Meet 106.5 CTQ's Lulu. She's Remodeling With Tile!

To launch the New Year, Tile Outlets of America will partner with 106.5 CTQ Radio Personality Lulu in Sarasota as she takes on a project remodeling with tile.

Every week, we'll share with you her progress as she dreams, explores, selects, installs and enjoys tile in her home. You'll hear her discuss her experience on air and here on the Tile Outlets Tile & More Blog.

In this first article in the series, we caught up with Lulu to ask her a few questions.

Meet Lulu from Maverick and Lulu in the Morning on 106.5 CTQ Who's Remodeling with Tile

TOA: Lulu, tell us about your background and how you came to 106.5 CTQ.

I have worked in radio for 18 years. I spent most of my career in Nashville and absolutely love that city! After all it is Music City! I also worked in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and have now landed in paradise here in Sarasota and plan on staying.

I actually visited Sarasota for years because my parents moved here when my Father retired; I always knew I would end up here. I moved permanently to Sarasota when my Father became ill and the stars were aligned because, when I arrived, 106.5 CTQ had an opening! I interviewed and auditioned and got the job as co-host of the Maverick and Lulu in the Morning show. I am one very happy girl!!

TOA: What’s the best part of the Maverick and Lulu in the morning program?

Our show is local! We love to have a great time and strive to make sure our listeners have a great time when tuning in to our show.

We always have great prizes to giveaway to the hottest concerts, topics that are relevant to the lives of our listeners and local stories of concern. Being that our show is a morning show we want listeners to be a part of the show, to be entertained and have stories to talk about at the water cooler!

TOA: What do you love most about Sarasota?

So much to love about Sarasota! I'll start with the beautiful beaches and weather. I could almost stop there but I won't!

Sarasota is the home of the Ringling Museum with the beautiful Ca d'Zan Mansion. I am also proud to say home of the famous Wallenda Family.

There are great restaurants and shopping at St. Armand's Circle, downtown Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton. I will drive all over to experience fabulous restaurants and shopping! This is a city full of history, the arts, and music. A city full of culture on the most gorgeous landscape! On top of that, Sarasota is growing. We now have the new UTC mall.

Another thing to love about Sarasota is Nathan Benderson Park World Class Rowing and Aquatic Sports Center. It's the chosen site of the 2017 World Rowing Championships and the 2015 US Rowing Youth Nationals!

I find something new to love about our paradise everyday!

>> Be sure to check out Meet the Sarasota Tile Outlets Team who share their favorite Sarasota locations!

TOA: Which are your favorite places to go to for (tile) design inspiration?

Tile Outlets of America!

>> Be sure to check out Tile Design Inspiration from Tile Outlets Sarasota for a sneak preview of the tile design inspiration available in-store!

TOA: Lulu, what are you remodeling in your home?

There is so much I would love to do but I am starting with new flooring. Down the line, I would love to redo my kitchen. I want to add granite countertops and back splash along with lighting.

Now that I have spent quality time at Tile Outlets of America, and have seen what I could have in my home, I definitely want to have it all in my home!

TOA: What dreams do you have for that space?

My house is my space for comfort! I want a trendy, comfortable home. I want to walk through the door and let out a sigh of "I am home and I love everything about it!"

I love creamy beige-y, white, black and grey hues.

I want to have an openness and flow throughout the condo. I love having some matching furniture along with eclectic pieces that work to add style and character.

TOA: What did you expect when you first visited Tile Outlets of America in Sarasota?

I was looking for flooring options and I expected to walk around and find a few choices and when the time came for questions I thought I would then find someone on staff to help me.

What actually happened was when I arrived I immediately saw a huge store offering options for everyone. I knew I was in the right place! I was greeted and helped by very knowledgeable staff who answered all of my questions and spent all the time I needed while browsing the store and making my decisions.

There is so much to love at Tile Outlets of America that I ended up taking some flooring samples home to see how each option would look! That was so beneficial and made my decision making so much easier.

TOA: Which are your favorite tile and stone products?

In regard to tile, I love the look of hard wood. In regard to stone, granite is my favorite followed by travertine.

TOA: Which (online) resources have you been using to research your project?

I watch interior design/renovation shows online. DIY and HGTV are my favorites .

I also look at real estate online - checking out beautifully designed homes gives me great ideas!

TOA: What’s been the best advice you’ve received for making your project happen?

I am not an interior designer, but I do know what I like.

In making my choices the best advice was to choose all one tile and tile color to have a flow throughout my house. This will create an open feeling and continuity beautifully.

I just can't wait! Also these famous words, "Do not settle!" LOL! Make sure I pick the tile/flooring that I love because it is my home, my space and I need to love it! Best advice and all true!

TOA: Thanks, Lulu! We're excited about helping your dreams become reality.

Be sure to check in regularly so you can follow along with Lulu as she redesigns with tile.