Zoe is originally from Hamilton, MA. Hamilton is a town on the North Shore and she is one of the very few from up there who have settled on the opposite shore of Massachusetts. Zoe has lived in Hingham for the past 7 years. She has two boys, Tyler (7) and Gabe (almost 5).
What is your favorite thing about living here?
I just love living by the ocean. Just driving down town to the grocery store and seeing the sea on a daily basis makes me happy. I also love the sense of community I have found in Hingham.
What do you love to do with your kids around town?
We love to go to the playground by our house, to the shipyard to stroll around and look at the boats before or after dinner or a movie, or to Hull to go to the beach, the carousel, the arcade or play mini golf.
What is your favorite local fall activity?
The Derby Fair is always a hit with my kids. They love to go on rides and play games and its fun running into so many friends and their families.
Favorite family friendly restaurant in the area?
Stars is a favorite because the food appeals to everyone and my boys love playing the video games while they wait so they don’t have to be stuck seated the whole time!
What is your favorite moment/memory as a mom to date?
My favorite moments are usually when I am cuddling with my sons before bed. That’s one of the few times they aren’t moving around like crazy! They both beg to snuggle every night, and I know that the days where they want to do this are limited. My 4 year old loves when I tell him before I leave the room that I love him to the moon and back. He always responds with “I love YOU to the moon and front!” Because of course that makes sense to him! Melts my heart every time.
What is the toughest part about being a mom?
The toughest part for me about being a mom is not feeling appreciated sometimes. I think so many moms struggle with that. We do so much for our kids everyday from laundry, cooking meals, driving to sports and playdates, to doctors appointments and crazy bedtime routines….and as these little people that don’t know life any differently, they just take it for granted. I have such an appreciation for everything my mom did for me and my brother growing up now that I have my own kids and hopefully down the line they will too! Oh and lack of sleep. Definitely lack of sleep is a tough part that I can’t forget to mention!
What is the best advice you would like to give to a new mom?
The best advice I can give is to learn to let go. If you don’t, you will drive yourself crazy! I am totally a type A personality and I would find myself trying to control everything. As my kids have gotten older I have to learn to let them do things on their own, such a picking out their own clothes and brushing their hair, as a small example. It’s so hard when they come up in a crazy mismatched outfit with wild hair and my old self would have never let them leave the house looking like that. It’s hard enough to get out of the house period with 2 active boys so I just have to go with it and be thankful they are able to do some things for themselves!
What is one thing you never leave the house without?
Currently – bandaids and snacks! Boys are so active and daring. Just getting from the house to the car could result in a skinned knee! And they are always hungry. It’s pretty much a given that the second we get into the car to go somewhere that they want a snack even if they just ate.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Some people might be surprised to know that I went to culinary school. After I left my last corporate job I enrolled in a 4 month full time culinary program at BU. I considered starting my own food business but abandoned that idea after having kids. I have kept in great tough with the people that work at BU and I go back often to help assist with cooking classes for kids.
What do you do for work?
Before kids I was the product development manager of a large international diamond jewelry brand called Hearts On Fire in Boston. Getting to travel extensively and work with stunning diamonds was definitely an amazing experience that I am so glad I had, but I knew it wasn’t a career I could sustain once I had a family. Four years ago, after having my second son, I was really missing having an outlet to be creative and fashionable. I decided to start my own costume jewelry and accessories line called Zoe Emilie. I created an online store where I sell pieces I source from vendors in NY and LA. The idea behind my line was to offer on trend yet affordable pieces that would instantly dress up basic pieces in your wardrobe. As a mom who works from home, I am constantly reaching for jeans and t-shirts everyday which can feel pretty boring. If I throw on a fun hot pink tassel necklace or sparkly studs with that same outfit, I feel instantly more put together. Most of my customers are local moms in their 30s and 40s and it has been so much fun to get to know them through this venture. I have also expanded the business and now sell my line at AZ Studio in downtown Hingham.
Besides my business, I am Co-President of the Hingham Women’s Club. I have been involved with the HWC for almost 7 years now and it has been such a positive and rewarding experience. We plan events and fundraisers in the community that raise money for local organizations such as Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore and the Hingham Community Center. We also quietly help local families going through tough times by making donations or sending gift cards for groceries or clothing. We also try to interact with seniors in town by planning a Thanksgiving luncheon or by bringing our kids to visit a nursing home at the holidays. Honestly, there are so many things we do that its too much to mention here and I encourage any woman living in Hingham to look us up or reach out to me if they are interested in getting involved!
Where do you love to shop?
I am obsessed with the Runway section of TJ Maxx in Norwell. I love designer fashion but I am also a budget shopper. I have found some amazing deals there, such as a $900 dress for under $100. I always pop in to see what’s new before I go to the grocery store. HomeGoods is a close second!
Favorite must have product for moms?
I could not live without undereye concealer! My favorite is from a line called VMV Hypoallergenic because I have super sensitive skin. I literally do not leave the house without it on. That’s what 7 years of lack of sleep has done to me!
Thanks, Zoe!
