By Claudienne Peterson

~ A very generous spirit! ~

We have had many memorable people in the Hotseat and Ingrid is definitely one of those – I put her in my top three! It was such a joy to sit down and chat with her that I actually didn't want to leave. "That's what everybody says," she told me. And now I understand why people – from Oyster Bay guests to local politicians who attend her parties – keep coming back to her events. Read on about the fabulous Ingrid Bosnie in this Hotseat interview!

Where are you from?

I am from Aruba.

How long have you been living on St. Maarten?

I have been living here since 1984.

Where did you attend school?

I attended Mon Plaisir in Aruba, then went on to Hoge Hotel School in Maastricht Netherlands after which I trained at Rick Lynch Institute (for time-share) in Florida. I have been successful since.

What is your career and how long have you been doing it?

I'm an event-planner. I'm based at Oyster Bay but am also available to set up outside events. Heineken Regatta back in 1984 is what I started with; and have since done many, many more various events round the island. I am currently responsible for every activity year-in and year-out at Oyster Bay Resort – from fieldtrips, live entertainment, story times and plays, to carnivals and themed parties; every aspect of entertainment you can imagine. Every day is filled with events and activities, and I embrace this all in a fun and cheerful spirit. Last year we had the "Pirates" themed event around this time of the year; and this year we've been having the "Roaring 20s," of which the last party is this Friday!

To what destinations has your career taken you?

I have done shows in Russia, Holland and all over Europe. I prefer to remain a bit behind the scenes "under the palm trees, in the shade."

What are some of the highlights of your career?

Queen Beatrix's wedding. I was a waitress and was the only female on that team with 15 men. Back in my 20s, I worked for Sonesta in Europe – which had a contract with CBS at the time – this allowed for me to meet many celebrities because they stayed at the hotel where I worked.

What are your hobbies?

Astrology. Since I was in a major car accident at the age of six, I've had this gift of seeing things and knowing what's going to happen. I am very into photography; I love to take pictures of the sunrise; I am known as the Sunrise lady. I've even written a Sunrise book that was sold out quickly here at the hotel. I am also an art collector. I don't spend my money on shoes or jewellery; I rather spend it on art because I relate to it.

Where do you gather inspiration for your parties?

I come from a musical family; a family that is into theatre production. Growing up in that was a huge inspiration. From the time I was five years old, I was charging people at the door of my home to listen to my dad's band. I also like to sing jazz and reggae, but I never plan ahead. I just get up and sing whenever I get the feeling during a live show pretty much!

What are your hidden talents?

So far my talents are not hidden; I develop my talents and they become public quite quickly! My favourite thing to do is anything to do with people: figuring them out, finding out what makes them tick and making them happy – that's all and that's it for me – also how I get to earn my money, lucky me!

Describe yourself in three words:

I love me.

(One of Ingrid's team-members adds, "Ingrid is a perfectionist," which Ingrid agrees is true.)

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

My dream is to build a healing centre; a retreat for people who live in fear; people with spiritual problems. That needs to be addressed in this day and age with all the crime and family problems.

If you were to have three famous guests (dead or alive) over for dinner, who would they be and why?

Whoopi Goldberg – because I relate to her; she has a special place in my heart because her movie "Sister Act" was the only movie that was playing all through Hurricane Luis. One of my dreams is to bring her here to St. Maarten. Denzel Washington – because he is a very good actor; he's not always in the limelight. He comes to SXM, I've met him at Sunset Bar and Grill! Obama – because we're born on the same day, another fire sign!

In the middle of our interview, Ingrid called a guest sitting near the bar attached to the lobby to come over and join us. I asked her straightway: "Why do you love Ingrid so much?"

Here's her reply: "She takes care of us. She does EVERYTHING! She sings; she performs; she coordinates these events; I don't think she sleeps. She's magic; she's entertaining; she's a friend and she is family. She does it all and she does it well. Ingrid makes sure everybody is having fun and she IS fun." This is big coming from this guest – a former Marriot manager – who also adds that she's a repeat Oyster Bay guest because of the fabulous staff and Ingrid and her amazing team/family. Ingrid thinks her guests, as well as her team/family, are awesome; and they all think the same of her!

Final words from Ingrid: My first salary at 17 years old was only NAf. 42.50 per month, which all went to my mother. But I worked hard and climbed and got to where I am today. And I can say I make a wonderful living for myself; I truly am blessed. We all have this inner child we should let shine. Handle your energy; don't let money and negativity get in the way of your happiness; make life soar for you. I am successful because I'm in love with myself. You can find Ingrid at Oyster Bay Resort!