May 23, 2016 10:36 am Meet Penny Goffman, Mother of 2, Owner of Jolie Gotique
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?
I have two healthy and active children. My son Jaden is 4 and my daughter Jolie is 7. As a family we are very active, and love being outdoors together. We’ve made sure to teach our children the love of fitness and movement at a very young age. From skiing in the winter to swimming in the summer, we are happiest outdoors together laughing and playing. That being said, my absolute favorite thing to do with my children is cuddle. All I want is for them to crawl into bed with me forever.
When and where are you the happiest?
Vacation of course! My family is lucky to have the opportunity to go on vacation a few times a year. Those are the memories that my children will never forget – dancing on the sand at night, kid friendly smoothies in the pool by day, dinners to calypso music and dancing together. I am happiest in those care-free moments of pure joy vacationing with my family. All the worries of the world escape me and I am in pure bliss.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I am Jewish and my husband is Cuban, but neither of us have been to Israel or Cuba. We are waiting until our children are old enough to truly enjoy and understand the culture and history both countries have to offer.
Who has had the biggest influence upon you? And what quality do you most admire in a mother?
Interestingly, it is the men in my life who have had the biggest influence on me. My late father and husband have shaped my lives in ways I could not imagine. I met my husband only a few months after my father passed and the chain of influence was in some way passed on. My father influenced my drive, ambition and confidence. My husband has taught me how to be a better person, a more giving person and how to floss!
What do you like to do for fun?
It’s hard to achieve a balance between working mom, carpool mom, wife, housekeeper and chef. It actually makes me appreciate the fun times even more. Getting together with my girlfriends for dinner and a drink is the ultimate simple way to take the edge off. I love dressing up, putting on my heels and a killer necklace and just laughing with the girls. Let’s not forget a martini in hand!
What is one of your favorite books? Movies?
I rarely watch TV or movies but I was totally obsessed with Sex and the City. I definitely had a little Carrie Bradshaw in me when I first moved to New York City myself! It was one of the first mainstream shows (and movie) where girls had all the power. I respected each one of the characters in their own right. Sex and the City was empowering and let’s face it, a great fantasy for all us ladies. Thankfully, I did find my “Mr. Big!”
Besides motherhood, what other careers/opportunities have you enjoyed? What are your strongest qualities?
A few weeks ago I launched Greenwich’s First Fashion Truck called, Jolie Gotique! This boutique on wheels carries a curated collection of girls & womens contemporary styles. It is named after my daughter Jolie, which also means “pretty” in French. It has been an incredible experience being a “mompreneur” mixing my love of fashion with my finance background to run my own business.
What is your favorite type of food and what do you love to cook?
The most impressive dish I make is Paella! Straight out of the Spanish paella pan with mixed seafood, fish, chorizo and chicken. It is beautiful to present at dinner parties and just as delicious for my children to eat.
What is your favorite time of the day and why?
There are two times of the day where I am constantly grateful and happy. Exercise is an important part of my life; it clears my head, grounds me and sets my focus for the day. During the morning workout my mind benefits just as much as my body. As the day continues there is a hustle and bustle to life but during the children’s bedtime there is again that peace. Lying in bed with the children reading, quiet, bodies close and relaxed, I remind myself that this will not last forever.
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms and what’s your favorite drink?
I love Greenwich and I prefer to stay in Greenwich! There are so many amazing restaurants to have my favorite dirty martini. My go-to hot spots include Harvest, EastEnd, The National, Gabriele’s, and Mill Street Bar & Table.
