Hello from Dawn Garza!

What Makes Me, Me: I am a Midwest girl, born and raised in Eastern Iowa. I grew up spending weekends and summers on a houseboat on the Coralville Reservoir and enjoyed water skiing, tubing, wake boarding and jet skiing.

For the past 25 years, I have been a resident of Woodstock Georgia, where I live with my husband Rudy, 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren. Spending time with my grand-babies is my most favorite pastime.

Rudy and I also own The Garza Insurance Group, selling home, auto, life and commercial insurance products.  I have been a licensed insurance agent for over 20 years.  We are the founding members of the Woodstock Business Club and spend a great deal of time networking with other business owners in and around our community.   We are involved with Woodstock Arts, and brought the first ever Day of the Dead Festival to Woodstock during the first weekend in November, to celebrate the culture and traditions of Mexico.

What I am Reading: I am an avid reader, but my favorite is mysteries and thrillers.  When I am not outside enjoying nature, you can find me curled up with a good book.  Daniel Silva is my favorite author. I have read every one of his books.  I never leave home without my iPad with several books downloaded just waiting to be read.

In My Spare Time: I have been teaching group fitness for the past 14 years, and while the focus of my classes has changed over the years, I rarely go without some form of exercise each day.  It’s truly my therapy.

What’s in an assessment: My Enneagram number is 9. I am a people-pleaser and peace keeper.  My Disc Assessment color is green/blue (tied) and when having my aura read in a recent trip to Sedona, Arizona, discovered my color is green/yellow.  Being in nature is what helps me de-stress and relax. 

Where I’m Going When I Travel: When I choose an itinerary for my travels, I am more inclined to choose dramatic scenery with mountains, oceans or lakes, steep cliffs and breathtaking vistas.  Many times, the beauty of our planet can overwhelm me with emotion and bring me to tears.

My Favorite Travel Hack: I always includes a small fold-able duffel bag in my carry-on luggage that can easily be opened to hold all of my clothing if I need to use my hard side suitcase to carry treasures and souvenirs from my travels.

An Instant Pick-Me Up: My grandchildren can instantly make my day better.  Just a call, a kiss or hug from them and all is right with the world.