How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have two wonderful children, a 10 year old girl and an 8 year old boy.
How long have you lived in Jersey City? What made you decide to live here?
I lived in Jersey City for many years and recently moved a bit farther. But I really never left, I love the community and our studio is in Jersey City, so I am always here either working or hanging out with friends!
What’s your favorite family activity in Jersey City?
I have to say that the best thing about Jersey City are all the community events: fairs, parties, parades, mom hangouts, entrepreneur events, dance performances, etc. There is so much to see and experience in Jersey City. The best part? Children are growing up in a wonderful and diverse community with amazing people and so many opportunities.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in your town?
Not sure where to start, there are so many fun and yummy places in Jersey City! When I am at our downtown studio @nimbusdanceworks, I love to grab cofffee and a pastry (or their avocado toast/salad) at Choc o Pain. I also enjoy stopping by Word Bookstore to get the latest book. Jersey City has so many good Mexican restaurants (I love Mexican food!) my fave by far is Viva Mexico, or a classic -La Taqueria- and just tried the new Tacoria and it’s good, too! Sam Am is my go-to place for a delicious breakfast and coffee with friends! I never miss a mani/pedí at Grace Nails and usually stop by Downtown Pharmacy for any last minute things. Shopping is fun in Jersey City, I love the shops on Washington Street, I always have an excuse to go to the mall, and who doesn’t love Target, right?
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was shy when growing up, and I still blush a bit!! But 13 years ago, on my wedding day, I sang a song for my husband in front of 300 people (it was a surprise for everyone, including him), and nobody believed their eyes! I stood there, on stage, singing his favorite song, with the music band standing behind me and playing. And it felt amazing! Now, every one of my music classes feels like that day, because I have the best audience (little ones & their parents/caregivers) smiling back at me!
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
I don’t have family in NJ but I have been blessed with a big sister and an amazing sister-in-law, that have always been there for me -event at a distance- just a phone call away. And here town, I have my own “village” of amazing moms, neighbors and nannies, and the truth is that without them, I don’t know how I would’ve survived -if you’re a mom reading this, you get me!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
Yes, I own “A Sound Start“, it’s an early childhood music school for children ages 0-5 yrs. A Sound Start opened it’s doors in 2006, by my friend and musician Andrea Gunden. I met her in 2010 when I enrolled my baby girl in her music class (and absolutely loved it!) It is there and then I knew I wanted to have my own music school, that not only I wanted to be happy, I wanted to make others happy! I got my Kindermusik educator license and joined her team. Fast forward to 2019, where it has been 3 years now, that I became the owner/director of A Sound Start. I am grateful that I get to witness how music touches people’s lives in such a positive way. I was reading something that Sarah Walton said and it resonated so much: I get paid to be me! The musical me! And the people that know me know that I love teaching kids and I love music. So it’s the perfect combo!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Jersey City is an amazing community and it holds a very special place in my heart. This is where my son was born. This is where I was a new mom with 2 kids, 10 years ago, figuring everything out about motherhood and loving it! The playroom at Portside Towers is where I met some of my closest friends! I love the people, the different ways of thinking, all the talented children, amazing moms and families. I have made incredible partnerships with amazing people, like with Nimbus Dance Works, Jersey City Moms Network, Jersey City Families, and many more. The best part is that children in the community begin their music journey with A Sound Start. The families that enroll in class become part of A Sound Start’s family. Many children come to class every week for 2 years, and its beautiful to witness their progress! This, and many reasons more is why I love Jersey City!