Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Houston area?
I’m originally from the Philippines but moved to Houston when I was 9 years old. I attended graduate school at the University of Houston for optometry.
How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I have 2 kids, Robert 8yrs old, and Stella 6yrs old, and they attend St. Vincent de Paul School
Least favorite mom job? (I.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.
Honestly, it’s working on school projects (that require multiple trips to Michaels and Target).
Best mom hack that makes life easier?
Packing school lunch and snacks the night before.
What are your favorite local things to do in Houston? (With kiddos or just for mom)
Our favorite lazy Saturday involves biking to Buffalo Grille for brunch (they have a great outdoor play area for the kids) then heading over to Wier Park for tennis. Followed by getting chocolate chip cookies at Tiny’s on our way home.
We’re big on self-care for moms, as hard as it is to find the time, what’s something you do just for yourself?
My favorite self-care involves workouts at my favorite local gyms. I do a mix of pilates at Hip Fitness on Holcombe and spinning at Motiv West U. I love supporting local businesses whenever possible – especially women-owned businesses.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I truly love traveling with my children and watching them grow and acquire new interests after each trip.
Let’s talk about Monocle Premier Eye Care!!! When did you open the business?
I opened Monocle Premier Eye Care in Nov 2017 and has been the most professionally rewarding experience of my life.
What was the inspiration behind opening your office?
I specifically chose to build my office in West U because I wanted to serve the community where I live. I wanted to build a practice that connects on a more personal level. I built my office to be very kid-friendly (we have a mini-conference room that serves as a play area for the kids, and we offer snacks and drinks in addition to a curated selection of kid’s frames along with a broad selection of designer frames).
What did you do prior to Monocle Premier Eye Care?
I lived in Boston for several years and worked in private practice and retail settings of optometry. I took my 10+ years of work experience and travel influences to shape my vision for Monocle Premier Eye Care.
What sets Monocle Premier Eye Care apart from other optical offices?
We offer a personalized approach to eye health. We use state-of-the-art technology to detect, monitor and treat eye conditions. Our office has a curated selection of eyewear that is exclusive (we are the only authorized retailer of Chanel in Houston). Selecting eyewear is such a personal decision and we take pride in helping guide each patient in finding the best eyewear for their needs.
When parenting gets hard, what’s something you tell yourself that gets you through?
The knowledge that my time with my children in their early years is so limited and they grow up so fast. I make every effort to not let the small challenges (meltdowns, spills, damage) affect my time with them.
