Liz Murray

Owning her own boutique is her lifelong dream and fashion has always been her passion. Preferring to go by "Liz", she knew that someday she would end up in the fashion world when at age 18 she was voted "Best Dressed" by her fellow classmates at Walled Lake Central High school in Michigan. She began her college career on a tennis scholarship to Oakland University studying Business Administration, but soon quit to attend fashion school. Following the sun and her brother to Sarasota, Liz enrolled in the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa, and in 2009, graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising with a Minor in Fashion Design. She has retail experience totaling more than 3 years with Ruehl and Nordstrom's combined, and has completed a management internship with Nordstrom's, and a styling and PR internship with Red Light PR in Los Angeles, California. Liz has also assisted in over a dozen fashion shows for companies such as Lauren Conrad, Tull and Cloth Logic, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Her hobbies include going to the beach and listening to music, and anything to do with the sun. It's no wonder she lives in Sarasota, FL and has an obsession with sunglasses, sporting sometimes 3 different pairs in one day. As Influence's Buyer and Personal Stylist, Liz is dedicated to creating the most inviting atmosphere for everyone who steps into the store. She is available for personal style assessments and will be more than happy to "spread her influence" in answering any and all questions a customer has.

Sam Murray

Samantha Murray, fondly known as "Sam", is Liz's older sister and was also born and raised in West Bloomfield, Michigan. She attended Central Michigan College of Business Administration and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Arts in Entrepreneurship with a Minor in Event Planning. While earning her degree, she interned and honed her business skills at her parents' company, Lyons Tools and Manufacturing, managing the office and daily finances.

Sam's love of fashion is apparent when you see her handbag and shoe fetishes. She enjoys the thrill of big city shopping. When not adding the latest pair of Christian Louboutin's to her collection, Sam's hobbies include volleyball and gymnastics, the latter of which she practiced for 12 years as a junior, a fond love of sign language, and wine tasting.

As Influence's Financial Advisor and Event Coordinator, Samantha hopes to use her fiscal expertise to ensure the success of the business, and her social networking skills to "spread the influence" through community events, fundraisers and fashion extravaganzas.