Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the area?
I am originally from Morristown NJ, born in NYC but raised here my whole life. I love Morristown and everything the town (and surrounding towns) has to offer for families- a great community, fabulous restaurants and so much to do in terms of farms, activities etc.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
One daughter who is 3 , Delfina
Are you involved in a business venture or corporate world? Please Share!
I was in corporate for over 11 years in the designer eyewear industry. I launched and managed some of the most well known designer brands- Gucci, Dior, Celine, Fendi (to name a few). I loved it- but as I got married and then knew I wanted to start a family, I decided to join a design startup; it ultimately offered more flexibility and more time while still fulfilling my love for fashion and creativity while filling my entrepreneurial cup. While I grew up in sales and business development, I love being part of companies from the beginning and supporting them scale from 0-100. It’s exciting to be a part of innovative, forward thinking teams. I most recently was a part of launching The Unoriginal Bathroom Company- a new way to shop for your next bathroom remodel. We are on a mission to modernize the pre-renovation process with a seamless shopping solution for homeowners who love design, but lack the time. I am excited to see this company take off and feel so grateful to be aligned with some of the best people in the home space.
How did you become involved with Room to Grow?
My Mom introduced me at an early age to the powerful magic that happens when a community unites in doing good things for others. Her years of philanthropic efforts have been an endless source of inspiration and I feel incredibly blessed to walk in her footsteps through my volunteer work with Room to Grow, a truly meaningful organization that I hold near and dear to my heart. We support babies and their parents born into low income households. After becoming a Mom I knew I wanted to join an organization that supports children and their development; this work is so crucial- I stumbled upon them on Instagram! Thank you social media.
Have you always worked for organizations helping low income families?
I have always volunteered and had a vested interest in helping those in need. But Room to Grow was my first introduction to helping babies and young families. I am so honored to be a part of this incredible mission.
Room to Grow has been around for more than 20 years, what makes it so successful?
The people! (In my opinion) Its an incredible group of women and men- highly motivated and loyal and they are so thoughtful about how they spread their resources- they are a ton of ways to get involved – check them out here.
If someone is in need of assistance, is there an application process?
Yes ! Visit us online to learn more about applying or getting involved in other ways- https://www.roomtogrow.org/contact-us .
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs what would it be?
Every season is fleeting. Some days I struggle did I “Mom enough” “work enough” “volunteer enough”— I know parenthood is a trip and we can be our hardest critics. But I’d say to take things one day at a time. Enjoy the present. Take time for you and prioritize the health of you and your family – it has been a winning ticket for us even on the days that don’t go as well as I hoped I feel equipped to know it always gets better. I also make sure my daughter is involved in all of my ventures- whether it be paid work or volunteering so she sees what hard work, dedication and doing your part in the world looks like from a very young age. My husband and I also commit to making it fun for her – she has been doing room to grow fill-a-truck events since she was 1 yrs old and loves it- This is so important to me!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I love fishing! I am married to a fisherman and from day 1 when we met over 10 years ago I took the approach “if you cant beat them , join them.” Sometimes I am the only female in the lineup or I catch the biggest fish that day and I absolutely love it. It’s a thrill and so refreshing to be outdoors and on the beach. My record was a Pacific bluefin tuna in California- just shy of 200 lbs!
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? Going to the farm , there are so many great ones to choose from! If you were asking my daughter she would say Huckleberry Play (during winter especially)
2 – Favorite coffee spot? Ethan and The Bean, I love their mission
3 – Favorite lunch place? Blue Cafe in Basking Ridge, hands down
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Alstede is great for this
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Love Osteria Morini
6 – Favorite boutique? 23 South Boutique
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? Roots Bar, it’s a classic and the bartenders are great
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? Time for a Bagel in Morris plains, I am a lifer!
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? Coniglio’s on the green, great for families, too
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? Dairy Queen off of Dover/Chester Road, yes pls!
Be sure to follow Room to Grow on social media below and reach out to them directly if you would like to volunteer your time.
