Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I was raised in Houston and moved back after going to college on the east coast. I’ve been here most of my life!
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have two children: Jack (10) and Quinn (6)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I was an excellent hula hooper in my 20s and there’s a picture of me hula hooping in the college textbook titled The Encyclopedia of Toys.
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
My local happy places are The Rothko Chapel, The Menil (inside and the green space next door), The Friend’s Meeting House in the Heights, Edith Moore Bird Sanctuary, and Evelyn’s Park.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? This past fall I started Mini Montessori of Houston, https://www.minimontessoriofhouston.com, located in the museum district. After teaching primary-aged children (ages 3-6) at St. Catherine’s Montessori for several years I decided to open a boutique Montessori school with a low child to teacher ratio (6:1). Our mission is to provide an authentic Montessori experience to children who need a smaller environment in order to thrive.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Many of my friends are small business owners in Houston and this small, creative, and supportive community has helped me dare to take this risk of opening my own school. The local Montessori community of parents, educators, and administrators has also been very supportive and excited to hear that I am helping to fill a niche in our community.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
Slowing down this past year, focusing on the most important things in my life (my children), and re-evaluating my goals has been such a valuable experience for me. I feel fortunate that my work is related to my own children’s development and growth, and much of what I am doing professionally is helping them in both direct and indirect ways. Another gift to them is the benefit of being able to see me work hard and create something out of nothing. There are so many practical life lessons to be learned when a parent starts a new business and invites her children to experience the process as much as possible.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
My advice would be to get to know yourself, travel as much as possible, and focus on your education if you know what your passions are.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Buy in bulk! One of my children can be sensitive to certain types of clothing so I stock up when I find a particular clothing item that works! There’s no shame in self-imposed uniforms, right?
