Meet Runa and Jasmine! - Westport Moms

How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport?
Jasmine (J): 4 & 6 and I’ve lived here for 2 years
Runa (R): 7 & 5 and I’ve lived in Westport since November 2012 (almost 7 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?
R/J: Our sons attended preschool together, and we were mom friends =) During the 2019 winter rut, we started talking a lot about the many talented and ambitious friends we had who wanted to employ their education and skills outside the home, but had no avenue to begin their job search. We also talked about the commuting parents who would love to work closer to home and impact their local community, but had no platform focused on their job search. And finally, we discussed how many local companies and employers are seeking a more diverse and inclusive workplace, but had no access to highly experienced and efficient talent outside their core network. We put our heads together to come up with a solution to fill these voids, and our new recruiting company, conneCTalent, was born!
What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns?
J: Beach! Any day, every day, all day.
R: I’m from California but didn’t grow up in a beach town. My husband was adamant on us moving to a beach town because he grew up near the water. So naturally when we are in town, we love spending evenings as a family on the beach, even when its cold out!
What’s your can’t live without beauty product?
J: Moisturizer
What are you most excited about in life right now?
R/J: We are so excited about running our business, conneCTalent! It is truly satisfying when we find the perfect match between an employer and an employee, and we can’t wait to create even more meaningful connections between people. We are very grateful to have such a positive and supportive community behind us as we continue on this journey.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
J: I was an All-American high school gymnast and a competitive cheerleader at the University of Michigan.
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what do you think your career path might have been?
R: Had I never left my old company, I may have continued my job as an auditor. That was the only company I had ever worked for and the only occupation I had. That being said, I did not love it and I think recruiting and making meaningful connections for people was my real calling! There is nothing more satisfying and fulfilling than placing a candidate in a job they are passionate about.
J: Had I never left New York City I’d probably still be a divorce attorney. Being an entrepreneur and recruiter isn’t quite as dramatic, but it’s still exciting.
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do?
R: I would take a day for myself: catch up on all my favorite shows without any interruptions, go to the spa, you know everything us moms dream of doing when we have a tough day. Mother’s Day is simply not enough!
What is your most marked characteristic?
R: My persistence. It’s this exact quality that allows me to succeed in our business.
J: Yup, it’s true, she is persistent.
What was your most memorable family vacation and why?
J: We spend a week in Lake George every summer boating on the lake and going to the beach, and we look forward to it all year.
R: The first vacation we took as a family of four was to Punta Cana. My son was 3 and my daughter was 5 and it was just the four of us. When my husband is able to forget the stress of work, when I have no household responsibilities and when my kids are loving every moment of being outdoors and off electronics, it’s the best feeling ever!
What is the best white lie you have told your kids?
J: Santa’s watching…
What is your proudest mommy moment?
J: That my kids are the best of friends and want to do everything together.
R: When my kids have each other’s backs. Friends come and go, but family is forever!
What do you most value in your friends?
J: Being fun and loyal
R: Shared laughter. There is nothing better than having a good laugh over inside jokes. Laughter is necessary in the stress of this modern world!
What is your greatest regret?
J: We’re too young to have regrets – hopefully I can still accomplish everything I want to!

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