Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I am from Long Island, NY originally. I have lived in a bunch of places – NYC, Washington, DC, Chicago, Connecticut and have now lived in Houston for 3 years now.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have 3 boys – Johnny is 24, Will is 21 and Tommy is 14
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’m kind of an open book, but some people may be surprised to know that I had a radio show in college (back then they had turntables!) and I like to paint and do jigsaw puzzles.
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
I love going out to eat in Houston! There are so many good restaurant choices. I also love my neighborhood, Wilchester, and I love to walk outside since it’s my first time living in a warm climate. I also like to play golf with my family and have started playing pickleball.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
Yes, I own two businesses – Coastal Town Moves, based in CT and Gulf Coast Moves, based here in Houston. When we moved here a few years ago, I decided to replicate the work I love in move management. We help individuals and families with all of their moving needs including packing, removal of household items for donation/consignment, clean-outs, storage needs, overall move coordination and unpacking. We love to work with seniors who are downsizing and are a member of NASMM (National Association of Senior Move Managers). We take pride in our ability to help people transition smoothly and without stress. We like to build relationships with local real estate professionals to help their clients prepare their homes for sale and ideally help them with the entire move after their home sells. We also like to work with move coordinators in senior communities especially when a family is tasked with downsizing prior to moving into a new community. We understand how the tasks involved can be overwhelming and we strive to ease the transition for our clients.
Please feel free to peruse the website at www.gulfcoastmoves.net
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I have been an East Coast gal for the majority of my life and I was told, everyone in Houston would be welcoming and it’s more than true! – Houstonians are so nice and helpful! Anyone I mention my business to, is so enthusiastic and encouraging. Everyone wants to spread the word and agrees that the services we offer are invaluable for people who need more than just a straightforward move.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
I would say setting boundaries for when it’s work time and when it’s family time. I have caught myself in the “workaholic” mode and I want to be there for my kids whenever they need me. I find it challenging since two of my three don’t live nearby, and not necessarily in the same time zone, but they know they come first when they need me!
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
I could write a book to answer this question but the biggest thing I wish I had done was – worry less! Everything does have a way of working out and there is no one way/path/script to follow when it comes to having a career or a family. As far as careers go, it is important to like what you do and it’s ok to take a break and change paths. When I was younger, that wasn’t what our parents’ generation really saw/wanted for us and as I’ve gotten older, I can see more clearly that it’s really ok to change your mind and go for it. As for raising kids, I like to believe that we are all doing our best everyday to raise great people and get them ready for the world. I never thought too much about having a family before actually having one, think I’ve enjoyed the surprises more along the way.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Well my middle son would say it was my 3rd son. He thinks I cut corners when it comes to parenting Tommy since I have a tendency to justify all decisions based on what I did right/wrong with #1 or #2. And there’s a big gap in their ages so it’s even easier to see things from a different perspective. But I know that sometimes it’s just because I’ve gotten older and worn down 🙂