Cocktails With Sept 7
Tanisa Samuel Hofer
Assistant Vice-President, Private & Premium
PROVEN Wealth
Style Observer (SO): Which five words best describe Tanisa Samuel Hofer?
Tanisa Samuel Hofer (TSH): Driven, disciplined, resilient, inspiring, and authentic — those five words best describe who I am, both in my career and in life.
SO: Share with us a few of your creature comforts.
TSH: I love the simple comforts of life — being at home, cooking a good meal, and getting lost in a great book. The beach in Montego Bay is also one of my happy places; it’s where I go to recharge and feel most connected to myself.
SO: How do you relax after a stressful week?
TSH: I make sure to carve out quiet time at home, but what really helps me recharge is spending time with my family and friends. If it’s a long weekend I try to plan a getaway.
SO: An evening in or out?
TSH: When we’re home, we usually enjoy quiet evenings in. That said, we do love going out a few times per month, especially when it’s with friends — those nights are always memorable.
SO: What are you drinking?
TSH: An Appleton Estate Jungle Moon cocktail
SO: Room service or al fresco dining?
TSH: If I’m in a hotel, that means I’m travelling — so definitely al fresco. Dining outdoors is such a great way to soak up the vibe and culture of a place, and it’s also the perfect opportunity to meet new people.
SO: Share with us a few of the most memorable countries you’ve visited.
TSH: Austria and Italy stand out as two of the most memorable countries I’ve visited. Austria has great culture and is simply stunning — picturesque, like something out of a storybook. Italy, however, is by far the most beautiful country I’ve ever seen. Everywhere you turn feels like art — not just on canvas, but in the architecture, fountains, and statues that surround you. The people are stylish and vibrant, the language is musical, and the food is absolutely divine. As someone who doesn’t eat meat, I especially loved the fresh vegetables and pasta — it was perfect; can’t wait to go back!
SO: What are your travel essentials?
TSH: I can never travel with just hand luggage — I need all my skincare, shoes, handbag options and haircare. On-board, I need my iPad (for iBooks) and noise-cancelling headphones.
SO: What are your preferred fashion labels?
TSH: Ralph Lauren, Zara, Banana Republic, Oh Polly, J Crew, J Lux Label, House of CB. I also shop at Bloomingdale’s & Nordstrom. For bags; LV & Chanel. Can’t forget Nike Pro for the gym!
SO: From the hospitality industry to the world of finance, what has the transition been like and how did you prepare for it?
TSH: The transition has been both exciting and challenging. In hospitality, I honed my skills in building relationships and exceeding expectations — strengths that translate directly into wealth management. With a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics with Economics and Management, along with a Master’s degree, I had the analytical foundation to adapt quickly. To prepare, I immersed myself in financial training, gained my certifications, and continue my commitment to lifelong learning. I’ve never believed in being defined by just one path; it takes courage to make changes in life, and I’m proud that I had the confidence to pivot into a career where I now lead a team that helps clients build financial security and lasting legacies.
SO: What advice would you as a successful woman share with a graduating class?
TSH: My advice would be to never limit yourself. You are not defined by one path or one choice — your career and your life can evolve in ways you may not even imagine today. Stay disciplined, work hard, and be open to change. Have the courage to pivot when opportunities arise, because sometimes the most rewarding journeys are the ones you didn’t originally plan. Invest in yourself through continuous learning and personal growth, because no one can take that away from you. And because financial independence is key to freedom and confidence, I would encourage everyone to begin investing early — even small steps add up over time.
SO: Conversely, what investment advice would you give someone with $1,000,000?
TSH: With a million dollars to invest, the most important advice is to start with a clear plan. Money is only powerful when it has direction. I would encourage diversification — not putting all your eggs in one basket — by spreading funds across assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, depending on your goals, time horizon, and appetite for risk. A portion should be set aside in secure, income-generating instruments, while another portion can be positioned for long-term growth. Most importantly, I would recommend working with a trusted advisor to ensure your portfolio matches your personal objectives. At PROVEN Wealth, our approach is always to guide clients toward both financial security and building wealth.
SO: Were you able to change a few things in our education system what would they be and why?
TSH: If I could change a few things in our education system, I would start with placing greater emphasis on financial literacy. Too many young people leave school without understanding the basics of saving, investing, and managing money — skills that shape their entire future. I would also focus on developing soft skills such as communication, discipline, and resilience, which are just as important as academics in preparing students for real life. And finally, I would love to see higher education made more accessible to students from lower-income households, because talent and potential exist everywhere, and opportunity should never be limited by background. Education should not only prepare students to pass exams, but also to thrive in life.
SO: By the time this feature appears we would have just ended an election. Given the opportunity to address our nation, what would your message be?
TSH: Elections come and go, but what matters most is the future we build together as Jamaicans. My message would be one of unity and optimism: no matter our differences, we all want a stronger, safer, and more prosperous country for our families. Each of us has a role to play — whether through our work, our values, or how we uplift the people around us. If we focus on excellence, discipline, and supporting one another, I truly believe Jamaica’s best days are ahead. We are so blessed to call this great nation our home!
SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?
TSH: My personal credo is to pursue excellence in everything I do, while staying true to who I am. I believe in discipline, resilience, and continuous learning, but also in leading with empathy and authenticity. For me, success is not just about personal achievement — it’s about uplifting others, creating opportunities, and leaving a positive impact wherever I go.
Rorie Bernard, Half Moon Resort mixologist presents the Jungle Moon Cocktail. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)
