Hamptons

By Joseph Palmisano

No one represents New York and Florida better than Jill Zarin, entrepreneur, philanthropist and animal lover. We sat down with Jill and learned all that she’s up to, including an exclusive look into her Jill Zarin’s Luxury Luncheon.

Q: Jill Zarin in 3 words?

A: Connector, Funny, Generous.

Q: What makes the Hamptons special to you?

A: I’ve had a home in The Hamptons for over 20 years. The memories and friendships I’ve made are why I keep coming back.

Q: Tell us about Bobby and how your annual event, in honor of him, came to be?

A: When Bobby was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 2008, our lives changed forever. We knew we would be on borrowed time and wanted to live life together to the fullest. Bobby and I loved to entertain, and we had the perfect home on the water to do so. After Bobby passed, I decided to downsize into something more manageable since I am only there 2 months a year. Our biggest challenge now is finding an amazing location every year for the luxury luncheon.

Q: What’s it like working with Brian & Sean from Ticket2events? How are they as event planners/ partners to your event?

A: One thing is certain, I could not and would not do this event without Brian and Sean. They do all the heavy lifting and more. They create the atmosphere by finding the most amazing brands where they help create their own vignettes to promote the brands. Many of the companies bring hundreds of full-size products to give to the guests. Last year we gave over $100,000 worth of products to invited guests and this year we’ll do it even better! Health care brands like AdvoCare, and private jet charter services Fly Business have me excited as well as the other brands like Royce & Rocket, Floafers, Banila Cosmetics, Dolce Aesthetics NY, Kaleiya, Odyssey Elixir and many more! The boys are always great at procuring new products that want to showcase at the event. Aside from the hundreds of guests who have attended each year, we have expansive media coverage too - from WSJ to Forbes to OK! magazine, The Big Fat Joey Show, Hamptons Storyboard magazine and the many others who plan to cover the event. This year we have over 20 celebrities confirmed and that helps bring the media, and the media helps promote the charity event and the brands.

Q: What excites you about this year’s event?

A: I am always excited to see what new brands Sean and Brian have discovered. Since we have been doing this for so long, many brands actually DM me and I tell them to reach out to the boys!! July 29, 2023 is the big day, so for anyone reading this that wants to do a showcase, DM them ASAP @Ticket2events.

Q: Why is philanthropy so important to you?

A: “To those much is given, much is expected” …Gloria Kamen. My mother always told me this. I have been involved in raising money for charities since I was in college. It makes me feel so good to be able to help other people.

Q: What are you working on now besides your annual event?

A: My daughter, Ally Shapiro, and I founded Jill & Ally 3 years ago and it has been a non-stop roller coaster ever since. I’m also still building Jill Zarin Home, so between the two, I’m always on the move. In addition to all of this, we just launched my new skin care line, Jill Zarin Beauty (jillzarinbeauty.com) , our new Pickleball Racquets in the coolest patterns (jillandally.com) and at Macy’s, our new washable outdoor rugs ( jillandally.com) , and our Crystal Manifestation candles continue to grow. We’re currently in over 3000 stores and still going strong.

Q: What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?

A: I have so many things I would tell Jill at 21...but I can’t do the shoulda, woulda, coulda. I started a mentorship program where I dedicate time to entrepreneurs for them to ask me anything. I do this to help them build their business. My number one piece of advice is to “Say YES to everything.” It’s ok to try and fail rather than not try at all.

Q: What was the experience like being on RHONY?

A: I definitely had some bad days but, overall, I would definitely do it all over again. I had so many experiences, but the worst memory. You would probably know that answer better than I would. I would say any scene with my family because I will be able to relive it forever.

IG @mrsjillzarin jillzarinbeauty.com jillandally.com

Photographs by Brenda B Photography @brendabphoto