Meet Laura

 

What’s your favorite thing about living in Hyde Park?
I love the city vibe it gives off. I love the farmers market in the square, the shops and love being able to walk to Zips to grab one of the best burgers in the city. Also its just 10 minute drive to downtown or to kenwood.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Griffin 7
Simeon 5
Favorite things to do with your kids around town?
We love to go to Findlay market and hang out at the Play Library. We also enjoy going to Leblond park on Riverside drive. We often attend Reds games and cheer on the Buckeyes during football season. We also like to volunteer at the Bethany House – from serving a meal as a family or stopping by to drop off items the shelter needs.
Do you have a favorite local store, fitness class or restaurant? What makes this local business so special? I love the breathing room for fitness. They offer a number of different pilates and yoga classes. It’s where I go to destress, unwind, and get strength for the day! My favorite shop is Spicy olive. I love to cook and they make it easy with so many different types of olive oils. If you have never been, stop in so that you can sample everything! Baklouti Green Chili Pepper is one of my families favorites.
Favorite restaurant in Hyde Park hands down is E+O! I can’t get enough of their sushi!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? I am a co-founder of SaferSit. My business partner (and friend!), Francie Ruppert and I started this adventure in 2016. I was a stay at home mom and I would find it hard to find a sitter just to workout, run errands, or go to appointments. Seemed like everyone wanted a guaranteed 40 hours. I knew if I was having this issue others in the area were probably going through the same thing. If you haven’t tried SaferSit out yet, you should. All of our sitters are high school or college students that are interviewed by me. We are getting ready to launch our mobile web app which will make it even easier for parents to connect with a great student sitter. Read more about us at www.safersit.com – mention this article in our “message section” and you will get one free booking fee!

 
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I would not be where I am today without the support from the community. Early on I joined Hyde Park Parents Exchange. I met so many great friends through that. This community has so many groups like HPPE available. I have found the more you put into something the more you will get out of it. I am also beyond grateful for all the love and support the community has given to SaferSit. It’s been a challenge , but rewarding when I’m out and get approached by someone who I don’t know but uses the service and thanks me for sending a great sitter so they could enjoy a date night.
Tips for Balancing it all? Motherhood, career, family and social life?
A great calendar, but really I am still figuring this out. I think that this is something that is a constant challenge. Seems I get it all together then its a new season and baseball starts so now the Schedule changes again. I have recently learned about the word NO. I am always one who is available to do everything. I have realized my time is valuable and sometimes you just can’t do it all !
What is the best advice you have received as a mom?
My mom gave it to me, “ you need a break from your kids and your kids need a break from you.” You have to be able to enjoy your spouse, have time to yourself, or have a great child-free conversation with your best friend and a bottle of wine!
What is the best advice you would like to give to a new mom?
Join a moms group in your area. We have Hyde Park Parents Exchange and Eastside moms in this area. You will meet a ton of moms, and will be able to attend awesome events like breakfast with santa, easter egg hunt, and so on. It is great to connect with others who understand the trials and tribulations of motherhood.