This week’s Meet a Mom is no stranger to the heart of Fairfield, Carrie Bocian. She is the owner of the fabulous boutique shoe store downtown – The Perfect Pair, which opened last fall in October 2018. Her store offers local customers a curated selection of ladies (and kids) shoes at affordable price points. We are honored to highlight her and give you a little more insight into who she is and how she made her dream of opening a shoe boutique a reality!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in the area?
Tarrytown, NY. I’ve been in Fairfield for almost 15 years.
Children / Age(s)
Joshua (12) and Benjamin (12)
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I was a flutist all the way through high school and played in the Westchester County band. #banddork
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
It’s the most wonderful and scary thing you will ever do in your life.
Favorite local things to do in Fairfield?
Sunset on the beach with pizza, juice boxes and wine.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
There are so many different activities you can get your children involved in; from travel sports team to coding classes.
Do you have a favorite family restaurant? Date night?
Favorite family restaurant is Plan B. Date night is Gray Goose & Fin
What is your go-to activity for your family? For yourself?
Hiking at Mohegan Lake with our dogs. For yourself? Like most moms I rarely take time for myself, but when I do I treat myself to a hot stone massage at New Beauty and Wellness.
Funniest part that you’ve learned about parenthood?
You’re not the only one out there who doesn’t know what she’s doing.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
If I’m completely honest, a glass or two of wine; but deep breathing can be helpful too if you remember to do it.
Name one thing you regret when learning the ropes of parenthood and what you’ve learned from it?
You need to let your kids fall down once in awhile and let them pick themselves back up; I’m still working on this one…
Tell us about your business, when & why you started, and the reason behind it.
I’m the owner of The Perfect Pair, a shoe boutique in downtown Fairfield. I opened my store in October of last year and have curated a mix of shoes at a wide price range that aren’t necessarily found at other shoe stores.
I was in the corporate rat race for 15+ years, with a 4 hour commute a day and grueling hours; I needed to do something with my career that made me happy and brought me closer to home.
If you hadn’t started your business, what do you think you would be doing today?
Unfortunately still commuting into the city working in corporate.
Was it hard to start building your own brand while you were also a mom to your children?
Actually, it wasn’t as hard as I had anticipated. I think it’s because my boys are older and were huge cheerleaders for me.
Besides the Fairfield location, do you have plans to expand into other towns?
According to my younger son, the store will become a big chain and we will get paid millions of dollars when we sell it. Haha. Realistically not at this point.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and a family?
One thing i try to remind myself of is that moms juggling jobs and kids are true superwomen; when the days get desperate, try and envision yourself with that red cape and golden lasso and save over and over, you got this and tomorrow is another day.
Who has influenced you the most to be the mother that you are today?
My mom for sure. She was a single mother who worked two jobs to give me the best; I am so fortunate to still have her in my life passing on her words of wisdom to my boys. I would also like to give a shout out to my other mom friends out there; without your shoulders to cry on and words of encouragement I wouldn’t be where I am today. Love you all.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Try and enjoy the ride; it won’t last long.
Check out Carrie’s store, The Perfect Pair, at 14 Sanford Street in downtown Fairfield!