How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have 2 little girls, 1 and 3.5 years old.
How long have you lived in Jersey City? What made you decide to live here?
My husband and I have been in Jersey City since 2016 and moved up to the Heights in the beginning of 2017. My husband and I had to decide where we would live when moving back to the States and Jersey City worked very well for both of us. I had to work in Manhattan and my husband needed to work in New Jersey. We instantly fell in love with the area and everything it had to offer. Restaurants, live music, the waterfront, farmers markets, etc. Once we found out we were pregnant for our first, we decided to settle down in the Heights where we’ve been since 2017.
What’s your favorite family activity in Jersey City?
Our family activity to do in our neighborhood, especially before the pandemic, would be to go to the Riverview Farmers Market every Sunday. It’s always such a great time to get fresh produce and meet others who live in the neighborhood. The kids get to run around and we get to enjoy some time catching up with friends.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in your JC?
I absolutely love walking out during a break in the middle of the day to grab a coffee and sometimes a sweet treat :). I can’t just settle on one place so I will have to give you my 3 go-to places in the Heights. Hybrid Coffee & Kitchen, Dulce De Leche, and Modcup Coffee Company.
What’s 
one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I lived in Dubai for 3 years before settling down in Jersey City. I moved there to help open up Physique 57’s first international franchise in 2013 and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I had the opportunity to travel and learn about so many cultures, met great friends who I still have close relationships with and most important, I met my husband over there!
What are you doing to stay sane during Covid for yourself?
Trying to stay busy and stick to a routine! I’ve done a bunch of studying to keep up with my fitness certifications, while also driving my family insane by cleaning out all the closets and reorganizing our home. We also have kept a group of friends close to us during all of this so we have other interactions for us and the kids.
Any tips or recommendations for parents to entertain/educate their children during this time?
I like to tell my 3 year old that we’re going on an adventure, even if we’re just going for a walk or running an errand. There’s not much to do during a pandemic, so we’re just always trying to make the little things matter. Also, we really try to have a dance party after dinner most nights, and the smiles you see on both of the girls faces are priceless. They love to dance in daddy’s arms.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
Oh boy, there is definitely more than one person to thank as it truly takes a village. We have no family that live nearby, so especially when our oldest was first going to daycare, they were our saving grace. Being a new parent, you feel like you know nothing, and they really helped us along the way and keep our daughter (now daughters) so happy and us sane. I’d also have to thank our parents a
s they’ve come to our rescue many times and have allowed us to get away on a few trips kid free! We also have several friends who have been lifesavers for helping us out and keeping us company.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I have currently started up my own Personal Training/Group Fitness business geared specifically towards all mamas called Mama Strength. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and my husband really helped give me the confidence to go ahead and do it. A women’s body changes more in 9 months than a man will ever experience in his lifetime and I want to be able to help and guide women in any stage of motherhood to keep her body moving in a safe and effective way.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Especially since we don’t have family nearby, we have always felt so grateful for the friends that have taken us in to make us feel like we are part of their family.