the view of Haystack Rock

At home with the Matzner's