July 31, 2017 10:29 am Mom of the Week – Jaimie DeFina Voehl of Good Vibes Productions!
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?
My children are 1 (Reece, girl) 4 (Riley, girl) and 6 (Ethan, boy). I love to have impromptu dance parties, ride bikes, take walks and my favorite is riding in the car with them having chats about whatever is on their minds. I didn’t have that time as much when I was working and I am really appreciating those random special moments now.
My greatest wish for my children is that they always have the confidence they have right now. I know it’s a big wish but I hope they can take on the world knowing they can do anything they set their minds to and live their lives with that mindset. I hope that they always push themselves to try new things and always shoot for the stars.
Who has had the biggest influence upon you?
I would say my parents have had the biggest influence upon me. They have been a guiding force throughout my whole life and have been my biggest cheerleaders. I am always asking their opinions or going to them for advice or bouncing ideas off them. They are amazing grandparents to my children and I feel lucky to live near them in my hometown. We moved back to Greenwich to be close to them.
What quality do you most admire in a mother?
I think mothers are the most amazing people. They are the best multi-taskers and can handle almost anything with grace, even when it gets really hard. Sure we all have moments, but the moms I know are juggling a million things at once and are basically superheroes. This requires a lot of patience too, which is very admirable. Of course we all lose our patience once or twice (or ten times) a day but we get it all done and enrich our children’s lives on a daily basis and that is so admirable to me.
Besides motherhood, what other careers/opportunities have you enjoyed? And what are your strongest qualities?
I am a television producer and recently left my job at A&E Networks after a 12 year career there. It was a big change for me and still a transition I am navigating. recently launched my own production company, Good Vibes Productions. I am excited about going out own my own and having a little more work/life balance (if that even exists)! I would say my strongest qualities are my creativity and devotion to my family and friends.
Were you happiest in elementary, middle high school or college? Please explain why.
I was the happiest in college, although I don’t think I had any clue how good I actually had it at the time. I always say I wish I could go back just to live one day in college again. I think college is a magical time when you are still somewhat protected from the “real world” and the responsibilities that come with it and you basically get to have daily “play dates” with friends who will remain friends for life. That’s pretty special. I also met my husband there although I didn’t know he would be my husband until many years later.
What do you like to do for fun and what is your idea of a perfect day?
I love spending time with family and friends. My perfect day would be at the beach with them. Wake up and lounge in the morning in our PJ’s, have breakfast sandwiches and then go for a run and head to the beach for the day. End the day with sleeping kids and a glass of wine with my husband on the couch. Doesn’t get better than that!
What is one of your favorite books? Movies?
I wish I could remember what it’s like to read books (LOL). It’s been so long and I miss it so. If I jog my memory a bit, I remember really loving The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. I also loved Tina Fey’s Bossy Pants. This is going to sound weird but my favorite movie has always been Grease. I watched it over and over as a kid and still love watching it when it’s on.
What is your favorite type of food and what do you love to cook?
My Dad is Italian and my Grandma’s sauce is still my favorite food in the entire world. I try to cook it like she does but I can never get it quite right. I like to make it on Sundays to follow the family tradition but that doesn’t happen as often as I would like these days.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I have a list of places I would like to visit someday and hopefully I will get to all of them. Australia is a big one. I would love to go to Bora Bora and lounge on one of those huts over the water. Thailand and Iceland are other dream destinations.
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms and what’s your drink of choice?
This question is making me realize I need to get our more! We end up at Lugano a lot which is a neighborhood favorite. Bar Taco is a great spot too. My drink of choice is a mojito and or red wine.
Learn more about Jaimie’s cool company here