Where Are They Now?

Willow Donato

Interview # 16

Can you introduce yourself?

Certainly! Lady Willow Iris Donato.

What's life like working at Donato Corporation?

 Oh gosh! In the beginning it was a total bore! [sips ice coffee] That was before Aunt Cass came. Although, she wasn't my aunt yet. Her and my uncle were in love with each other, but they endured all sorts of complications – well you and the world know the rest.

You've been given a great opportunity thanks to your uncle. Do you think his presence has influenced how others work with you?

Oh absolutely, but it comes along with the last name I suppose – or at least that's what I'm told.

Our gossip circles have told us; many believe you only got the job because of your relationship with the handsome Jon Donato. Is this true?

 [Laughs] Handsome! Oh, he's just my uncle. Yes, it was true. I needed a job, my uncle needed a new executive assistant. His current EA, Violet, was promoted. Truly I don't understand the big deal. If anyone saw how hard he made me work, they'd realize there's zero privilege involved. In fact, I wonder if my uncle understood the word nepotism. Now I work at Prescott Designs with Aunt Prescott –she makes me call her that at work. Anyway, now that I am there, designing and building the accessories department. I have a lot more leniency. Aunt Cass and I really work as a team creating a vision for Prescott Home.

Your fans want to know: Does Willow have a special someone in her life?

 There are a few special someone's, but my blue eyes are always open to spy more special someone's! I will say, two someone's have a more important place in my heart.

Your fans also want to know where you live, but that's a little too personal. So, how about telling them some ways they can reach you.

 Thank you – love my fans, but if they came to my home it be might a tad crowded. [laughing] I have been traveling a lot for work. I'm off to Morocco after this interview. But my fans can follow me everywhere around the world. Insta, Facebook, my blog, Snapchat, my website. –Willow currently lives in NYC in a posh bachelorette pad.

Being such a successful young lady, are you aware of the image you have on young ladies in today's world?

 Yes, although I don't find it a burden. I hope I can show the benefit's and fun of working hard for something you love. My younger cousin Grier, is creating a charity project about young women empowerment. My sister and her sister Giselle are joining in campaign too.

If you could give young ladies who are struggling to make it in a men world advice, what would you say?

 Think of yourself as their equal and they shall treat you as such. You're a brand. Once you make your brand powerful, there's rarely much anyone can do to knock you down. Both my daddy and uncle push the girls in my family to strive for as much success as they have. Although they didn't have much of a choice! [Giggles] The men in my family are strong willed, but the women outnumber them and my nana outranks us all! She would never let us girls be ignored.

What are some tips to being a strong presence in the face of a job interview?

 Hmm, well to be honest, I wouldn't know. My interview with Uncle Donato was more of a lecture on what I can't do, what I won't do and what I am not allowed to ever do.

However, I will say something my uncle told me when I first started as Creative Director of Home Design. I was so nervous during my first meeting for a well-known retail department store, here in the States. My uncle and Aunt Cass drove me to the meeting personally in their car –well her car. There was a whole back and forth over who was to drive. Anyway, before I hopped out, my uncle looked me straight in the eyes and said, "make them remember why there's no one better than you." [Smiling and shrugs] So, just think of that when you go on an interview. Oh, and wear a fabulous pair of knickers! Laila, my aunt's friend, taught me that one. She said, it makes you feel like a fierce bitch.

Lastly, what are you currently doing in life? Any future plans of starting your own business?

 I'm enjoying becoming my own woman. While living in England I thought I wanted one thing and I've been given the best opportunity to expand my horizons. Who's to say if I will ever have my own company. I get new ideas constantly! Currently as CD of Prescott Home, it is like running my own company. I have a lot of responsibility as head – well sub head – of that division. I don't take my duties lightly. You know my cousin JJ and I were having this conversation the other day; we believe in some ways it is harder for us, because we have a lot to prove. The Donato family shoes are big ones to fill! [giggles] As this is my first interview, my entire family is here today –including the babies! Each of them have so many great things to offer, I know I can always look to them as examples. Who knows in a few years I can be launching my own furniture company!

Willow Donato from Eros by lovewordsmusic