If you have been to the beach or lake this summer, you have definitely seen a cute baby or toddler in a Pearl Street Swimsuit running around. Sophie Sikaitis, the owner of Pearl Street Swim, has a love for kid’s bathing suits and we do too! They are made in the USA, SPF 50, chlorine and sunscreen resistant, fully lined, quick drying and breathable fabric. You can definitely feel the quality in these bathing suits! They are so classy and cute – you will want them all! Stop by and meet Sophie this Saturday and pick up a bathing suit or two. She will be at the side walk sale downtown in Fairfield on the Sherman Green! Learn more about the lovely Sophie and Pearl Street, below!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in the area?
I was born in England and my family moved to Northern New Jersey when I was in second grade. We have been in Fairfield for 15 months, we just moved from Brooklyn last April!
Children / Age(s)
Penelope, 2.5 and Everly, 11 months
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m 1/2 Persian and 1/2 British … people never believe I am Persian, they think I just look American!
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
Just one thing? How about everything? I feel that you can’t really “tell” someone about motherhood. I could never have understood until it was my story.
Favorite local things to do in Fairfield?
Weekend walks to pick up coffee @ Las Vetas and then to the playground or park; an easy date night at Bodega, taking advantage of the QuickCenter arts & culture programming.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
The town is ultra family-friendly and community oriented, we’ve found a wonderful school for Penelope at Great Beginnings Montessori, love attending programming about town (farmer’s market, library, beach activities, etc.) Plus, everyone we have met has been so welcoming!
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant? Date night?
Favorite family friendly restaurant in town is Centro or Colony, favorite date night is Bodega or Martel.
What is your go-to activity for your family? For yourself?
Go-to activity for our family is definitely a beach or pool day during the summer! Maybe a visit to the aquarium, a local farm or visiting nearby towns for a bite to eat in the fall and winter. For me, in this “phase of life” I’d have to say just give me an iced coffee and a manicure and 1 hour of peace and quiet in the afternoon 🙂 I’m trying to intentionally take more time to read (and less screen time) this year as well!
Funniest part that you’ve learned about parenthood?
Our toddler is 2.5 now and as she really starts to grasp language, the things she comes up with are pretty hysterical!
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
I don’t think I have any ground-breaking hacks! In general I’m a very organized, scheduled and plan-oriented mom – that helps make our lives easier and helps me keep my sanity!
Name one thing you regret when learning the ropes of parenthood and what you learned from it?
I’m a no-regrets type!
Tell us about your business Pearl Street Swim, when & why you started, and the reason behind it?
Approaching the first summer with my eldest daughter Penelope, I felt a true void on the market for classic but also playful children’s swim that felt age appropriate and celebrated childhood! I have always shopped quality over quantity and knew we would be spending many, many days at the beach and pool. In chatting with other like-minded mamas I found I wasn’t the only one – people were looking for classic, but chic and of course sun safe options for their children – no characters, no neon, no glitter. Our designs and prints allow children to be little while appeasing the discerning and stylish parent as well.
If you hadn’t started this business, what do you think you would be doing today?
I’d still be a full-time stay at home mom of course! I had the start of a small calligraphy business before Pearl Street, so maybe that.
Was it hard to start building a brand while you had children?
There have definietly been phases. In the initial stage of building the brand, I had a full-time corporate job and just one child with full-time childcare – at this stage I felt like I had a lot of time and brain space for research and development. The second stage, second year of building the brand has been a lot more challenging. Now I am firstly a full-time mom to Penelope & Everly and so I find time for the business during their naps, after their bedtime and childcare when I absolutely need it. The mental (and emotional sometimes) switch between parent & business can be so tough, but I’m so inspired by Pearl Street that I find the energy to put into the brand and hope the late nights pay off in the long run.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and a family?
Oh gosh. No matter what your job/role/how much time you are with your children, I think we all feel it! And feel “wife guilt” as well. My best advice is to recognize it and then allow yourself to move forward – there is no perfect balance – so you just have to work towards being at peace with your arrangement!
Who has most influenced you to be the mother that you are today?
My own parents, especially my mother, other women in my life (sister in laws, mother in law, etc) and close knit friends who are in the same stage of life.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other?
Time really is a thief! Try to slow down and live intentionally with your family so you can make the absolute most of it.
Follow Pearl Street Swim on Instagram @pearlstreetswim