Where are you from originally?
I grew up in New Hampshire, but I have always loved Boston. I moved to the city after college and have been in the area for about 20 years.
Tell us about your family! How many kids, names/ages?
I have one absolutely fabulous nonbinary child. Elliana is the light of my life and keeps me on my toes. They are smart, funny, strong, and have a huge heart. Being their mom is my most important job.
How did you start your business?
How far back should I go? Haha. I did not grow up with a lot of money, but I did grow up with a strong work ethic. If I wanted something, I figured out how to make it happen. In high school I baked banana bread to raise money for a trip to London where I got to cheer in the Millennium Parade. That mindset of working for what you want has really shaped my life.
My business actually started because I was a mom looking for a better option for my own child. When Elliana was little, I could not find anywhere that felt safe, had hypoallergenic jewelry, was kid friendly, and had weekend availability. I did not want to take a whole day off work just to get their ears pierced. No one had Saturday appointments either.
I ended up having to wait a few weeks to get in with a doctor’s office. While waiting, I discovered the Blomdahl brand and saw they were starting to distribute to independent nurses, not just private practices. That is when the light bulb went off and a business was born.
As a nurse who spent years caring for critically ill children, I knew there had to be a better experience than the mall kiosk. I figured if I could get really sick children to do big, scary things, I could coach healthy kids through ear piercing. Those skills turned out to be transferable, which is something I really love about nursing. I come to families so they can have a calm, comfortable experience on their own time. That convenience is what eventually inspired me to expand into other concierge services for busy moms as well.
Where do you now call home and how long have you lived there?
I currently live in Brookline, Massachusetts. I have lived in the area for over 20 years.
What is your favorite part about the the South Shore?
I just love the community, and of course the close proximity to the beaches is also a win. I also love how family centered everything is. There are always local events and small businesses to support.
What family activity do you enjoy most?
Anything that lets us unplug and spend real time together. Beach days, little adventures, or just playing a game and laughing at home. Elliana and I also love doing creative things together like painting.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
Helping kids do something that feels scary and turning it into a moment they feel proud of. I spend a lot of time preparing children emotionally before we even talk about the piercing. We talk about bravery, breathing, and body autonomy. When a child leaves smiling and proud of themselves, that is the best part of my job.
I also love helping busy parents. Being able to provide care in their home, on their schedule, makes a huge difference. That is why I have also started offering additional in-home services for busy moms. You should be able to get your Botox and make your bolognese too.
Finally, the impact I have been able to make as a concierge nurse is far bigger than I ever imagined. My most memorable client was a child whose grandmother was in hospice. She had a bucket list, and it included taking her granddaughter to get her ears pierced. So we made that happen in her grandmother’s home. Behind us in the dining room, people were moving in a hospital bed and teaching the family how to access the CPR release. But in the living room we were having a moment. We were being brave and doing hard things together. The family later let me know that grandma passed peacefully a few days later. Knowing that little girl was able to have that core memory with her grandmother is exactly my why.
Are you involved with any non-profits or do any volunteering?
Yes. I try to do something every season. Currently I am working with Out Metrowest. I donated a portion of my sales to them during my birthday month and I am doing a free ear piercing event for LGBTQ+ youth. In the past I have volunteered with Generic Ministry making lunches for the homeless. I also crochet mats made from plastic bags so people experiencing homelessness have something to sleep on outside. Giving back is important to me and something I want Elliana to see as a normal part of life.
What do you find to be the toughest part about being a working mom?
The constant balancing act. I basically work three jobs. I have a full time job, I run my business, and I am a single parent to a child who needs a lot of additional support. I am really not sure how I do it all! Moms carry a lot mentally. Work, school, activities, appointments, emotions. I try to remind myself that I do not have to be perfect, just present.
What is the best advice you have received as a mom?
Your child does not need a perfect mom. They need a real one. And as awful or as amazing as this season is, it will end and there will be a new challenge soon.
What is your best advice for a new mom?
Trust your instincts. There will always be opinions from everywhere, but you know your child better than anyone else. Also give yourself grace. Lower the bar. Parenting is a long game.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I finished my master’s degree in nursing the same week my father died by suicide. It was one of the hardest moments of my life, but it also showed me how strong I can be when we keep moving forward and refuse to give up.
Is there a quote or mantra you live by?
Build the life your younger self would be proud of.
Your go-to Pandora/Spotify/Apple Music station?
Anything that feels a little empowering. I love music that makes you feel like the main character in your own life. I am a big fan of Broadway musicals like Six, Chicago, and Hamilton.
Your favorite local spot for:
Date night: What is date night? Ha! Just kidding. I take myself out as often as I can. I am a foodie, so anywhere near the water with good food and a view hits the spot. POV: Currently editing this from Legal Sea Foods.
Coffee break: I love good old fashioned diner drip coffee, but I rarely find that around here. Occasionally I will treat myself to a fancy Starbucks latte.
Workout: I love getting outside and walking. Fresh air is my reset. Movement is medicine.
New outfit: Local boutiques are my weakness. I also like Evereve and have done a few wardrobe refreshes through their subscription before. Self care: Sundays are my reset day. I am a product junkie! I enjoy doing my nails, a hair and face mask, and honestly sometimes just sitting in my car in silence for 10 minutes.
Me time: Painting, crafting, baking, or anything creative or around other creative people.
Anything else you would love to share?
I truly believe women can build lives that work for them and their families. My business started as a small idea to solve a problem. Now it allows me to keep Elliana in a good school, meet new people, and build new friendships. If I could tell other moms anything it would be this: your dreams are still allowed to exist alongside motherhood. If you lose sight of the dreams you once had, dream up new ideas, but do not lose yourself in the shuffle.