Meet Jennifer, a mom of two you’ll most likely run into on the beach or at her new yoga studio in Costa Mesa, Enjoy Yoga.
Where are you from originally? I’m from Oak Park. Usually no one has any idea where that is until I tell them it’s near Calabasas. Thank you, Kardashians.
How long have you lived in Costa Mesa? How many kids do you have and what are their age(s)? We just moved to Costa Mesa last year from Santa Ana. We’ve always been very connected to Costa Mesa/Newport as my kids have done Jr. Guards for years, my husband’s whole family is here, and the kids went to school in Newport during Covid.
Olive is 14 and Otto is 11.
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town? The beach is our favorite place to be. We love going out on our boat, or really anything connected to the ocean. We are also big foodies and love trying new places.
What is your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends or date night? We love Ai Pono, Bear Flag, and Wafu of Japan – Sushi as a family. Friends and date nights are the Oak Room, Folks Pizzeria, Landers Liquor Bar, or the Elks Lodge. Good vibes and good drinks.
What is your local go-to store for clothes? Gifts? The whole family is happy with a shopping trip to Surfside. I love Daydream and SEED for gifts. Hi-Lo is one of the coolest places for fun booze.
Do you have a favorite destination for family trips? We are big Mammoth fans. We all love to snowboard so we try to get up to the mountains as much as possible.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time? Currently the teenage years are the most challenging by far. I’m open for advice and prayers, ha! I’m not sure if this sounds harsh but I think there is a little letting go of expectations of how you think your kids are going to be, and being open to who they are becoming. This takes patience and acceptance. I’m not sure if I’m nailing this but doing the best I can.
If you could describe your family in only a few words, what would they be? Adventurous + Fun
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you? Trust yourself and try not to worry what everyone else is doing. Be authentic and true to who you are and your kids will benefit the most.
What do you value most in your friends? Trust, honesty, depth, and realness.
What was your career before having children? If it’s the same, how do you balance a career and motherhood? Before having kids I was a photographer. I mostly shot for magazines. Once I had my first child I had a few more shooting jobs but I Iost my momentum and really struggled with the balance of work and a newborn. It took a few years for me to find my footing and balance with a career and parenting.
How do you relax and unwind? Yoga is my happy place and key for my sanity, but if I need something more restful it’s Thai food (Hanuman), and Grey’s Anatomy on my couch.
I love that yoga is your happy place, which is especially important since I know you run a yoga studio. Can you tell us a little about that? Yes, I recently opened a yoga studio called Enjoy Yoga located in Costa Mesa. It’s in the most amazing old school house across from triangle square. Along with my husband Blake, I have the most amazing partner Angela who is helping this little dream come alive. Together we are building a space of yoga and community.
Thank you Jennifer!
1901 Newport Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
[email protected]