Michela O’Connor Abrams

Michela O’Connor Abrams is president and CEO of Dwell, the award-winning design brand founded in 2000 by Lara Deam. Michela’s fourteen years of leadership at Dwell has led to General Excellence at the National Magazine Awards, top sponsored event honors at Folio’s Marketing Awards, finalist in the corporate category for the prestigious National Design Awards, finalist for Folio’s Eddie and Ozzie Awards, and national recognition for both circulation growth and newsstand sales. In 2005, she conceived and launched Dwell on Design. Now in its eleventh year, it was recently designated Folio’s best overall B2C event and is the largest design show in the U.S.

Nicole Hollis

Nicole Hollis is a designer and creative director whose mission is to conceive timeless interiors that elevate the human spirit. As founder of the San Francisco-based NICOLEHOLLIS she leads an award-winning studio of more than thirty interior designers, interior architects and furniture designers to orchestrate her holistic approach to the art of living through residential, hospitality and product design.

NICOLEHOLLIS has been featured in The New York Times, Elle Décor, Architectural Digest and other publications. The firm has received accolades including the Luxe Interiors & Design Gold List, two California Home & Design Awards, four Hospitality Design magazine awards and a prestigious Gold Key Award for its work on Seattle’s Palladian Hotel.

Krystal Aeby

As vice president of marketing of global luxury real estate marketplace Concierge Auctions, Krystal Aeby is responsible for forecasting industry trends, developing marketing strategies to drive revenue, enhancing the company’s valuable database of high-net-worth clients, and consistently expanding the firm’s brand recognition. Under Aeby’s leadership, the Concierge marketing team has been highly recognized. Recent accolades include seven Telly Awards for its cutting-edge films; 13 awards including “Best in Show” for advertising and public relations from the National Auctioneers Association and USA Today and “Best Overall Marketing” from Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate.

Michelle Wamsley

Michelle began her career as a Software Developer in Silicon Valley where she worked for several high tech companies including 3COM, Silicon Graphics, Exodus Communications and Tibco Software. After her first visit to Kauai, she fell in love with the island and moved there full-time one week later. In her current role, Michelle specializes in creating beautiful websites for the Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers design team. When she's not in front of the screen, she enjoys spending time with her daughters, stand-up paddling, hiking, and running. 

Winston Welborn

In 1978, Winston’s parents sold everything and moved the family to the small town of Hanalei, Kauai. Prior to that they had lived in 10 different places including North America, Japan and Germany. Then he discovered his love for design and creative. Winston’s current role as creative director spans print and web, architectural design, brand direction, copywriting, business management, events, and agent services. Personal interests include kiteboarding, photography, hiking, fishing, surfing, snowboarding, paddling and of course, family.