Meet Linda! - Westport Moms

How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? I have three children. Julia is 21 and just graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Jack is 17 and just finished his Junior year at Staples and Hannah is 13 and will be in 8th grade. We have been in Westport for 11 years.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time? I don’t think any age has been the most difficult, as they all have particular challenges. When the kids are small, days are long and busy and they are very needy of all of your energy and patience. However, I found as they got older, the challenges were harder. When they first learn to drive is extremely difficult as was sending my daughter to college. In both these instances, there is lack of control and basically a leap of faith that all will be ok. When kids are little, life is very hectic but parents are very much in control. Similarly, letting children work things out for themselves is difficult for me when we are so used to being able to do it for them.
What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns? Our favorite activity in Westport is to enjoy Compo Beach. We love to plant ourselves there for the day and we can all meet up with friends and be grateful that this is our town. We love the July 4th fireworks and the camaraderie of our residents.
What was your most memorable family vacation and why?  We just took our most memorable family vacation to Israel. It was special because several Westport families traveled together and we all got to experience it with dear friends, the kids and adults alike. We explored most of the country and learned so much.
What is the best white lie you have told your kids? Hmmm. Are they reading this? That we are bored to death and miserable while they are at summer camp?
What is your proudest mommy moment? Proudest mommy moment is when I am complimented on my kids being nice and kind and caring for other people. It means more than academic achievements and athletic prowess.
What’s your favorite app right now- for you- and for your kids? Believe it or not, my favorite app right now is SnapChat. I just learned how to use it (barely) but I get to see glimpses of my kids and a few friends and what they’re up to when I’m not with them.
What’s your can’t live without beauty product? That’s a tough one because I’m a beauty product junkie (especially as I get older…lol) Best discovery is Maybelline Baby Lips…best texture and sheer colors. But I also love By Terry Lip Balm. Feels so nice and smells like roses. And I love our Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids hair care line, especially the Julia’s Magical Mist. It’s a fantastic leave-in conditioner that tames flyaways and protects the hair.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family dinner? A night out with friends? Favorite restaurant in town for family dinner is Pink Sumo; the food never disappoints, it is inventive and the staff is so friendly and personable. Now that it’s nicer out, I love going to Pearl or Artisan and sit in the back for a night out with friends. Spotted Horse is always a good standby too.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? That I can’t think of an answer to this question! I am pretty much an open book!
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do? I would sleep in and go for a long run by Burying Hill beach, past all the pretty boats in Southport. Then I would head to the beach with friends and family for the day and stay until sunset. Joey’s fries would definitely be a part of it! Then either go out or have people over for a nice leisurely dinner, preferably including lobster. Conversely, I would love a day in NYC with a leisurely brunch, followed by walking around the city and ending up on a rooftop bar and then dinner. As you can see, both of these ideal 24 hours are in nice weather!
What is your most marked characteristic? Loyalty, I think. I have friends from all stages in my life that I am still so close to. It means a lot to me to put time and effort into relationships.
What do you most value in your friends? Likewise, I value loyalty in friends. I look for them to put in effort and maintain the relationship as well. We are all very busy but I think it’s so important to take the time out for one another. Life can be short and fragile so I think it’s very important to celebrate with one another along the way.
What is your greatest regret? My greatest regret is worrying too much about what other people think. Early in my career, I had moved from Texas to New York and worked in advertising. The brash New Yorkers intimidated me and made me question my abilities.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? I would advise other moms to try to keep a piece of themselves separate from their husbands and children. This can be a hobby and/or a job/career or friends. It’s so easy to get caught up taking care of others that one loses their identity. Then the kids are older and don’t need you as much and you’re left wondering what to do!
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? My husband Scott and I started Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in 2002 in Greenwich, CT with one flagship store. We have evolved considerably since the first store and are always adjusting the business to current trends to stay ahead. We started franchising and now have over 40 locations throughout the world. Westport is our headquarters and training center. We are currently focusing on building the franchise system while adding infrastructure and expanding our marketing efforts in social media. We strive to make our Westport location the best version of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids and have our other franchisees mirror what we have implemented and had success with. We are trying to build the business while maintaining the spirit and core of our vision.

Join The Westport Moms Community

Stay up-to-date with what is happening in-and-around The Westport, CT community with local events, community highlights, and exclusive deals.