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Getting to Know Seyda Ayvazyan
THE BBC MEMBER FROM TURKEY REVEALS HER HAPPY TIME AND HER HERO
BY ANN CHATILLON
Seyda Ayvazyan grew up in Istanbul , Turkey . She ’ s been married to her husband , Mardo , for 51 years . The
Avazyans have two daughters and three grandchildren whom Seyda loves “ more than life itself .” The couple came to Los Angeles in 1979 to pursue their dream of opening a jewelry store . Seyda despised LA , but discovered Newport Beach and loved it . Hence , it was Newport where they founded Mardo ’ s Fine Jewelry and business has been as solid as a diamond for decades . “ Those early years , we worked seven days a week , until eleven at night ,” Seyda says with a nostalgic smile . Now semi-retired , this gem of a couple show pieces by appointment only . Seyda enjoys everything about the jewelry business — it ’ s in her blood , and so is butter . She ’ s a gourmet cook ; her chicken salad and baklava are legendary !
AC : What ’ s your favorite vacation spot ? SA : Jamaica . I ’ ve been there about twenty-five times . The island has so much natural beauty — the water is gorgeous . We eat lobster on the sand and wash our hands in the ocean .
AC : Any fun fact we might not know about you ? SA : Yes , and you will never know !
AC : Who is your hero ? SA : The late Yul Brenner . I was in love with him — his crooked legs and everything . He was such a man . He was fabulous in The King and I . It ’ s my favorite movie .
AC : If you were to get a tattoo , what would it be ? SA : I ’ d have “ I believe in God ” written in beautiful Japanese script from my neck down to my spine .
AC : What food do you crave at the club ? SA : Sliders at the Members Grill and a mimosa .
AC : What ’ s your favorite season ? SA : Summer . I love the sun and tanning .
AC : If you could have lunch with anyone , dead or alive , whom would you choose ? SA : Donald Trump .
AC : What do you enjoy most about the BBC ? SA : All the great activities and events . And being greeted with a friendly welcome by the valets when I drive up is always wonderful .
AC : What do you fear ? SA : I ’ m scared of the dark . Give me sunshine ! I love light .
AC : When are you most happy ? SA : When I ’ m with my kids and grandkids — that ’ s my happy time .
16 BAY WINDOW