Meet Iris! - Westport Moms

How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport?

Our kids are 10 (Zach), 8 (Skye), and 6 (Josie), and we have been living in Westport since Feb 2013

How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing?   I have been working as an acupuncturist since 2000, when I graduated. I worked my way up in the work force freelancing at first, and working various temp jobs throughout the 5 NYC boroughs.  After finding my footing, I started my own acupuncture business in NYC (2006) which has grown into a beautiful treatment center with a skillful team of healers. When home in Westport, I see patients locally, mostly during the hours my kids are in school.

What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns? It’s a short road trip but we love to head up north to Mystic / Stonington whenever possible, no matter which season.  My husband Jonathan is especially drawn to maritime culture and the kids love to run around at the Mystic Seaport Museum. 

What’s your can’t live without beauty product?  I cannot live without concealer and mascara!

If you could pick one restaurant or store to come to Westport that isn’t here now, what would it be, and why? I miss the L.A chain, Urth Caffe which has delicious, healthy and organic bites, coffees, and a fun patio atmosphere.  I’d love to see more places in Westport with low frill and really good and simple food.  I do miss California dining.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I think they’d be surprised to learn that I lived in some really far out places.  I moved quite a bit as a kid due to my dad’s job which took me from Greenwich (where I was born) to Chicago, to Houston, to San Francisco, and to Anchorage. And as an adult I lived in Tel Aviv for 7 years, and then moved back to the US, and have lived in Los Angeles, Manhattan, Rye, Greenwich (again) and most recently here in Westport.

If you weren’t doing what you are today, what do you think your career path might have been?  I would have chosen a more creative field in fashion or home improvement. I haven’t missed a season of Project Runway yet.  HGTV is also my go-to for creative spark.

What is your most marked characteristic? I try to find humor in the most bleak situations.  I try and cheer people up and look at the bright side of things, as corny as it is.

What was your most memorable family vacation and why? When our older two were toddlers (I was pregnant with Josie) we traveled to a friend’s wedding outside Austin, TX.  Without any forewarning, we were off roading for 5 or so miles completely off the grid. We were surrounded by cattle, dirt and a full moon for what felt like forever.  We finally ended up at our ‘oasis’, a super modern estate with fancy party goers.  Another fun adventure!

What is the best white lie you have told your kids? Many white lies have been told (haha) but the most memorable is when I scared my son into brushing his teeth.  When he was younger he needed constant nagging.  One day I googled ‘Periodontal Disease’ where it showed some pretty awful oral hygiene.  I told him this would happen to him  if he didn’t brush.  To this day we refer to unbrushed teeth as ‘black teeth’ just like the ones we saw. *eek!

What is your proudest mommy moment? I have had many proud moments but one that sticks to mind is recent.  My youngest Josie (6) was working on her Mother’s Day project and had to fill in this blank: “My Mommy is as strong as______”.  She inserted “my Daddy”.    To be seen and acknowledged that way by my kids is truly incredible.  I’m clearly doing my job.

What do you most value in your friends? My friends and I value one another for our honesty and directness.  We always have each other’s best interest at heart.

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