THE COLLECTOR

Jacinta Ligon

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet Jacinta Interact

Jacinta is a Jetsetter

with Jacinta from Lauderhill, FL

How long have you been collecting these items?

I've been collecting room keys since I started working as a flight attendant over 10 years ago.

Give us a little background on your collection

Well I travel so much and in each place I have to have an overnight stay in a hotel. I noticed that the room keys have become more fashionable, often having pictures or really interesting artwork.

How did you develop an interest in this particular collection?

The reason I started collecting the room keys is because I had an idea of creating fashion items with them. I planned on making a purse and at one point entertained the thought of making a gown made completely of room keys.

What approach did you take in starting this particular collection?

That was the easy part. Since I'm a flight attendant I just keep the keys after checking out of the hotels. And once I told the desk personnel what I was doing with them, they just started giving them to me.

What are your favorite specialty items in your collection?

I really like any of the cards that are colorful and fun. I especially like the ones that have graphics like Sponge Bob on them.

What other collections or hobbies do you have?

I also collect miniature fashion shoes.