Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
I am originally from Northern California, but have also lived in NYC. We moved to Fairfield in April 2021, but were familiar with it, because my husband David grew up here!
Tell us about your Family!
I am married to my wonderful husband David, co-owner of Bricks & Minifigs, who is also a cinematographer. We met when we were 20 years old! We’ve had lots of adventures together, including lots of travel, living on a farm, and owning our own wedding video business. We have always chosen our own path and have lots of stories to tell because of it!
As a family, we enjoy building LEGO together, playing games and going to one of the beaches here in town with a pizza!
That my first career was in dance – I danced professionally and have taught dance for over 15 years! I am also a personal trainer/fitness instructor and love making people feel strong and joyful through movement.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
I wish I knew that we’re all just learning as we go – no mom has it all figured out! I’d also wish that I’d understood more that all the preconceived notions you have of parenthood go out the window – you just have to parent the kids you have.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
I feel a real sense of community here – there are so many opportunities to get involved, and to gather. We really enjoy being involved at school and in town. You’ll always catch us at a Sherman Green or Town Hall Green event! It’s nice to have a sense of community here, and I feel that a lot of people in Fairfield are committed to making positive impacts on our town and beyond. Including us!
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
My greatest mom hack is to surround yourself with as much support as possible! Make sure you put yourself out there – parenting can be isolating at times, and it’s so important as moms to have people to lean on.
Tell us about your business Bricks and Minfigs, and when & why you decided to start up this business?
Bricks & Minifigs is a one-stop-shop for all things LEGO®, new and used! We sell all the new sets, as well as used sets, retired sets, bulk pieces and minifigures. We also welcome our community to sell us their used LEGO products for cash or store credit! We have birthday parties, classes, community events, and more. We want our store to be a welcoming space for people of all ages to connect over the magic of LEGO!
We decided to open our own Bricks & Minifigs after visiting one in California while on vacation. As a “LEGO family”, we were told about the store and checked it out. We immediately felt like Fairfield needed something like this – why not us? As I mentioned earlier, my husband and I have owned a business together, and thought this would be an exciting addition to our lives. As parents, we really connected to the trade aspect…what a great way to keep the LEGO rotating through the house, rather than keep adding! It keeps counter space, and saves money!
Why is it important to have a shop like this in Fairfield?
Before us, there was nothing like it in Fairfield County! We are the largest store specializing only in LEGO®. We are really passionate about the fact that LEGO is truly for everyone, and we loved the idea of creating a welcoming space for anyone to come be themselves and connect.
Tell us about the different services that you offer?
Besides being a retail store, we have a buy/sell/trade aspect of the business! We will buy people’s pre-loved LEGO products for cash or store credit! This keeps the inventory exciting and ever-changing!
We also have a private room in the back for birthday parties. classes, and events! We like to keep things busy back there, and look forward to expanding our offerings throughout our first year being open!
What is your background?
My background is in dance – I danced professionally and have taught dance for over 15 years! Dance is my first passion and expertise, and will always be a part of my life. I’m always looking for adult dance classes to keep me moving and creative!
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
My best advice relates to my “mom hack”….surround yourself with as much support as possible! Not just with the logistics of childcare – emotional support as well. Make sure you have people on your team who will remind you that you are doing a great job. It really does take a village, and I think we as moms need to not put pressure on ourselves to be perfect at everything. There’s enough pressure in the world as it is! Make sure you have some friends/a partner who will pump you up when you need it!
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My own amazing mother. She raised me to be exactly who I am, let me explore my interests and passions, and has always been incredibly supportive and full of loving guidance. She has always helped me to be my best but allowed me to make mistakes along the way. She is still mothering me in my own mom journey and I couldn’t be more grateful. Having such a close relationship with her has definitely influenced me into how I approach parenting my own children!
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
For new moms (this is specific but I’m passionate about it) – when it comes to nursing vs bottle….do what works for YOU and drown out all the baby feeding noise! A happy mom is the most important thing and try and trust yourself and your intuition about what will work best for you and your baby.
To more seasoned moms – find your friends! When we moved here in 2021, I made it my mission to intentionally find a supportive group of girlfriends and I’m so glad I did. I don’t know what I’d do without my community! Between my friends I can see in person and my group of friends I can text at any time, I know I have that support!
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: Green Chilitos
Grab a Drink with Friends: Artisan in the summer. Molto in the cooler months!
Have a Date Night: Mecha Noodle Bar
Spend time together as a Family: Southport Beach
Outside Activities: A walk at the Audobon Society – great trails!
Grab coffee: Las Vetas Lounge or Shearwater!