How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? I have lived in Westport for 27 years, and I have three girls who are 27, 25 & 22, Nicki, Katie and Jennie! And I also finally have a soon to be SON with my oldest daughter getting married!!
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 ended up as an Event Planner and owner of Pink House Productions, purely by accident. I may be the only person in Westport who was not actually a “party planner” in their past life.
But I got into it because someone recognized my ability to make connections with people, and to build relationships. That is 100% my best asset and what makes my business work. I also work very hard at maintaining relationships as well. I have learned it is not just about creating them, but keeping them. That is how you build a business and a life in a community.
What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns? We love Compo Beach. My kids still love the ice cream at Joeys, especially the Spongebob one, and sometimes we may even find one of the girls on the playground, flipping around.
What was your most memorable family vacation and why? We love a small boutique hotel on the beach in Florida and we can’t reveal the name because we want to keep it our secret. =) It’s the best and we go every Christmas because it is the only time we are all 5 off and around at the same time.
What is the best white lie you have told your kids? I have told each one of them secretly that they are my favorite.
What is your proudest mommy moment? My best and proudest moments are when they are laughing together…and enjoying being sisters. Also, I loved it when they were younger and went to each others recitals or gymnastics meets and cheered each other on. I love that they were – and are – able to enjoy each other’s differences.
What’s your favorite app right now- for you- and for your kids? WestportMoms, Bloomies, Starbucks, Amazon and any workout app.
What’s your can’t live without beauty product? Eyelash extensions!! They are addictive.
What’s your favorite restaurant for a family dinner? A night out with friends? Spotted horse, and we are a big Sherwood Diner family (“breakfast for dinner”). Some of our kids still love the “fire table” at Sakura.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am terrible at planning vacations. It stresses me out, big time. It is weird considering “planning” is my business.
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what do you think your career path might have been? I would definitely be a reality TV star or at the very least Andy Cohen’s assistant.
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do? I would sit on the beach with my kids, and then have a BBQ in the backyard with my husband Todd cooking and definitely cleaning up. And there would definitely be wine or mojitos.
What is your most marked characteristic? Without bragging (I swear=)), there are a few:
- Patience-my kids(and friends) always tell me they can’t believe how patient I am in my business. They can’t believe it, but I don’t find it difficult.
- The Gift of gab-being able to talk to a loaf of bread. I have been blessed with this and it has served me well. From my client relationships to the last guy on the totem pole at the venue, I can talk to anyone and help them feel important. It is what has helped me build a great business and maintain many relationships throughout Westport.
- Being nice-this is super important, and I tell our staff repeatedly that “we operate on nice;” be nice to everyone. Again, including the last guy on the totem pole. They are important and work hard and should be appreciated. I try to say THANK YOU in every communication I have, whether it is in person or over an email. I have gone back in to Trader Joes to say “thank you” to the check-out person.
What do you most value in your friends? Support; my Westport friends are truly my family. We have supported each other throughout all of life’s moments. Births, deaths, mitzvahs and weddings. I love my friends and I love our birthday dinners which always bring me back to them even when business and life get crazy.
What is your greatest regret? No Regrets– My favorite quote: “there is a reason that the rear view mirror is smaller than the front windshield.” Don’t look back; there is nothing you can do.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? Enjoy every moment. They go so fast. You wake up and your babies are adults. Don’t stress about the little things. And LAUGH with them. It’s the best gift you can give.
