JAMAH designer Nancy Gale sped into the luxury car universe with full force in 2022, when she debuted the JAMAH Motorcar Collection, the world’s first line of bespoke handbags and weekenders crafted to match clients’ luxury automobiles.
In June of that year, Nancy and her fiancé Michael attended the Robb Report’s second annual California Coastal Road Rally, an opulent four-day event that features fine cuisine and accommodations as participants cruise along California’s central coast. She could only dream of the wild ride ahead.
Soon after the Rally, in collaboration with Gunther Werks, JAMAH had the distinct privilege of debuting a bag at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, one of the most esteemed automotive events in the world.
And then… Nancy had the honor of a lifetime when the JAMAH Motorcar Collection was featured in Robb Report’s print magazine. Motorcar commissions began to flood in, and Nancy found herself falling into easy banter and deep friendships with many of her new clients thanks to their shared love of cars.
After twenty-three years in the luxury industry, Nancy has become a firm believer not in work/life balance, but rather in work/life blend. Her life is fullest when she can bring together the work she loves and the friendships and experiences that enrich her soul.
Nancy’s signature philosophy of work/life blend has never been more evident than in June of 2023, when JAMAH joined the third annual California Coastal Road Rally as a sponsor.
Personally, Nancy and Michael enjoyed their second rally just as much as their first. One highlight was a master class at the Culinary Institute of America, ironic given that Nancy doesn’t cook! But the best part was new friendships with other RR1 members.
One of the greatest souvenirs from the Rally was the enchanting and intoxicating Debbie Dacus. Nancy and Debbie’s immediate bond sparked a new forever sisterhood. Next stop: Steamboat Springs!
The week would not have been the same without Irish comedy duo Siobhan Demsey and Maurice Byrne, with Maurice leading a most appropriate rendition of “American Pie” during the closing night sing-a-long.
Meredith and Marc Aman, the masters of side-splitting humor, kept Nancy and Michael laughing all week long. Nancy and Meredith, Partner at Aman & Meeks, immediately bonded over their shared careers in the world of luxury.
The icing on the cake was attendee Glenna Li leaving husband Peter in the dust, allowing Nancy to have her cherished friend all to herself. The Lis, avid collectors of cars, wines and most recently JAMAH bags, inspired the latest addition to the JAMAH Motorcar Collection when Glenna surprised Peter by commissioning Nancy to design a customized wine caddy for his McLaren, lovingly called the TNT Wine Caddy.
Nancy and Michael are so grateful for an incredible week spent with their amazing old and new RR1 friends including adventurers Mike & Tracey Bilek, the always impeccably dressed John & Amy Quin, forever teenage loves David & Kelly Emmes and another newly engaged couple, Jarod Nixon & Jonalyn Triolini.
Professionally, Nancy had the absolute honor of seeing JAMAH’s name alongside other sponsors Lugano Diamonds, ISAIA, InVintory, Penske Luxury, Bentley Motors, Aperture Cellars, Austin Hope, Duchman Family Winery and Vineyard Brands.
It was an utter thrill to join Richard Lindell for a test drive of the Bentley Continental GTC, Robb Report’s 2023 Car of the Year.
Nancy was overjoyed to reunite with Penske Automotive Senior VP Michael Famiglietti. It has been quite a year since they first met at Cali Coastal 2022, and the incomparable RR1 members Craig and Karen Stull are at the center of it all. From Nancy and Michael V’s surprise engagement at their breathtaking home in the Arizona desert to introducing Michael F. to his wife Jodi Stokes and ultimately hosting their wedding, the “Love Shack” continues to earn its name.
A welcome highlight of the Rally was meeting more of the Lugano Diamonds team and continuing the connections that Nancy began to forge last year. The irresistible and big-hearted Kamie Kirschner was joined by globetrotter Stuart Winston, CXO & Managing Director Privé at Lugano Diamonds, who regaled the crowd with stories of his famed dog Buddy. Rounding out the Lugano team was the endearing Denise Winn, director of Client Development. Nancy is always thrilled to connect with other companies who integrate cause and commerce just as JAMAH does with AMBITION.
ISAIA Napoli returned to the road with James Shay, president of ISAIA, and Tarek Hafez, Director of Client Experience, once again impressing the crowd with their expertly tailored menswear and made-to-measure suits. As expected, James and Tarek showed up with their signature comedy.
Nancy was thrilled to connect with Yule Georgieva, Dr. Jeff Daiter and his wife Edythe, the fabulous team behind InVintory, an app for inventorying a wine cellar that no collector can go without. With the recent introductions of JAMAH’s bespoke wine caddy and InVintory’s Opus by InVintory, their new bespoke product for wine collectors, this meeting was fated.
And as a perfect example of work/life blend, Nancy could not be more grateful to master of ceremonies Cristina Cheever, a formidable advocate and beloved friend who has opened more doors for Nancy than she can count. The invincible Robb Report team is deserving of a colossal shout-out. This event could never have taken place without the stellar execution and first-rate teamwork of Darin Greenblatt, Leah Hanchard, Caroline Barry and Ari Depry.
Finally, the only regret was that Viju Mathew, the esteemed Automotive Editor at Robb Report, ditched us to drive with Ferrari from Maranello to Le Mans, France for the 100th anniversary of 24 Hours of Le Mans. As a guest of Ferrari, he could not turn the opportunity down. Viju, you are forgiven!
One year ago, on her first Road Rally, Nancy marveled at the connections she forged in the world of luxury cars. Now, after a year of watching these connections flourish into friendships, she is grateful to find herself in a position where her professional and personal interests merge seamlessly into one beautiful life.
Fairway One, Pebble Beach.