Ola Hawatmeh is a busy woman.

After spending more than a decade modeling for designers in the Big Apple, Hawatmeh discovered that she had another talent: designing.

Two years later, Hawatmeh has two clothing lines, Pam OLA Couture and Ola Swimwear, along with a plethora of other activities that encourage philanthropy, individual freedom and self-affirmation.

Hawatmeh organizes six fashion shows a year, manages a professional modeling agency and runs Makeover for a Cause, a nonprofit organization that helps people in need prepare for job interviews, set goals and get a new start on life.

Last summer, she co-produced the first St. Charles Fashion Week, bringing in renowned designers, such as "Sex and the City's" Esther Nash.

This month, Hawatmeh will debut her Ola dress line in New York and follow that with a collection of menswear this year.

However, in spite of her many roles — as a designer, a socialite, a philanthropist and an entrepreneur — her most important role is being a wife and a mother.

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I've always had fashion sense, and I have always been outside of the box with my fashion. I started modeling when I was 19 for Patricia Fields and other local fashion shows in New York. I continued modeling up until last year. I started designing two years ago.

How does your sense of style influence your clothing line?

Being from New York and having fashion sense, I'm all about culture, being young and being yourself. Pam OLA Couture is about being classy, sophisticated and having fun with what you wear. It's about not being self-conscious about what you wear, being yourself and being free.

What most inspires the Pam OLA clothing line?

My designs are very pop, '80s style with pizazz. I was inspired by different cultures, New York City and the bright lights. When people wear my designs, I want them to close their eyes and dream of different cultures, lovely colors and people singing in the rain. "Be yourself, be free, wear OLA" is the slogan.

If you could sit down and talk about fashion with one celebrity, who would it be?

It would probably be Sarah Jessica Parker because she has her own style and she stands out. She's very flashy with her style yet sophisticated, and I like that. And she's a mother and a wife.

What are the fashion essentials that every woman should have in her closet?

Designer jeans, belts and accessories.