Meet a Mom - Stefanie Varga - FairfieldMoms

Meet Stefanie a Fairfield native, single Mama of two boys. Photographer, Real Estate agent and model. Recently joining Compass with the Forte Team. Currently holding fall mini sessions with her photography business. Read more about this power house mama below!

Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?

I was born in Norwalk, CT. I lived in Westport, CT until I was 5 and then moved to Fairfield and remained there until I was a Freshman in HS. I then moved to TX for my Dad’s job and back to Farfield just in time for my senior year. I bounced around a little after that, but have spent majority of my life in Fairfield!

Tell us about your Family!

I have 2 sons. Caden who is 7 and Landon who is about to be 4. I also have 2 dogs. Teddy is a 5 year old goldendoodle and Lulu who is an 11 month old cockapoo.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I have modeled and worked as a live mannequin for designers in NYC for the last 15 years.

 

One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?

That if you had boys the amount of energy they have is endless.

 

What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?

I love the neighborhood where I grew up and where I currently reside in Stratfield Village. It truly is a community. I also love access to our beautiful beaches, downtown and excellent schools.


Any Mom hack you can share that works for you?

Have your children if they are picky about what they wear, pick out their outfit the night before.

 

 

Tell us about your businesses realtor and photographer, and when & why you decided to start up this business?

After graduating from the University of Connecticut, with a bachelor of Fine Arts and a concentration in photography, I started my business Stefanie Sharkey Photography.

I have always had interest in real estate and after an exciting and rewarding 15 years fit modeling in NYC, I decided I wanted to take on a new adventure. I recently joined the Forte team at Compass in Fairfield and am loving it!

Tell us about the different services that you offer as a photographer.

I primarily focus on photographing children, newborns, and families. I strive to make children feel comfortable so that their personalities come through naturally.  Photographing children and newborns requires a lot of patience.


Tell us about the different services that you offer as a realtor

At Forte Team at Compass, our real estate team strives to help our clients in any part of the real estate process. We help clients sell, buy, rent, invest and more. With a background in photography I pride myself on quality images and marketing to showcase my listings in the best way possible. Being on a team allows me to offer my clients top notch service.

What is your background and what did you do before these career choices.

My background is in Fine Arts, however for the last 15 years I have worked as a fit model and print model in NYC. I started off with regular print modeling, and over time my agency submitted me for fit modeling jobs. The first account I got was at Kohls. My career sky rocketed and has been very rewarding. Being a fit model is essentially a live mannequin for designers. You have to give technical feedback as to what you are feeling.

Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?

You have to make time for yourself. You will be a better parent for it. It also feels so great making money and supporting your family.

Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?

My boys. As a newly divorced, single Mom, I want nothing more than to make them proud. I want to be able to work hard and take care of them financially in any way I can. They inspire me everyday.

What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?

I think it’s important that women always keep their own career. I think it’s essential to be able to stand on your own two feet.

We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…

Have Dinner with Family: Sinclair

Grab a Drink with Friends: Molto

Have a Date Night: Geronimos

Spend time together as a Family: Little Pub

Outside Activities: Sasco or Southport Beach

Grab coffee: Starbucks

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