How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have one daughter. Nuri-Jean, she is 21 months now.
How long have you lived in Jersey City? What made you decide to live here?
As of June 2020, I have been in JC for 5 years.
I was living in Brooklyn and unfortunately had a fire at my childhood home. I came to JC and I stayed with my Fiancé and his family. We got our first place together a few months after that and I’ve been here ever since.
What’s your 
favorite family activity Jersey City?
I like to sit in Newport Park to have lunch, and let Nuri run free and just enjoy the summer day.
Before COVID, I really enjoyed going to art exhibits. I really enjoyed the Art Walk, Art Fair 14C and JC Fridays.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in your town?
My favorite place to eat is Clacken’s Takeout Restaurant. They have authentic Caribbean food it is amazinggggg!
What are you doing to stay sane during Covid for yourself?
Creating! I have been painting, making mask, leading virtual art sessions. I have to stay productive. That’s been keeping me grounded and not so focused on how bad things are in the world. Oh and therapy! Can’t forget therapy! That has DEFINITELY kept me sane.
Any tips or recommendations for parents to entertain/educate their children during this time?
Just pace yourself! If you aren’t rested and your best self, you can’t be your best for your little one. They need you at your best! Also, don’t try too hard, I’ve spent crazy money on toys that my daughter could care less about. She has a legit blast playing in her diaper box. So learn from me!
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Hmm, that I am obsessed with building things and home improvement.
I will watch a video and then just build something or put something together. Everyone refuses to gift me tools out of fear of me remodeling the house.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My Mom, Fiancé, Mother in law, cousin, Allie and my best friend Karla. They have had my back 100%. Sleepless nights, didn’t feel like cooking, advice, making sure I was okay and healing. Just unmatched support.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am a content contributor for Lynn Hazan formerly known as ChicpeaJC. I am a Rising Tide graduate. They have helped me tremendously figure out how to navigate entrepreneurship and make it work for me. I am a business owner of an evolving art and apparel company called StarrStyleLife LLC. I rent original art work to stagers/realtors, I teach paint and sips and therapeutic art instruction for adults and children and I design art based apparel. While we have been quarantine, I have become certified in art therapy life coaching. Basically anything art and fashion related…I’m your girl!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I made a lot of acquaintances who have supported and promoted my endeavors. I can’t be successful with out customers and this community has definitely embraced me with open arms.