Meet Renee

How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? I have a 10 year old daughter at Coleytown Middle School and 2 stepsons, 19 and 22 at Fairfield University. I’ve lived in Westport for 15 years.

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 came to Westport from NY around 14 years ago when I accepted a position with the Walt Disney Company. Part of my team was in Bristol, CT. Another part of my team was in NY and LA. I had to find somewhere that was conveniently located geographically to accommodate my weekly travel requirements. I was either in a car, on a train or in a plane. Which was fine because at the time, I didn’t have a family. I loved spending time in Westport, and I was really happy I found this town. Thanks to a great realtor, I was fortunate enough to be educated on all the charms Westport had to offer. I am a golfer, a sailor and enjoy beaches. Westport was a perfect fit. And then once I became a mother (many years later), Westport REALLY made sense! It’s the perfect place to raise a family in my opinion. After having my daughter I transitioned to becoming CEO of MDSolarSciences, based right here in Westport. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to work where I live in this amazing community. MDSolarSciences is a fantastic brand offering dermatologist developed SPF skincare across dermatologists, med spas, resorts, pharmacies and retailers nationwide. Since I’m a pretty big outdoor enthusiast, I wear our products everyday. And frankly, everyone (kids included) should be wearing sunscreen everyday. MDSolarSciences uses extremely clean formulas that are highly effective and feel amazing to wear. Fragrance free, gluten free, free of harsh chemicals with a cloud like texture. The secret to our formulas is that they actually help to improve the quality of your skin with every use by addressing past sun damage and protecting from free radicals and other environmental aggressors. We’ve been growing very quickly, which is amazing.

What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? AND/OR what is the last book you read? I’ve actually been dusting off the classics…I recently cracked open Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. I’m a complete sucker for period literature and film. Reading her book (rather than watching the movie..again) is so enriching. Her language, detail, complex passion is so impressive and obviously has withheld the test of time. I haven’t read it since college! It’s a nice little escape before bed.

What are two things still on your bucket list? I love to travel and I’ve always wanted to go to India. If I only had the gift of TIME! I want to take the family and experience a few different regions. Additionally, I’d like to do a two week sailing expedition throughout the Mediterranean. I’ve had the chance to sail throughout Greece and had such a great time.

What is your favorite podcast? Right now I’m enjoying “Beauty Is Your Business,” which features news on the beauty industry and technology.

What is one food you could not live without? Cheese!! I am pretty confident I could live on camembert and red wine.

What is one product you could not live without? MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30. I’m obsessed with lip hydration and the sheer color (and sun protection). I find tubes of it everywhere…in my car, pockets, drawers.

What is your greatest fear? Letting my family down. I just want to ensure my family is safe, happy and well grounded. My children have a very different world to face than I had growing up and I just want to set them up for success.

What is your greatest indulgence? Sleep! It is the greatest guilty pleasure.

Which talent would you most like to have? The ability to remain patient and not be reactive. The talent of remaining calm and being able to see difficult situations with clarity.

Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest? Catherine The Great. I mean….the stories! What she had to navigate was incredible.

What’s a cause or purpose you deeply believe in? To end human trafficking.

What is your favorite family tradition? Christmas at The Cliff House in Maine.

What is your greatest extravagance? A spa weekend! So extravagant I’ve only done it once.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “Fantastic” and if you ask my kids, it’s probably “pick up your stuff”.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? That I grew up in South Dakota. Not many know that about me.

If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been? I would have remained in digital media business development. I loved it and we did some amazingly innovative things across music and media for the biggest media companies in the world.

If you could travel to one place this next year, where would it be and why? I’ve got a pretty crazy year next year, so if I could manage it, I’d love to go to Morocco for a quick trip.

Are you a morning person, or a night owl? How does sleep fit into your life? I’m up around 6:30 every morning. Sleep is so important to me. Without it, I’m useless. A good night’s sleep is an absolute luxury.

What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs? How strong my community of women is. I feel so blessed for the amazing women around me in this town…and their families. It feels like extended family to me. We watch out for one another, lend a hand just when I need it most and they offer to always step in and help. Plus we certainly have fun! Thanks for making my life richer.

What is the first thing you do when you walk in the door after a long day? Usually pick up after my kids and take the dog out. The day never really ends! Welcome to motherhood.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Who are your heroes in real life? In fiction, does James Bond count? I love Bond films…classics and contemporary. The heroes in my real life are numerous. I am a firm believer that we have everyday heroes amongst us in our community and across all walks of life. We all have the opportunity to be heroic in our daily lives. It’s in the way we treat people. It’s how we encourage greatness across our communities and families. Heroism is achievable in the kind gestures we extend. Sometimes when I’m tucking my daughter in at night after a long day and she says something so surprisingly kind, the exact thing I needed to hear at that moment, she’s my hero… just taking the time to recognize what someone might need to lift them up.

QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Popcorn..and I don’t want to have to share with my husband
Cook or order in? I love a home cooked meal.
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot coffee- every morning
Beach or Mountains? BEACH!!! All Day, Everyday.
Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Always half full. I’m an eternal optimist!
Sauce on the Side or Sauce on Top? On the side- I like flavor layering
Crunchy or Smooth Peanut Butter? Crunchy!
Guacamole or Salsa? Guacamole- spicy (with a spicy margarita preferably)
Attend a Party or Host a Party? I love hosting!! I’m constantly hosting.
Call a friend or text a friend? Depends on the friend, but mainly call.
Vacation or staycation? Vacation! The world is such an exciting place. I love exploring new locations.
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? TV and a book.
Watch or play sports? Play sports. I’m a pretty active person.
Stay in or go out? I like going out. And then after too much going out..I’ll stay for a week.
Comedy or Drama? Drama! Period Drama.