How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? My husband Jeremy and I have two boys, William who is 10 and Andrew who turns 8 at the end of August. We moved here from St. Louis, Missouri in June of 2020- the heart of COVID. We are so happy with our decision and love it here! Both of our boys go to Greens Farms Elementary.
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 spent 20 plus years in marketing for large consumer packaged goods companies and I am incredibly grateful for all I was able to do. To achieve a work/life/health balance, I stepped away from the large corporate environment to pursue creating my own products that I believe in, and think will make a difference in people’s lives.
I love beauty and wellness products and I knew I wanted to create something in that space. Having watched my mother suffer from Stage 4 melanoma cancer (and beat It!), creating a product that can help prevent what she endured and can save lives seemed like the perfect match. However, sunscreen options have mostly been limited to two options- those that are clean, have quality ingredients and perform well but are far too expensive for most, or mainstream sunscreens with harmful ingredients that are not safe for our families. Another factor was trying to solve consumers’ main complaint about clean sunscreen which is that it is chalky and white. That is where Visor was born. The intent is to provide high-quality, clean, clear sunscreen with added skincare benefits for everyone! My first product introduction (with more to come!) is Visor CLEAR, a 100% clear sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C that you can feel good about wearing every day. It is safe for the whole family, and it is the best thing you can do to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays. My kids love putting Visor CLEAR on as it its texture is gel-like, and it is tear-free. It used to be a battle with them, and now they love putting on sunscreen. Adults will enjoy the added skincare ingredients and kids will love the fun, clear, tear -free formula. It is a win for the entire family. Learn more about how to prevent melanoma and more at VISOR!
What was your best memory from the last few COVID years, a strange time we know… We moved here from the Midwest, so our ability to be so close to the beach and the ocean means the world to us. The fact that our kids get to have day camp at the beach makes me so happy. We love Friday night beach nights with friends and just the ability to be by the calm and peacefulness of the water at any time is something we do not take for granted.
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? When the kids go to bed we like to watch everything from dramas like Succession, to light-hearted, funny shows likes Ted Lasso or The Mighty Gemstones.
What is one food you could not live without? Pizza is a staple at our house. It is my favorite food, and the kids love it! We like to make it at home and love to try out all the local restaurants and enjoy the best when in New Haven or NYC.
What is one product you could not live without? My iPhone! I hate to say it, but it is my “connection” to almost everything I need on a daily basis.
What is your greatest fear? Letting my family down. Deciding to change course at this stage in my life is risky. I have always been proud of my career and tried to show my boys my hard work ethic. Going out on my own is scary. My kids have seen me work hard at starting my own business and they are excited. I hope I can continue to demonstrate courage and resiliency so I can be the best role model to them I can be.
What is your greatest indulgence? Sleeping in. I tend to work late at night and my husband knows I am absolutely not a morning person, so he is great at taking things on in the mornings when he can so I can get some much-needed sleep when possible.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? Since I have moved to CT, one thing I have tried to be transparent about when getting to know people is to let them know I am Epileptic. I had a hard time previously discussing this with people and I have learned that letting people in has only been positive. I am so grateful for the ongoing support I receive from my friends and family.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? POPCORN
Cook or order in? CATER IN? I like company.
Cake or Ice Cream? Neither, I’m a cheese and wine girl. I know its weird.
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? BOTH, obviously based on season…
Beach or Mountains? BOTH… why we moved to CT!
Puzzle or Board Game? Board Game for sure!
Wine or a Cocktail (if cocktail, which one?) I am definitely a wine girl.
Reading or writing? Reading
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? ALL, different nights.
Watch or play sports? Watch. 2 boys.
Stay in or go out? Stay in and have people over or go out.
Comedy or Drama? Comedy