How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? I grew up in Westport and always knew this was where I would want to raise my own children. I have two daughters, ages 6 & 9. It’s a little weird to be back here in Westport as a parent. In a way, it sort of erases your past to live in the town where you grew up. When I drive past places like Staples High School, I sometimes need to remind myself that that was my high school. Like all parents, I’m more focused on my children so already I think of it as theirs. But every once in awhile something reminds me that this is my hometown: there is a street sign at a four-way intersection that I pass often with “95’” spray painted on the back. Every time I drive by, I smile, knowing that someone from my graduating class at Staples did that. I always wonder who it was?
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 100% owe my career choice to my mom, Miriam Luck, who is now my partner in real estate (along with our third partner, Dee Cohen). I remember walking down the street when I was living in Manhattan after college trying to figure out what I want to do. She insisted that I get my real estate license, promising me it would lead to a career that would work for me in every stage of life. I fought her and then listened to her. And she was absolutely right. From selling apartments in New York City to homes in Westport, being a Realtor has been a rewarding career that I have felt passionate about since I started in 2001. I get to do something I love – but also get to attend every school performance and conference. And how lucky am I to get to work with my mom every day!? We already talked 12 times a day – now it’s more of a running conversation from about 9am on, once the kids are off to school. I wouldn’t change a thing.
What’s your favorite app right now- for you- and for your kids? For me, it’s really Instagram. I love home décor so I spend a lot of time following interior designers admiring their work and getting inspiration for my own house that I am constantly “mentally decorating”. Some of my favorite designers to follow are @windinglanedesign, @changoandco, @amandakellyinteriors, @cristinacoleco and @ninafarmerinteriors. Nina Farmer is a close friend of mine who also grew up in Westport. She has impeccable taste, travels the world for inspiration and works on projects from Boston to Fairfield County.
What is one food you could not live without? I am obsessed with my morning cappuccino. I make it myself in my Nespresso. I froth the milk to perfection and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. I literally think about how excited I am for it before I go to bed at night. If you see me around town before 10am, I’ll probably have a ridiculous white ceramic mug in hand…and after 10, I’ll be at Granola Bar picking up an iced coffee.
What are you most excited about in life right now? In May of 2018 I found out that I was a carrier of the BRCA2 genetic mutation and underwent a preventative double mastectomy. I went from an 86% chance of developing breast cancer by the time I am 70 to completely eliminating my risk. Taking control of my life and my health was so empowering. I am excited about educating others and encouraging everyone – women and men – to know their risk and get tested for BRCA and other genetic mutations. Knowledge is power. Understanding your genetic composition can help you best monitor your body and guide your decisions for optimum health and wellness. I feel passionate about doing what I can to help educate our community because it can literally save lives. I wholeheartedly believe that it saved mine.
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted to do, what would it be? I’d love to hang out with my sister, Alyson Luck, for 24 uninterrupted hours with no kids in sight. We used to do that all the time when we both lived in the City. Just lounging around on the couch, laughing. We laugh at the same jokes – and we have the same laugh. We would probably spend the 24 hours doing what we do best – analyzing the Kardashian family dynamics and latest episode of Vanderpump Rules. It would be heaven.
What is your most marked characteristic? I am known to compliment others very freely and easily. If I see something special in someone or simply think they look great, I tell them. I don’t think people do that enough. They think nice things, but don’t say them out loud. It’s amazing how a simple compliment can change the whole course of someone’s day.
What was your most memorable family vacation and why? Now that my girls are a bit older, going away on vacation with my family has gotten really fun. My girls love having us all together in one room. It really feels like everyone is at peace and we truly enjoy our time together. For the past 5 years we have gone to Sea Island in Georgia for a week during the summer. We meet up there with friends from NYC that we don’t get to see very often and a few of our closest friends from Westport have joined us over the past two years. It’s like going to camp! We spend long days by the pool and beach and evenings we enjoy some of the old southern traditions of the resort that are still celebrated – from s’mores on the golf course to a family Bingo game (where even the kids are expected to wear a jacket and tie!). It’s always a great week and a special way to end the summer as a family before school starts each year.
What is the best white lie you have told your kids? I literally lie to my kids every day. From telling them the thing they asked me to order on Amazon is backordered to saying “My Three Sons” arcade in Norwalk is under construction (because I don’t want to go). I lie to them. A lot. But unfortunately, I think they’re catching on to me!
Are you a morning person, or a night owl? How does sleep fit into your life right now? It fits in way too much (haha). I’m pretty much sleeping by 9:30 every night, somewhere in my house. A lot of times, my husband comes home late and can’t find me because I fell asleep in bed with one of my kids. By about 5am I usually find my way back to my own room. And no, I am definitely not a morning person. I set my alarm 45 minutes early, just so I can snooze.
What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs? I think my husband, Dave, and I were surprised at how much fun we had in the suburbs. People think they’re moving out of the big city to a sleepy town – not Westport! I tell my clients to make sure they have a babysitter on speed dial and get ready for theme parties, clam bakes, birthdays at the local bars and date nights with new friends. It’s kind of like being in college again. But after a few years in, you’re ready to just settle down with a few good friends and be in bed by 9:30!
Who in your life was – or is – the greatest inspiration for what you’re doing today? My mom, of course. See question 2.
