Meet Alyssa, a Costa Mesa/Newport native and mother of three. Read our interview to find out what she can’t live without, her favorite reads, and what sparked her new business venture.
How long have you lived in Costa Mesa / Newport Beach? How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I was born at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach and grew up here until leaving for college at UCSB. After graduation, I spent six years living in San Francisco before returning home in 2013. I’ve been here ever since. I now have three kids, ages 11, 8, and 6, who keep life busy and fun!
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
We love the beach, put us near or in the water and everyone’s happy! Summers are spent at BIYC (Balboa Island Yacht Club) and Junior Lifeguards. Once the school year kicks in, you’ll usually find us running from field to field, cheering on the kids at their sporting events. We also love spending time at home, BBQ’ing, swimming in the pool, and hanging out with our neighbors, all with our two goofy boxers never far from the action.
Name 3 things in town you can’t live without.
Burn Boot Camp: Keeps this mama sane and strong.
House of Yogurt: Because, balance!
And our amazing community and schools! We feel so fortunate to have met such wonderful families and to have built lasting friendships.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends or date night? Why?
We’re big fans of Kakurega, the best sushi in town! The kids love it too (major win), and the owner even knows us by name, so we like to think of ourselves as regulars. 😉
What is your local go-to store for clothes? Furniture? Gifts?
Shop Common Thread is my go-to spot for gifts and clothes. I also love Molly Wood Garden Design. Their store is the cutest and a great place to look for teacher gifts.
Do you have a favorite destination for family trips? Why?
We love Turtle Bay on the North Shore of Oahu. It’s beyond beautiful and truly has something for everyone. Each summer, we go to Lake Tahoe with friends, a tradition we look forward to all year. We also try to fit in a couple of camping trips every summer, with Leo Carrillo in Malibu being one of our favorite spots.
Name a favorite book or podcast?
I don’t think I can choose just one, so here are a few favorites!
- Historical Fiction: Beneath a Scarlet Sky, The Nightingale, Yellow Wife. All powerful, moving stories!
- Fiction: Where the Crawdads Sing. A blend of mystery, nature, and resilience. So good!
- Summer Reads: Every Summer After, One Golden Summer, and The Paradise Problem. Fun page turners while you’re lounging by the pool or on the beach! (PS. The Paradise Problem is a spicy one).
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
I’ve always heard the saying: “Little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems.” And wow, it’s true. The baby and toddler years were no joke – tantrums, sleepless nights, all of it – but as my kids grow, I can see how the challenges grow too. Now it’s friendships, comparisons, big feelings, and emotions that feel a lot heavier, and I know we are just getting started.
I’m grateful to have two older sisters to lean on for advice. They’ve already walked this road, and their wisdom is a gift.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms?
Be true to yourself and do what feels right for you and your family.
What do you most value in your friends?
I’m truly grateful for the friendships I have. These women are loyal, honest, trustworthy, great listeners, and non-judgemental. They bring so much joy and fun into my life!
What was your career before having children? How do you balance career & motherhood?
Before having children, I worked as an Account Manager for several software startups in San Francisco. After moving back to Orange County and having our second child, I shifted gears to become a stay-at-home mom. During this time, I became deeply involved with our school Parent Faculty Organization, taking on roles ranging from managing social media to serving as President, and now VP of Membership.
Most recently, I launched my own virtual assistant business, Alyssa Assists, where I support local business owners with their administrative needs. This new venture allows me to continue being present with the children and stay engaged in our schools, contribute financially to my family, and build a business I’m passionate about, all while working from home!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you.
I grew up singing and took voice lessons from the age of 5 through 18. In high school, I went to LA weekly as part of a pop girl band, shout out to Sweet Obsession! Sadly (and maybe not so surprisingly), we didn’t exactly make it big. 😉
Thank you Alyssa!