Meet This Inspiring Fairfield Mom!
Originally from Portugal, this amazing mom of four has been calling Fairfield home since 2003—and she’s deeply rooted in both the community and her family life. From juggling a thriving real estate and project management career to working part-time as a hairstylist (yes, really!), she somehow does it all with heart, humor, and resilience. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, her story this Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one of strength, support, and hope. Get to know her journey, her favorite Fairfield mom hacks, and the wisdom she wishes all moms knew.
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
I’m originally from Portugal, but I’ve called Fairfield home since 2003. I always knew I wanted to raise my kids here, so we made the move when my oldest daughter was born.
Tell us about your Family!
I have four children, each in a different stage of life. My oldest, Marisa, is living in New York, working at a law firm, and preparing to start law school next year. My son, Giancarlo, is 18 and a freshman in college, soaking up the college experience in Boca Raton, Florida. My 16-year-old, a junior at Ludlowe High School, is the ultimate social butterfly. And then there’s my youngest, Miranda, who is 6 and in first grade at Sherman School—she’s loving every minute of it. I also have a great partner who brings so much joy and balance into my life.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Many people are surprised to learn that I still get to pursue one of my original passions—I work part-time as a hairstylist in Westport. It’s something I truly love, and over the years, the relationships I’ve built with my clients and coworkers have become incredibly meaningful. Those connections have not only brought personal fulfillment but have also opened up unexpected opportunities in both my professional and personal life.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
That sleep is a myth, laundry is endless, and tiny humans can destroy a room in seconds. Yet, you’ll love them more than anything and it’s all worth it, and when they go away and don’t come back you know you’ve done your job.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
Fairfield is the perfect blend of community and convenience. There’s a true sense of support among families here—neighbors look out for each other, schools are amazing, and there are so many activities for kids of all ages. Whether it’s a beach day, or just grabbing ice cream downtown, there’s always something special to do as a family.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
Without a doubt, it’s having a close-knit group of other moms. With four kids, things can get hectic, but having a tribe to swap childcare, share advice, or just laugh with makes all the craziness a lot more manageable. It’s amazing how much lighter the load feels when you’ve got a team.
Tell us about your business? Tell us about the different services that you offer?
With over 20 years in the real estate industry, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients in all stages of the home-buying process. Most recently, I’ve expanded my role to project management in a large subdivision on Reef Road, as well as other new builds in Westport and Easton where I collaborate with builders to help design homes and ensure the project runs smoothly. My job involves working directly with subcontractors, overseeing timelines, and making sure each step of the process is as efficient as possible. I love the hands-on nature of this work and the challenge of balancing design with functionality. In addition to project management, I also assist buyers looking to buy their dream homes. I guide them through every stage—from navigating through financing, inspections, to closing. For sellers, I provide guidance through the listing process, helping to stage, market, and price homes to ensure they stand out in the competitive market. Whether it’s offering advice on renovations or helping with the selling strategy.Whether you’re buying, selling, or building, my goal is to provide personalized, hands-on support to make sure everything runs seamlessly from start to finish.
As it is Breast Cancer Awareness month we heard you are a survivor!
If you feel comfortable tell us your story? It could help some women in the community!
I love that Fairfield is such a supportive and compassionate community, especially for breast cancer survivors. I was first diagnosed at 34 years old—young, and in the middle of raising small children. It was an incredibly emotional time. I was fortunate that treatment initially involved surgery, a mastectomy, several reconstructive surgeries and hormone treatment. Unfortunately, I experienced a recurrence at 44, and this time the journey was much harder. I underwent extensive chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy in addition to more surgery. That’s when I truly leaned on my support system. Chemotherapy was the most difficult thing I’ve ever endured. My friends were amazing—they stepped in to entertain my children on treatment days, and even organized a meal train so I didn’t have to think about dinners. It’s still incredibly emotional to talk about, but I’ve found healing being able to support women who are going through it—letting them know what to expect, and that they’re not alone—has been incredibly meaningful to me. Hearing from someone who’s lived it makes a big difference when you’re in the thick of it. I was also fortunate to preserve some of my hair during treatment using cold capping, which involves freezing the scalp during chemotherapy while it was incredibly painful, It helped maintain a sense of normalcy for my kids, and I’m grateful they didn’t have to see that particular part of the journey.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
You can love your job and love your kids—those two things can exist together. Don’t let guilt trick you into thinking you’re falling short. You’re teaching your children what hard work, passion, and commitment look like. They don’t need perfection—they need your presence, your love, and your honesty. Let the rest go.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
The person who has influenced me most as a mom is my own mother. She taught me that kindness is the foundation of everything—whether it’s in relationships, raising children, or just life. Her patience, and the way she always prioritized love over perfection have shaped how I approach motherhood. While I often struggle with balancing the need for perfection with the reality of raising a family, I try to remind myself that kindness to myself and others is what truly matters. In her own words “Everyone is going through something we know nothing about”
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Breathe. Truly—just pause and take a breath. Everything is a stage, no matter how overwhelming or exhausting, is just that—a stage. It passes, often faster than you realize. Try to be present, Be kinder to yourself! Also—it’s okay to say no. You don’t have to be involved in everything. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is sit in the backyard, enjoy a quiet moment, and skip that activity or event. Slowing down is necessary.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: Brick Walk Tavern
Grab a Drink with Friends: Sophies- especially when Amy is behind the bar
Have a Date Night: Martel especially for buck a shuck oysters and espresso martinis/The horseshoe for some social time.
Spend time together as a Family:My back yard! Its an oasis that I’m so proud of.
Outside Activities: Sunrise at Penfield Beach/ Lake Mohegan for walking my Golden retriever Chloe, A workout at F45…not outside but it’s a great way to get moving!
Grab coffee:JoeJoe Coffee and Açaí- Right next to my office, Perfect Pick-me up!
