Dixie Reinhardt
After high school, like a number of our classmates, I went to Pierce College, then LACC. Remember those long gone days when a semester cost $6.50? I studied journalism and TV production and became a co-city editor of the school newspaper. An editorial I wrote led to an award by USC, which resulted in an offer from Columbia University to attend on an academic scholarship. Landing in New York City was unbelievably exciting! Except for a 6-year stint back in the Valley in my late twenties, I have been happily in New York ever since. I was engaged in my junior year at Columbia but ended up dropping out when my fiancé was severely injured.
Although I always thought I'd get married and have children, life takes turns that are unexpected...because I never had kids I was able to pursue whichever career or personal path appealed to me. I worked in TV and film for a number of years, traveled to Europe two or three times a year, and started my own businesses on several occasions. One business, Consider It Done, was named one of the 10 Most Interesting Businesses in New York which then led to an offer by American Express to make the company the centerpiece of their Platinum Card rollout in Europe n 1989. Then almost immediately they offered to buy the business which I rejected. That was a huge mistake! The recession of the early 90s came very shortly thereafter and we had to fold the company in another 18 months because like now, it took a serious toll on the economy.
I continued to travel a lot to Europe, Asia, India, Africa---I dated a lot, had some serious loves and probably overlooked a few great guys because I didn't have my head screwed on straight in that department. I have a great group of friends which are like family to me. So I lived the life of a woman who didn't have to worry about soccer games or homework (except my own), or whether somebody else had clean underwear. But I also didn't share in the growth of a family and all the depth that gives to a person's life. I think I understand what I've gained and lost, and I'd say it's substantial on both sides of the equation.
Although I always thought I'd get married and have children, life takes turns that are unexpected...because I never had kids I was able to pursue whichever career or personal path appealed to me. I worked in TV and film for a number of years, traveled to Europe two or three times a year, and started my own businesses on several occasions. One business, Consider It Done, was named one of the 10 Most Interesting Businesses in New York which then led to an offer by American Express to make the company the centerpiece of their Platinum Card rollout in Europe n 1989. Then almost immediately they offered to buy the business which I rejected. That was a huge mistake! The recession of the early 90s came very shortly thereafter and we had to fold the company in another 18 months because like now, it took a serious toll on the economy.
I continued to travel a lot to Europe, Asia, India, Africa---I dated a lot, had some serious loves and probably overlooked a few great guys because I didn't have my head screwed on straight in that department. I have a great group of friends which are like family to me. So I lived the life of a woman who didn't have to worry about soccer games or homework (except my own), or whether somebody else had clean underwear. But I also didn't share in the growth of a family and all the depth that gives to a person's life. I think I understand what I've gained and lost, and I'd say it's substantial on both sides of the equation.
In 1995 I went back to Columbia University to finish a degree in Political Economy. I was really honored to have my thesis, "South Korea: a Developmental Model for Late Developing Countries" given a medal by the Army Corps of Engineers, which they used as a briefing document in that country. I'm an active alumnus and am a big booster of my alma mater.
I eventually spent the next years in design in one form or another. I got into development and interior design for residential and commercial real estate and eventually began buying and renovating properties and in Florida and Connecticut. I also designed and manufactured high end bedding, rugs and home goods.
A real highlight for me was being part of the committee that put together the 65th Birthday for our class in 2012. I absolutely loved seeing so many old friends and gaining friendships with others that I didn't know in the 60s. We've begun planning for our (gulp) 50th Reunion, so if you're reading these bios, please mark October 2015 for the event! I have really loved being in touch with so many people after so long. Jane Williams has been my dearest friend since grade school and I'm proud to say that she still is!
I now have a jewelry and accessories business and think this is my last career. The line currently includes about 50 designers as well as my own jewelry designs. I still have a hand in hotel design and expect to be working on the interiors of a large hotel development beginning in 2015 which will bring me back to California. Yea!!
I eventually spent the next years in design in one form or another. I got into development and interior design for residential and commercial real estate and eventually began buying and renovating properties and in Florida and Connecticut. I also designed and manufactured high end bedding, rugs and home goods.
A real highlight for me was being part of the committee that put together the 65th Birthday for our class in 2012. I absolutely loved seeing so many old friends and gaining friendships with others that I didn't know in the 60s. We've begun planning for our (gulp) 50th Reunion, so if you're reading these bios, please mark October 2015 for the event! I have really loved being in touch with so many people after so long. Jane Williams has been my dearest friend since grade school and I'm proud to say that she still is!
I now have a jewelry and accessories business and think this is my last career. The line currently includes about 50 designers as well as my own jewelry designs. I still have a hand in hotel design and expect to be working on the interiors of a large hotel development beginning in 2015 which will bring me back to California. Yea!!
Comments
Hi Dixie,
I really enjoyed reading your interesting and envious life story! So many accomplishments to be proud of!!
I'm so glad I finally got to meet you after all these years, by first, helping you make calls for the "class of 65 turns 65" birthday party, and in person at the event in September, 2012....and then getting to spend 4 glorious days in NYC with you before Christmas, 2012, learning about and seeing as much of the city as possible, and all the beautiful Christmas decorations, Rockefeller Plaza, The World Trade Center memorial, the subway drill.....and feeling like Mary Tyler Moore when we quickly walked down the brisk, busy city streets with the cold wind blowing our scarves and hats...eating various ethnic cuisines, doing double decker bus tours, seeing Central Park and the famous Strawberry Fields, where John Lennon lived and Yoko Ono still lives........ending with a concert at Carnegie Hall! What an adventure!! Thank you for the unforgettable amazing time! See you soon!!
---xoxo Donna Irwin McGarr
I really enjoyed reading your interesting and envious life story! So many accomplishments to be proud of!!
I'm so glad I finally got to meet you after all these years, by first, helping you make calls for the "class of 65 turns 65" birthday party, and in person at the event in September, 2012....and then getting to spend 4 glorious days in NYC with you before Christmas, 2012, learning about and seeing as much of the city as possible, and all the beautiful Christmas decorations, Rockefeller Plaza, The World Trade Center memorial, the subway drill.....and feeling like Mary Tyler Moore when we quickly walked down the brisk, busy city streets with the cold wind blowing our scarves and hats...eating various ethnic cuisines, doing double decker bus tours, seeing Central Park and the famous Strawberry Fields, where John Lennon lived and Yoko Ono still lives........ending with a concert at Carnegie Hall! What an adventure!! Thank you for the unforgettable amazing time! See you soon!!
---xoxo Donna Irwin McGarr
Dixie Reinhardt! OMG, what an interesting life you've lived. The TV and movie work doesn't surprise me. I always thought you'd end up a movie star, or a famous model. How could anyone so beautiful not be? I hope we get to spend some time at the 50th so you can share some of your experiences. I bet you've got a bundle of interesting stories. I'm glad your life has been a fulfilling one, and I thank you for sharing it. Thank you, also, for all of the time and effort you've put in to make the 50th the best.
Jeff Davis
Jeff Davis
Dixie: Thanks for your comments, and your continuing role in putting this great event
together. And I really enjoyed your bio. You had already shared a lot of those
details with me verbally, but what a treat having them strung together --
and illustrated, no less! See you next October!
Milt Rouse
Milt Rouse
What a captivating story. Thanks for sharing it. It was such a joy for Nina and me to connect with you in New York a few years ago. You are an amazing, creative and resourceful person and a fabulous guide to the New York City scene. Looking forward to seeing you again here in the “Southland” and later in the Big Apple. Cheers.
Kirk Lamb
Kirk Lamb