How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? My son Dylan is 7 and in 2nd grade at KHS and my daughter Sophie is 5 and in Kindergarten at KHS.
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’ve been in the swag business for over 20 years, having graduated from college in 2003 and initially searching for a career in marketing and PR. I randomly stumbled upon an opportunity in the promotional products industry, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I spent more than 8 years working with one of the largest agencies in the field before deciding to take the leap and start my own business over 12 years ago.
While my background has been deeply rooted in strategic corporate gifting, my focus has expanded. I opened The Swag Lab studio in Westport to specialize in the personal event space, particularly Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. To date, I’ve been involved in branding, design, and swag strategy for over 150 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. This has truly become my passion, and I pride myself on my ability to take unique personalities of these 13-year-olds and transform their milestone into a custom, memorable brand that truly reflects who they are.
I absolutely love the opportunity to help bring a family’s vision to life for such a significant milestone. Being part of these celebrations, and contributing to an event that’s so meaningful for both the 13-year-old and their family, is something I find incredibly rewarding.
When asked is Swag worth it for these events? I refer to my tag line “When the party is over. Your swag keeps on dancing.”
What is the last book you read? It Ends with Us.
What are two things still on your bucket list? If you’d asked me last month what my top bucket list item was, I’d have said running a marathon. Well, I’m still basking in the afterglow, and I’m proud to say I can now cross it off my list—I completed the NYC marathon on November 3rd, 2024!
What is one food you could not live without? Chicken Souvlaki over rice from Sherwood diner.
What is one product you could not live without? Coffee Pot!
What is your greatest fear? Flying
What is your greatest indulgence? Foot Massage from Sun Reflexology. Or full body from Squeeze (Hi Frandy!)
Which talent would you most like to have? To sing! If I had the voice for it, I’d never stop. I’ve always felt a natural pull to be on stage and perform—I just wasn’t blessed with the talent to match the passion.
What’s a cause or purpose you deeply believe in? One cause I deeply believe in is Sandy Hook Promise, next week will be 12 years since the devastating tragedy. For many years, I’ve been proud to contribute monthly in support of this charity and their mission to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes and communities.
What is your favorite family tradition? Family Christmas vacations to Aruba! I grew up going with my family. Now, I get to go with my husband and kids!
What is your greatest extravagance? GG & Joe’s $5 caramel latte that I have almost daily.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? That I’m not such a jewelry lover! Given, that I’m married to a jeweler people assume I would love it. I don’t.
Are you a morning person, or a night owl? I’m basically a professional sleeper. I can nap anytime, anywhere, and I absolutely love it—let’s just say I’m really, really good at it!
What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs? More space, more mess. I always thought having more room would make me more organized, but it just gave me more space to spread out my chaos.
Who are your heroes in real life? My father is, and always will be, my hero. I’ll forever be a daddy’s girl.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Both!
Cook or order in? Order in!
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Both!
Beach or Mountains? Beach!
Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Half Full.
Sauce on the Side or Sauce on Top? Sauce on the Side!
Crunchy or Smooth Peanut Butter? Extra Crunchy!
Guacamole or Salsa? Guac!
Attend a Party or Host a Party? Neither- I’d prefer to be home in sweats!
Call a friend or text a friend? Text.
Vacation or staycation? Staycation
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? Social Media (wish I had a better answer!)
