HMS Interview: Casey Graves
Casey Graves
Motivated, Business Savvy, High-energy, and one Fashionable Hautemomma
Marketing Director – CRM Properties, Inc.
Casey is the Advertising Director for CRM Companies which own Raising Cane’s in Lexington and Charleston, SC. They also happen to be the majority owner’s in Gratz Park Inn. Casey loves having the opportunity to work with all different aspects of the community, whether it is getting involved with UK and other sporting events, for Cane’s, or supporting different charities, she loves the excitment and energy!
Raising Cane’s opened in August 1996 at the entrance to LSU’s campus. It all started when Todd Graves (no relation), founder, wrote a business plan in a class at LSU. He proposed he was going to open a restaurant only serving chicken fingers. Ironically the project got a C, well 13 years, 13 states and 80 stores later Raising Cane’s is a fast growing restaurant chain. There are 2 locations in Lexington (Upper St and Hamburg) with the third location to come September 2009.
We had a chance to speak with Casey to find out more about this savvy business lady and what she find Haute!
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Favorite vacation spot?
I love to travel…some of my favorite places include Cayman Islands for the beach & great food. Beaver Creek/Vail for the powder!
Favorite restaurant?
I am definitely a “foodie”, I really enjoy great food & wine with friends whether I am cooking or going out…some of my favorite restaurants are Oak Steakhouse- Charleston, SC, Pappagallo- Cayman Island & Raising Cane’s, of course!
Cocktail of Choice?
Ummm…this is hard to narrow down, it depends on my mood…but you can usually catch me with a goose & tonic with a lemon or a glass of pinot noir. However, during keeneland I love to partake in some of our region’s best bourbon!
Favorite gift to give?
Monogrammed mint julep cups or a Lafco candle from LV Harkness.
Style icon?
Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Anniston & Reese Witherspoon. They all have a simple, yet sleek style… Whether they are in a pair of jeans or a couture dress, I especially like their “casual” style. I would definitely take any of their closets!
Favorite designer?
I am obsessed with dresses; Milly & Shoshanna have the best dresses
How do you define style? Any style advice?
Style is being comfortable in your own skin and to let your own personality come out. It is not having the most expensive pair of jeans or the latest trendy clothes, it is how you express yourself. I think Yves Saint Laurent said it best, “Fashions fade, style is eternal”.
Top of your style/wardrobe wishlist?
Right now I am focusing my funds towards decorating my house & traveling! So there is really nothing on top of my wardrobe wish list…however, I would love to have a “closet makeover”.
What’s in your beauty bag?
Obaji Skincare System, Laura Mercier mineral powder, concealer & blush. Benefit Badgal mascara & lots of lip gloss (I am obsessed with lip gloss).
How do you define true luxury?
That is a tough one…luxury for me would be on vacation with my family & friends and just enjoying life.
Favorite mantra?
There are some great mantras to live by, some of my favorites include: “Be true to yourself” & “God is always in it”. One that I am really trying to focus on is “don’t sweat the small stuff”. The book, “don’t sweat the small stuff”, is awesome….My sister bought that for me & I am trying to live by it!
What motivates you the most?
I am motivated by my husband, family & friends.
Casey Graves is such a treasure! Congratulations on this interview, Casey! You are a favorite of the ladies at LVH!
Comment by Kathleen — May 22, 2009 at 12:55 pm