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Greenwich, CT August 2026

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

THE CONFIDENCE CONNECTION

HOW ONE GREENWICH FOUNDER IS EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION

HEALTH + WELLNESS

RAISING HEALTHIER FAMILIES

INNOVATIVE WELLNESS

SOLUTIONS DESIGNED BY LOCAL MOMS

TRU ST IS THE NEW INFLUENCE: INSIDE THE PARTNERSHIP OF LAYLA LISIEWSKI AND ERIKA BADAN

All The More Reason to Smile.

Greenwich Braces is a state of the art orthodontic office for both children and adults founded in 1998. It is our mission to treat each patient as our family member, while providing the highest quality of orthodontic care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our doctors and orthodontic team go to extreme lengths to make our patients feel comfortable.

Dr. Tiffany Christensen

Dr. Rosemary Ryan

Dr. Amanda Iorio

Growing Up Greenwich

August has always felt like a season of transition.

Summer adventures are still in full swing, but there’s also a sense of anticipation in the air as families prepare for a new school year, new routines, and new opportunities. It makes our Kids & Pets Issue the perfect time to celebrate the people, businesses, and ideas helping families navigate it all.

This month, we’re highlighting several local founders who are making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and parents alike.

You’ll meet Juliette Blake, the Greenwich entrepreneur behind Moxies, a platform designed to help girls build confidence, connection, and healthy relationships with technology. At a time when many families are grappling with screen time and digital wellbeing, her work offers a thoughtful and empowering approach to raising children in a connected world.

We’re also excited to introduce Serein Wellness Co., founded by local moms Sabrina Chateauvert and Camila Guerrero Suasnavas. Their mission is simple but powerful: helping families build healthier habits through approachable, preventative wellness tools that make learning fun for children and easier for parents.

Our cover story features Layla Lisiewski and Erika Badan, two accomplished media leaders who share a belief in the power of trust, community, and authentic connection. Their insights serve as a reminder that even in an increasingly digital world, local relationships still matter.

And of course, throughout these pages, you’ll find businesses, resources, and organizations dedicated to supporting the families who call Greenwich home.

As parents, none of us have all the answers. What we do have is each other and a community filled with people who are committed to helping the next generation grow, learn, and thrive.

I hope this issue introduces you to a few of them.

With gratitude,

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Adam Vohra | adam.vohra@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Andrea Alderson | andrea.alderson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Anna Barnes

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brook Road Photography, Jerri Graham Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Rob Johnson

Consistently ranked among Connecticut’s top agents, Rob Johnson has a proven track record of helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals. With innovative marketing, deep local expertise, and exceptional communication, Rob remains a trusted advisor well beyond the transaction.

Specializing in luxury waterfront properties and local construction, Rob offers invaluable insights to both local and international clients. Having lived and worked in major cities like London, NYC, Sydney, and Hong Kong, he is well-versed on investment guidance. Rooted in Greenwich for three generations, Rob lives in Riverside with his wife, Katie, and their three children— further deepening his connection and commitment to the community.

#1 BHS GREENWICH AGENT 2025

$500M+ IN SALES SINCE 2019

203.979.2360 robjohnson@bhsusa.com robjohnsongreenwich.com

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Breast Cancer Alliance launches 30th anniversary celebrations with live recording of All Over Again Podcast 2: Lori Kron, Kiley DunhamCastricone, Sarrah Strimel-Bentley, Miranda McKeon and Nathalie Carpenter 3: Bosco's Bar & Grill 4: Brooke Shepard, Alston Calabrese, Molly VanSickle, Sarah Meyer, Meg Herlihy, Leigh Hansen 5: Leigh Hansen + BARVIDA 6: Guests Listening 7: Live Recording
8: Lori Kron & Zac Mathias 9: Miranda McKeon - Normalize It 10: Miranda McKeon 11: Miranda Miranda & Nathalie Carpenter 12: Sarrah Strimel-Bentley Photography

13-21: In June, we hosted Tell Me Everything: A Fireside Chat with Carola Lovering at the Bedford Post Inn, an intimate evening featuring welcome drinks, light bites, a live audience Q&A with bestselling author Carola Lovering, bringing readers together for an engaging night of conversation and connection. Photography by Brook Road Photography

EXPERIENCE DENTISTRY DESIGNED AROUND YOU.

Trusted Dental Care in Greenwich

At Greenwich Dental Studio, we combine advanced technology, cosmetic expertise, and personalized care to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. Led by Dr. Angela Marwaha and Dr. Masis Yeterian Jr., our practice offers comprehensive services including dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, restorative care, TMJ treatment, and more, all delivered with the comfort, attention, and trust generations of Greenwich families have come to expect.

Modern Dentistry. Personalized Care. Lasting Results. Schedule your appointment today and discover a dental experience built around your smile. greenwichdentalstudio.com | 203-869-2884 | 211 E Putnam Ave #2-6, Cos Cob, CT 06807

The Power of Wonder

At King School, students ask big questions, explore ideas, and take ownership of their learning.

That’s how engagement grows.

That’s how students fall in love with learning.

And those skills go far beyond the classroom.

They shape how children solve problems, adapt to change, and take on any challenge with confidence and purpose.

King School is a PreK-12 independent, co-ed day school located in northern Stamford that educates students of Fairfield and Westchester counties.
WONDER IN ACTION: Geometry came to life as Grade 4 students designed and built mini-golf courses inspired by their own creativity and imagination.

business monthly

Community Marks 20 Years of Making Waves Against Cancer

More than 250 swimmers and hundreds of volunteers gathered in June for the 20th annual Swim Across America–Fairfield County open water swim at Dolphin Cove in Stamford. Benefiting the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, the event celebrated two decades of community support while raising funds for innovative cancer research. Since 2007, the swim has generated more than $8.2 million, helping advance treatments and clinical trials for numerous cancers through cutting-edge cell and gene therapy research.

Bruce Museum Unveils Fall Lineup Blending Art and Science

The Bruce Museum announced a diverse fall exhibition season featuring immersive explorations of art, science and the natural world. Highlights included Six Extinctions, an interactive exhibition examining Earth’s past and present extinction events; Solar Poetics by Rohini Devasher, which merged astronomy and contemporary art; and American Stories from Sargent to O’Keeffe, showcasing masterworks from The Newark Museum of Art. The lineup reinforced the museum’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and community engagement.

Junior League Volunteers Logged 100 Hours During Service Initiative

In April, the Junior League of Greenwich completed more than 100 volunteer hours during its inaugural All Service Day, mobilizing 45 members to support local nonprofits and community organizations. Volunteers prepared 380 sandwiches for children in after-school programs, distributed 3,000 diapers to families in need, assisted with gardening and event preparations, and supported arts and wellness initiatives. Following the event’s success, the organization announced plans to make All Service Day an annual community service tradition.

Personal Care for Seniors by

MAKING WELLNESS CHILD'S PLAY

TWO LOCAL WOMEN TURNING PREVENTION INTO A FAMILY ADVENTURE

For many parents, some of the most important health lessons happen in the middle of everyday life.

A reminder to put on sunscreen before heading to camp. Encouraging children to drink more water during a busy summer day. Helping kids understand why healthy habits matter long before they can fully appreciate the consequences of neglecting them.

For Greenwich mom and entrepreneurs Sabrina Chateauvert and Camila Guerrero Suasnavas, those seemingly small moments became the inspiration behind Serein Wellness Co., a growing wellness company built on a simple but powerful belief: prevention should be approachable, engaging, and accessible for families.

As co-founders, the pair are combining healthcare expertise, business acumen, and firsthand parenting experience to create products that help children develop healthy habits in ways that feel natural and fun.

The concept was born from a challenge familiar to virtually every parent.

“Like many parents, we were constantly reminding the kids to apply and reapply sunscreen,” they explain. “Especially during long summer days.”

The solution came in the form of Sunny Buddy, a UV-reactive temporary tattoo that changes color in the sun, serving as a visual reminder for children and caregivers alike to think about sun protection.

What began as a simple idea quickly revealed a much larger opportunity.

Once they shared the concept with other parents, it became clear they weren't alone. Families everywhere were looking for practical ways to encourage healthy habits without turning wellness into another daily battle.

The founders knew they had tapped into something meaningful.

For Sabrina, a Stroke Nurse Navigator at Greenwich Hospital, mother of two energetic boys, and current advanced practice nursing student at Yale University, prevention has always been central to her work. Throughout her healthcare career, she has witnessed firsthand how education and early intervention can dramatically influence long-term health outcomes.

Camila, originally from Ecuador, brings a complementary perspective through her background in business management and the beauty industry. Her passion for community-building, wellness, and accessible healthy living has shaped the company's approach to making prevention feel approachable rather than overwhelming.

While their professional backgrounds differ, their shared commitment to prevention and education created a natural foundation for partnership. Together, they bring a unique blend of clinical expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and real-world parenting experience to every product they develop.

“Prevention is often the most powerful form of healthcare,” says Sabrina.

That philosophy has become the foundation of Serein Wellness Co.'s mission.

Unlike many products in the wellness marketplace, Sunny Buddy isn't simply designed to solve a problem. It's designed to spark conversations.

The color-changing tattoos encourage children to actively participate in their own wellness while helping parents introduce important concepts like UV exposure, sunscreen use, and skin cancer prevention in a way that feels playful rather than intimidating.

Camila Guerrero Suasnavas and Sabrina Chateauvert, co-founders of Serein Wellness Co.

“We wanted our products to feel educational rather than instructional,” they explain. “When children can see UV exposure and participate in protecting themselves, learning becomes much more engaging.”

That educational component has become one of the company's defining characteristics.

Every decision the founders make begins with a simple question: Would we use this with our own children?

As mothers balancing careers, advanced education, and family life, they understand the realities facing today's parents. Their goal isn't perfection. It's practicality.

They recognize that families are juggling packed schedules, competing priorities, and endless demands on their attention. That's why the most effective wellness tools are often the simplest ones.

For the founders, prevention isn't about creating fear or adding another responsibility to already busy parents. Instead, it's about helping families build awareness through small, manageable actions that become second nature over time.

They believe some of the most important health lessons begin long before a doctor's appointment is needed, often through everyday conversations that happen at home, on the sidelines of a soccer game, during camp, or at the beach.

“Parents are becoming much more proactive about prevention,” they explain. “They're looking for practical ways to support their family's health rather than waiting until problems arise.”

The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Some of the most rewarding feedback comes from parents who report that their children now remind them to apply sunscreen. Others share stories of kids enthusiastically explaining to friends and family why their tattoo changed color and what it means.

Those moments represent exactly what Sabrina and Camila hoped to achieve.

Children aren't simply following instructions. They're actively participating in their own wellness journey.

Building the business hasn't been without challenges.

Launching a company while balancing motherhood, careers, graduate studies, and family responsibilities requires extraordinary commitment and flexibility. Yet both founders agree that watching their ideas evolve from conversations and sketches into products used by real families has made every challenge worthwhile.

The support they've received locally has been equally meaningful.

Greenwich's active, family-oriented culture has provided an ideal environment for growth. With children participating in sports, camps, beach days, and outdoor activities throughout the year, the community naturally values wellness, education, and prevention.

The encouragement they've received from local families, healthcare professionals, and fellow entrepreneurs has reinforced their belief that parents are eager for practical tools that make healthy habits easier to maintain.

Sabrina Chateauvert
Camila Guerrero Suasnavas

That support continues to fuel the company's next chapter.

In addition to expanding the Sunny Buddy line, Serein Wellness Co. is exploring additional preventative wellness products, including migraine and neurological wellness offerings inspired by Sabrina's neuroscience background and the founders' shared passion for holistic health.

While the product line may continue to evolve, the mission remains remarkably consistent.

The founders hope families walk away with a simple realization: wellness doesn't have to be complicated.

Small habits practiced consistently can create lasting impact.

If a child learns about sun safety, remembers to apply sunscreen, or starts a conversation about skin cancer prevention because of Sunny Buddy, then Sabrina and Camila consider that a success.

As Serein Wellness Co. continues to grow, the founders remain focused on helping families see wellness not as an overwhelming destination, but as a collection of small, meaningful choices made every day. Whether through sun safety, neurological wellness, or future educational products, they hope to continue creating tools that empower parents and children to take an active role in their health—one simple habit at a time.

Because sometimes the most meaningful healthcare begins not in a doctor's office, but in everyday moments between parents and children.

And sometimes, those moments start with a color-changing tattoo.

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Sabrina Chateauvert

• Stroke Nurse Navigator at Greenwich Hospital

• Advanced Practice Nursing student at Yale University

• Mom of two energetic boys

• Passionate about prevention, education, and empowering families through healthcare

Camila Guerrero Suasnavas

• Business Management background

• Beauty industry professional

• Yale management certification candidate

• Passionate about community building and accessible wellness

THEIR WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY

"Don't underestimate the power of small habits. Prevention doesn't have to be complicated to make a lasting impact."

Learn More: sereinwellnessco.com

Gianna Sabia
Gemma Sabia

THE FUTURE of TRUST

How Layla Lisiewski and Erika Badan are redefining community in a digital world

At first glance, Layla Lisiewski and Erika Badan seem to come from very different worlds.

One built a nationwide network connecting local families and communities. The other helped lead one of the most recognizable media brands in America. Yet despite their different paths, both women arrived at the same conclusion: in a world flooded with information, trust has become the most valuable currency of all.

That shared belief ultimately brought them together to launch Mule Media, a venture focused on helping brands, communities, and audiences connect in more meaningful ways.

For Lisiewski, the journey began after leaving a successful career in private wealth management at Merrill Lynch. While pregnant with her first child and preparing for a promotion, she realized something was missing.

“I enjoyed the work, but it wasn't my mission,” she recalls.

After moving back to her hometown of Greenwich, she experienced a challenge many parents know well: finding trusted local resources and meaningful connections. The solution became The Local Moms Network, which has since grown into a trusted platform serving families in more than 100 communities across the country.

For Badan, the path looked very different.

She began her career as an intern and receptionist at Fidelity Investments before building experience at companies including Microsoft, Yahoo!, AOL, and ultimately Barstool Sports, where she spent nearly a decade helping transform the company into a media powerhouse.

Along the way, she developed a fascination with audience behavior, culture building, and understanding what makes people genuinely care about something.

“I've spent my career trying to understand how communities form and what makes people want to belong,” she says.

That question remains central to both women's work today.

In an era dominated by algorithms, social platforms, artificial intelligence, and endless content, they believe the most successful brands are often the most human.

“People aren't looking to be provoked,” says Badan. “They want to be seen, supported, and helped.”

Lisiewski sees the same pattern through The Local Moms Network.

“In a world where people are constantly being asked to click, react, and consume, attention is earned by consistently showing up with information and recommendations that are genuinely useful,” she says.

“If you can create trust, foster connection, and make people feel more connected to their community, you build something much more valuable than clicks.”

While technology continues to evolve, both founders believe the fundamentals remain surprisingly unchanged.

Listening.

Providing value.

Showing up consistently.

Creating opportunities for connection.

“The technology keeps changing, but the fundamentals don't,” says Lisiewski. “People want to feel understood, supported, and connected to something bigger than themselves.”

That philosophy extends beyond media and into business.

Both women believe many companies spend too much time chasing visibility and not enough time building relationships. The brands that create lasting loyalty are the ones that serve their communities first.

“Brands that wait for people to come to them will struggle,” says Badan. “Communities need to be fed. You have to be part of them and contribute to them.”

As media continues to evolve, both are seeing another interesting trend emerge: a renewed appreciation for local connection.

From community events and neighborhood recommendations to small business discovery and in-person gatherings, people are increasingly seeking experiences that feel relevant to their everyday lives.

“People still live real lives in real places,” says Lisiewski. “They're raising families, building businesses, and making decisions rooted in where they are.”

That belief is what makes their partnership so compelling.

Together, Lisiewski and Badan represent two different perspectives on the same idea: meaningful connection still matters.

In a world increasingly shaped by automation, they believe authenticity will become even more valuable.

Trust.

Community. Relationships.

These aren't old-fashioned concepts. They're the foundation of what comes next. And for both women, the future isn't about reaching everyone.

It's about creating something people genuinely trust.

“Brands that wait for people to come to them will struggle,” says Badan. “Communities need to be fed. You have to be part of them and contribute to them.”

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 ears fresh corn, husks removed

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ medium red onion, finely diced

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 avocado, diced

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

This salad is delicious as-is, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Add crumbled feta for a salty finish, diced cucumber for extra crunch, or chopped bell peppers for additional color and sweetness. It’s one of those recipes that adapts beautifully to whatever is fresh and in season.

Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, burgers or with a big bowl of Tostitos for scooping. Either way, it’s summer in a bowl.

Summer Corn Salad with Avocado

This grilled corn salad has become a staple in our house this summer. After my husband, Frank, discovered it online, we've made it for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues. It's fresh, colorful, incredibly easy, and always disappears fast. The best part? It's endlessly customizable. We love it exactly as written, but it's equally delicious with crumbled feta, cucumber, bell peppers, or whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand. We often serve it alongside grilled meats or simply scoop it up with Tostitos for an easy summer appetizer.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Grill the corn over medium-high heat until lightly charred on all sides, about 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool, then cut the kernels from the cob.

2. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.

3. Add the lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.

4. Gently fold in the diced avocado just before serving.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY ESCAPE

Sea Island Resort blends Southern hospitality, nature-focused adventures, and exceptional children's programming along Georgia's picturesque coastline.

Set along five miles of private beach on Georgia's Golden Isles, Sea Island has long been one of the South's most beloved resorts. Families have been vacationing here for generations, returning for its sprawling coast, gracious service, and the kind of traditions that seem increasingly rare in today’s travel. While golfers know it for its championship courses and couples are drawn to its Forbes Five-Star

accommodations and spa, Sea Island may be at its best when experienced through the eyes of a child.

On any given morning, young guests can be seen scanning the shoreline for sea turtle tracks, meeting a bird of prey up close, or pedaling beneath canopies of tall oaks draped in Spanish moss. The resort has built an impressive portfolio of children's programming around the natural beauty of Georgia's coastline, creating opportunities for kids to explore, learn, and maybe return with a little extra sand in their shoes.

For many families, that balance is precisely what makes Sea Island so appealing. Parents can spend the morning on the golf course or at the spa while children head off to Camp Cloister or join one of the resort's nature-focused experiences. By day's end, everyone can reconvene at the Beach Club for afternoons between the ocean, the pool, and, of course, a stop at the beloved Snack Shack for an afternoon treat.

The wildlife programming is particularly memorable. At the Sea Island Nature Center, children can learn about the region's coastal ecosystem through interactive exhibits and marine life encounters. The center

also offers sensory-friendly hours and trained staff members, helping ensure the experience is welcoming for a wide range of guests.

During sea turtle season, families can join the resort's popular Sea Turtle Night Walk. Armed with turtle-safe red flashlights, guests venture onto the beach after dark in search of nesting mothers and newly emerged hatchlings making their first journey toward the water. Children ages seven to fourteen can further their understanding through Turtle Technicians, a behind-the-scenes program that introduces participants to the conservation work taking place along Georgia's coastline.

Equally popular is Sea Island's falconry program, which introduces guests to the fascinating world of birds of prey. Younger children can participate in Raptor Rangers, while older kids and adults often gravitate toward the Hawk Walk, where a trained Harris's Hawk follows along wooded trails before swooping down to land on a gloved arm. It's an experience that tends to become the story everyone is still talking about at dinner that evening.

“Families have been vacationing here for generations, returning for its sprawling coast, gracious service, and the kind of traditions that seem increasingly rare in today’s travel.”

Of course, there's far more to Sea Island than wildlife encounters. Families can spend their days paddleboarding, fishing from the pier, taking tennis lessons, horseback riding on the beach, or exploring the property by bicycle. Evenings often end at Sea Strike & Pub, where bowling lanes and casual fare offer a welcome change of pace after a day spent outdoors.

What stands out most about Sea Island is how naturally the children's programming fits within the destination itself. Rather

than creating separate spaces for kids and adults, the resort encourages families to engage with the coast together.

Long after the trip is over, families are likely to remember the feeling of time spent together—unhurried mornings, shared adventures, and the rare opportunity to disconnect from daily routines. Sea Island has a way of creating those moments naturally, pairing thoughtful experiences with a setting that encourages guests to slow down, reconnect, and simply enjoy being together.

Periodontist & Implant Surgeon

Dr. Traynor Practices the Most Advanced Techniques in Periodontics and Implant Placement Including:

· Laser Therapy to Treat Gum Infections and Regrow Bone (LANAP)

· Laser Therapy to Save Failing Implants

· Cosmetic Treatments to Improve the Look of Your Smile

· State of the Art Technology for Custom Implant Placement

· Same Day Implant Placement for Broken Teeth

2026 Alexandra Compton Award
2026 Phyllis Finn Mentorship Award

4.

5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

If summer had an official color, it would be yellow. From butter-yellow dresses and lemon-hued handbags to cabana stripes, the cheerful shade is defining the season with optimistic, joyful energy. Long associated with happiness, confidence, and creativity, yellow feels especially fitting during the sunniest months of the year, effortlessly capturing summer’s carefree spirit.

1. Ralph Lauren T Bird Yellow Poplin Woven Crewneck Dress - Tuckernuck.com

2. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker - Bose.com

3. Stanley Cup - Stanley1913.com

4. La Veste Parasol Pants - Modaoperandi.com

5. Benedita Bow Mug - Anthropologie.com

6. Buttercream Lacquer Bobbin Lamp - Addisonross.com

7. Bamboo Sheets - Quince.com

8. Amalfi Stripe Tablecloth - S olinohome.com

9. Chloe Raffia Hat - Net-a-porter.com

10. George Oliver Vase - Wayfair.com

11. Surya Yellow Textured Pillow - Crateandbarrel.com

12. Lele Sadoughi Pebble Stud Earrings - Revolve.com

13. The Fonteyn Ballet Flat - Margauxny.com

14. Mini Bou Bag – Ganni.com

Every Picture Tells a Fertility Story

Dustin Yellin (American, b. 1975), Politics of Eternity, 2020 Glass, epoxy, collage, acrylic, and steel, 98 x 129 ¼ x 19 ¼ in.
Courtesy of Dustin Yellin Studio, © Dustin Yellin
Photograph by Martyna Szczesna

ARC OF CARE CAMPAIGN CELEBRATION

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

RIVERSIDE YACHT CLUB

WILLIAM J. DEUTSCH & FAMILY

LUMINATE HEALTH AND MEDICINE AWARDEE

SUSAN C. SALICE

LUMINATE HEALTH AND MEDICINE AWARDEE

PHYSICIAN HONOREE

D. BARRY BOYD, MD

PHYSICIAN HONOREE

RAISING Confident IN A DIGITAL WORLD Girls

GREENWICH FOUNDER JULIETTE BLAKE IS REIMAGINING TECHNOLOGY TO HELP GIRLS BUILD CONFIDENCE, CONNECTION, AND HEALTHY HABITS.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOK ROAD PHOTOGRAPHY

When Juliette Blake talks about technology, she doesn't start with screens.

She starts with girls.

Long before she became the founder of Moxies, a groundbreaking platform designed to help girls build confidence and healthy digital habits, Blake was already thinking about how to create spaces where young girls could feel seen, supported, and empowered.

In many ways, her life's work has come full circle.

"I've always been building for girls," she says. "My first company was created to help my younger sister and her friends navigate middle school. Today, as a mom of three, I'm building for my own children and their generation."

That mission has guided nearly every chapter of Blake's entrepreneurial journey.

Growing up in Old Greenwich and graduating from Greenwich High School, she developed an early fascination with creating communities. While many teenagers were simply trying to survive middle school themselves, Blake was already identifying opportunities to make life better for others.

It started with her younger sister.

As Blake watched her sister and her friends encounter many of the same social challenges she had experienced herself, she began searching for ways to help. The internet was still in its infancy, and while most people were only beginning to understand its potential, Blake saw an opportunity.

Instead of creating a magazine for girls, she built a website.

What began as a hobby eventually evolved into Miss O and Friends, one of the largest online communities for girls in the world.

The platform attracted millions of users, secured investment from Procter & Gamble, and ultimately expanded into entertainment through a groundbreaking partnership with YouTube Originals and Disney.

One of the projects Blake remains most proud of is Hyperlinked, a family-friendly series intentionally designed to challenge stereotypes and encourage girls to see themselves in new ways.

Before a single script was written, Blake assembled an advisory board of educators, leaders, and experts to ensure the messaging reflected values she believed mattered: entrepreneurship, positive female friendships, STEM education, and girls supporting one another.

The results exceeded expectations.

An independent study later found that girls who watched just one episode of the series were 11 percent more likely to pursue a career in computer science than girls who had not watched.

For Blake, the experience reinforced a powerful truth.

"When we build with intention, we can have a real impact on how girls see themselves and what they believe is possible."

That realization would eventually become the foundation for Moxies.

As both a founder and a mother, Blake found herself increasingly concerned by the digital environments available to children.

While technology offered incredible opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning, many of today's most popular platforms seemed designed around a very different objective: capturing attention. CONTINUED >

"The longer a child stays on a platform, the more valuable they become," Blake explains.

The statistics are difficult to ignore.

Research has shown rising rates of anxiety, loneliness, and poor self-image among young girls. Meanwhile, parents often feel trapped between two imperfect choices: allowing their children to participate in digital spaces that may not serve them well or restricting access altogether.

Blake believed there had to be another option.

Rather than asking how to keep children online longer, she began asking a different question: How could technology actually help girls thrive?

That question ultimately became Moxies.

Designed specifically for girls ages eight through twelve, Moxies is built around confidence, creativity, friendship, and emotional wellbeing rather than engagement metrics.

Girls create avatars instead of sharing photos. Communities are private and invite-only. There are no public profiles, no algorithmic feeds, no strangers, and no endless scrolling.

Parents register alongside their daughters, moderation combines artificial intelligence with human oversight, and even messaging features are intentionally structured to encourage healthy boundaries.

The goal isn't simply safety.

It's creating an entirely different relationship with technology.

"When we say we're building technology for wellbeing instead of engagement, we mean every product decision starts with one question: Is this helping girls thrive?"

The early results have been remarkable.

According to ongoing research conducted alongside PhD researchers, 79 percent of girls using Moxies demonstrated improvements in mood, confidence, and self-regulation. Ninety-eight percent reported wanting to be kind to themselves and others while using the platform.

Perhaps even more surprising has been who is using it. Initially, Blake assumed Moxies would primarily appeal to girls who had not yet been introduced to other digital platforms.

Instead, she discovered something unexpected.

Many girls already using social platforms and gaming environments actively preferred Moxies.

Some were shocked to learn that receiving messages from strangers wasn't simply part of being online.

"They didn't even know that could be a feature," Blake recalls.

Those moments reinforce the urgency behind her work.

For Blake, the conversation surrounding children's technology use isn't really about screen time at all.

It's about quality.

It's about creating digital environments that support healthy development rather than compete with it.

And it's about helping children build digital literacy before unhealthy habits become deeply ingrained.

As a parent herself, those values guide every decision she makes.

Her own children have limited access to technology, but Moxies is one platform she enthusiastically allows them to use.

"I want technology to be one of many ways my children learn, play, and connect—not the only way."

That philosophy extends beyond parenting and into leadership.

Blake describes her leadership style as collaborative and deeply rooted in curiosity. She prioritizes attitude over credentials, encourages team members to take ownership, and believes the best ideas often come from unexpected places.

Like many entrepreneurs, she also acknowledges that balance remains a constant work in progress.

"There is no such thing as perfect balance," she says with a laugh.

Some weeks are consumed by fundraising, travel, product development, and meetings. Others allow for field days, school events, family dinners, and bedtime stories.

The key, she says, is giving herself permission not to excel at everything simultaneously.

"Life happens on a Tuesday."

It's a phrase that has become something of a personal mantra.

Meaningful moments aren't reserved for milestones. They happen during school drop-offs, family walks, neighborhood gatherings, and ordinary afternoons spent together.

Looking ahead, Blake hopes Moxies helps create a generation of girls who view technology differently than those who came before them.

Girls who are confident, digitally literate, and empowered to seek out spaces that prioritize their wellbeing.

Girls who understand that technology should serve them, not the other way around.

And if she succeeds, the impact could extend far beyond a single platform.

It could help redefine what technology for children looks like entirely.

Coffee: Birch Bakehouse's iced cappuccino

Self-Care: PilatesPrivé

Shopping: Navy Lobster and The Cubhouse Favorite Tradition: Walking to the Old Greenwich Memorial Day Parade and Binney Park fireworks.

Best Advice: Never stop asking questions. When you stop asking questions, you stop learning.

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

AUGUST 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

AUGUST 1ST

Hey Stamford Food Festival

1010 Washington Blvd Stamford, CT 12:00 PM

Experience Connecticut’s ultimate food and music festival as it returns, featuring curated food vendors, themed bars, celebrity guests, live music, and immersive culinary experiences!

AUGUST 5TH

The Future Heavies

Return to Greenwich

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park 7:00 PM

New England's #1 '80s Band, "The Future Heavies" will perform for the third time as part of the Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series, featuring the best in new wave, pop, R&B, dance, and rock from the 1980s, from Blondie and Madonna to Pat Benatar and Stevie Nicks.

AUGUST 20TH

Summer Concert Series: Suburban Chaos

Greenwich Historical Society

6:30 PM

Close out the 2026 Summer Concert Series with an unforgettable evening of high-energy hits and classic anthems. Concert favorite Suburban Chaos takes the stage, bringing the sounds of the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond to life. Celebrate the evolution of American music, from rock and funk to modern favorites, and enjoy a funfilled night of live entertainment under the summer sky.

CONTINUED >

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson M: 203.550.8508 shelly.tretterlynch@compass.com shellytretterlynch.com

Summer unfolds beautifully at this exceptional waterfront estate, where every day begins with spectacular eastern sunrises and ends with tranquil evenings overlooking the water. A private beach, expansive terraces, and a resort-style pool and spa create the ultimate setting for entertaining, relaxation, and making unforgettable memories. Meticulously restored, the residence blends historic charm with contemporary luxury, while interiors by Cindy Rinfret offer a sophisticated yet inviting backdrop for effortless coastal living all season long.

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson M: 917.597.0178 ylloyds@compass.com yashminlloyds.com

Stop Overpaying Taxes: Expert Strategies for Financial Success

AUGUST 28TH

FiloFox at Bosco’s Bar and Grill

Bosco’s Bar and Grill | 9:00 PM

FiloFox will make their first appearance at Bosco’s Bar and Grill, bringing their signature blend of classic rock, country, blues, and R&B to Greenwich!  This popular local acoustic rock and country duo features musicians Lou Filomio and Aaron Fox, and is known for playing a wide range of cover songs with an "electric attitude".

AUGUST 30TH

Sunday Polo

Greenwich Polo Club | 3:00 PM

Experience the excitement and tradition of polo at Greenwich Polo Club's East Coast Open! Gather friends and family for an afternoon of world-class competition, beautiful countryside views, and a lively social atmosphere. Whether relaxing on the lawn with a picnic or enjoying one of the club's hospitality experiences, it's a quintessential summer outing in Greenwich. Purchase tickets at greenwichpoloclub.com.

AUGUST 30TH

Honey Harvest Festival

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, Stamford CT | 11:00 AM

Experience a delightful celebration of bees, honey, and the beauty of pollinators. Enjoy family-friendly fun with crafts, live music, honey tastings, expert bee talks, harvest demonstrations, and a vibrant marketplace of local vendors and artisans. Admission is free for all ages. Come explore the gardens, support the local community, and learn why bees are so essential to our ecosystem.

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Greenwich, CT August 2026 by City Lifestyle - Issuu