How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have an almost 3-year-old son who makes life loads of fun and am currently expecting a baby girl due later this year!
How long have you lived in Jersey City? What made you decide to live here?
My husband and I moved to Jersey City back in 2012- and we are so glad we did! We originally moved here for its proximity to lower Manhattan because we were both working full-time and attending law school there. We quickly fell in love with the culture, diversity and amazing community the city has to offer.
What’s your favorite family activity Jersey City?
There are so many! Our favorite thing to do is go for walks and just take in all of the life on the streets in the city. Dining at local restaurants and going to all of the different parks and playgrounds. We enjoy Liberty Science Center too! And of course, we are biased, and LOVE LOVE LOVE spending time with all of the kiddos (and parents, nannies, etc.) in our community at The Little Gym!
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in your town?
We love Roman Nose, Torico, Tacoria, Stella’s Pizza, Prato Bakery and Koro Koro. Our latest favorite is Dulce De Leche Bakery-we have no idea how we didn’t discover them sooner. Our son always asks to go to “his toy store” Hazel Baby and we also enjoy grabbing fresh produce from Oliva.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’ll tell ya two things! I didn’t speak English until the end of Kindergarten (my parents came to the US from Argentina). My husband and I also eloped in college in a court room full of sorority and frat bros when I was 19 and here we are 10 years strong! Happy to tell you the crazy story over a glass of wine after baby comes…
What are you doing to stay sane during Covid for yourself?
Between my business being closed for 4 months, chasing after a toddler, AND being pregnant, I am so surprised I have kept it together during this time! Haha! I honestly think that what has kept me sane is all of the quality time I have had with my son. I have really enjoyed and cherished this time with him that I would not have had otherwise. He is at such a fun age, it’s a true delight. Oh—and I also binge watched all six seasons of Gossip Girl and had tons of chocolate donuts- that has definitely helped too!
Any tips or recommendations for parents to entertain/educate their children during this time?
My biggest recommendation is DON’T STRESS! There is so much pressure on parents right now to add “educator” to their resume or to keep up with other parents who do daily pinterest-like activities. Kids learn so much through play, affection and love. The most important thing you can do for your child during this time (and always) is to be present and in the moment. Your child likely won’t remember the activity that you spent 2 hours researching and putting together- but THEY WILL remember and feel the laughs you had while you had a pillow fight, that time you were super heroes while scooter-riding around the neighborhood (sorry-boy mom!), the snuggles on the couch when you had a movie night and that awesome bed time story you read together. Always remember that you are doing a great job and are a rock star parent! And…. if you did all that already and still need something to do, you can visit us at The Little Gym 😉
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
First and foremost, my husband, who in all respects has been a true partner in parenthood- I got lucky with him! Having my mom live nearby and help so much has made my life much easier and I am so thankful for that. And, OF COURSE, the Jersey City moms community! Becoming a first-time mom is such a life-changing experience and having a tribe to be on that journey with was incredible.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am the owner of The Little Gym at 380 Newark Ave! After having my son in the Fall of 2017 and falling even more in love with the family-friendly atmosphere of Jersey City, I felt inspired to ditch my career in securities regulation and work with children. Fast forward a few months to 2018 and TA-DA! we bought into the franchise. I never went back to “work” and have been the happiest I have ever been since. I get to play with kids all day!
The Little Gym offers three-dimensional gymnastics classes that focus on developing and growing physical, social and cognitive skills. We also offer summer camps, birthday parties, and will be adding virtual and drop-off programs this Fall.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Our community was one of the critical factors in deciding to open up our business. Raising a child in Jersey City is awesome and it’s great that you can meet so many new people every single day just by stepping out of your house.
We are also so thankful to how the families in our community have embraced not only us as a family, but also our business. Through The Little Gym, we have created an even deeper and personal tie with our community. We have the pleasure of being a part of so many children’s development and also special moments in their lives, such as birthdays. We appreciate the trust our community has in us with their most precious treasure, their children. WE LOVE YOU JERSEY CITY and the JERSEY CITY MOMS NETWORK!
Happy Handstands!