MCS on Secrets to Success
On the heels of International Women’s Month, we took this opportunity to better understand the fearless female leader behind PARC Aspen. With experience in many business realms, Maryanne C Sefton shares her insights into success and the road that led her to take on another venture, this time in the hospitality industry.
Camille: Tell us a little about yourself in the business world.
Maryanne: I became a tax CPA in my early 20s, working for a midsize company based in San Diego. After gathering a couple years of experience and networking with the right people, I was able to branch out on my own and become a private accountant.
I flourished as a private accountant for nearly 30 years before deciding to retire and focus my efforts on the nonprofit world. Giving back to the community has always been a passion of mine and being able to do it full time was a true gift.
That is how I stumbled into the hospitality world. Myself and my husband, Harley, wanted to give back to the community of Aspen what we all are so longing for…local restaurants!
Camille: What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Maryanne: Simply put, I wanted the freedom to work for my own dreams. I had no desire to fulfill other people’s dreams with my efforts. As a CPA, I learned that my abilities needed space to grow outside of the conventional norms. Becoming an entrepreneur allowed me to explore what I was capable of and take greater risks along the way!
Camille: What drives you?
Maryanne: My internal mirror. We are our harshest critic and biggest cheerleader. The only person I keep up with is the person staring me back in the mirror each morning. My drive to success comes from within!
My father’s influence also plays a role in what drives me. He taught me that no is not an answer and anything is possible if you set your mind to it. I try to live by those words each and every day.
I’d also say, I thrive on feeling accomplished and in some way contributing to the world. When I feel I am contributing to the world around me I am driven to do more…
Camille: How do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health?
Maryanne: Mental health is so important. Each week I carve out time to be alone and recharge my batteries. Right now, I spend a lot of my alone time reading. I am currently enveloped in “Setting the Table” by Danny Meyers to get in the hospitality mindset. I would highly recommend it if you haven’t read it yet!
Once the weather is warmer, I love spending time outdoors here in the mountains or near the ocean in Del Mar. Just watching the ocean with its endless horizon allows my brain to a develop a multitude of creative possibilities.
Also, being around my family gives me a lot of pride and rejuvenates my energy knowing what I can have a positive impact in their lives.
Camille: What are the secrets to your success?
Maryanne: Never settle. No is not an option. Always look at hardships as a learning opportunity to better yourself. Life is too short to be unhappy.
I strive for success by looking for mentors. Find people who inspire you to reach new heights. The saying “you are who you surround yourself with” is so true. Be selective with who you allow in your personal and professional circles. I like to surround myself with people who motivate me and share a positive energy!
Camille: What opportunities do you see with PARC Aspen?
Maryanne: Where do I even begin! I see endless growth opportunities within the hospitality world in Aspen. I view PARC Aspen as an opportunity to get to know locals on an even deeper level. I look forward to catering to the community and bringing a sense of hope back to the local dining scene.
Not to mention, healthy, delicious and creative dishes that cater to all diets and appetites!
Camille: What advice would you give to a younger you?
Maryanne: Take more risks! We are only young for so long. Learn from your mistakes. Mistakes are there to teach us how to make better decisions in the future. If we take the time to analyze them, we can be more equipped for success.
A more personal piece of advice for myself would be to not be so hard on others. Slow down, patience builds grace.
Camille: Final Tidbits
Maryanne: The best thing you can do is to empower others to be better than yourself! There is room at the top for men, AND women. There is power in the ability to humble yourself when you realize there is still room for growth.
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Feeling inspired?! Thank you to Maryanne for sharing her pearls of wisdom and for leading the charge on the highly anticipated PARC Aspen!
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