How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
Two; my son, Graham, is five and my daughter, Campbell, is two.
How did you end up in Stamford?
My husband Chris grew up here, and when were ready to move out of NYC, it just made sense. We could be close to family and a manageable commute to the city.
What do you love about Stamford?
The amenities! Where else in the ‘burbs can you sit or go for a run by the ocean, take the kids to a trampoline park or carousel ride, buy a designer evening dress and shoes, hit Target or Home Depot, and go out for an exceptional glass of wine and delicious small plates (shameless plug) all in one day in a five mile radius?!
What’s your favorite place to shop in Stamford?
I pretty much can’t go into Home Goods without buying something. Awesome Toys is my go-to b-day party gift source – great local shop and the free wrapping and cards are so convenient. I love that we have Lord & Taylor so close for when I need an emergency makeup refill or to treat myself to something new. And Designs by Lee is the best for outdoor flowers and plants.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me time”?
Sleep in! Followed by my morning coffee in peace.
Tell us about your career.
I’ve been in the wine industry for basically all of my career in various roles from restaurants, to distributor and supplier sales, to retail. It’s a dynamic industry and I’ve been lucky that it’s given me the opportunity to experience some amazing educational travel through which I have met many wonderful and extremely passionate people. It sounds glamourous, but like everything else, it has its challenges. I’m not just tasting wine all day, which is what some people tend to imagine when you say you’re in this business.
How has your background inspired Turning Point Coffee and Wine Bar new wine bar?
My career started out in restaurants, which is where I established my passion for wine. Chris and I met through the industry and when we started Turning Point, it was always part of our vision, as it was with coffee, to bring a high quality but non-pretentious wine experience to what we felt has been an underserved community on that front.
What about opening the wine bar at Turning Point Coffee and Wine Bar is most exciting for you?
Continuing to build on the great community of regulars and supporters that the coffee business has brought. We love being a place that people want to come and hang out and even meet new ‘neighbors’. Wine and food brings people together–arguably even more so than coffee–and if we can cultivate a fun community of coffee nerds and wine geeks that sometimes even intersect, then our vision would be complete.
How are you selecting the wines to serve?
We want the wine bar to be a discovery haven for our patrons, so we’ll keep the list rotating frequently. We’ll mostly be offering wines from smaller wineries and vineyards in both full and tasting size portions to encourage exploration of regions and grape varieties. We also want to showcase organic and biodynamic wines, as well as selections that go well with the small plates we are serving.
What is your favorite wine at the Turning Point wine bar?
If I have to pick one, I’d say our white Bordeaux from Chateau Guiraud, which is a Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion blend. What’s unique is that it’s a dry wine made by a very famous Sauternes (sweet wine) producer. It’s lush and round, but underneath still very racy. I’ve known and loved this gem for years, so it’s really fun to get to see other people discover it and hopefully love it too.
How do you juggle your career and mommyhood?
Lots of freshly-roasted Turning Point coffee and help with kids from devoted grandparents.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Ooh, that’s a tough question as there’s so much I’ve picked up from so many moms. But one thing, particularly in the parent culture of this day and age, that sticks out to me is, ‘don’t be afraid to let your kids fail.’ It’s what makes us all stronger, more creative, less risk-adverse and that can lead to many remarkable things, including entrepreneurship!