Our latest Meet a Mom is Lisa Gold – Owner of Likewear in Livingston!
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
3 kids – 21, 19, 15
How long have you lived in Short Hills/Millburn/Livingston and what made you decide to live here?
I have lived in Livingston for 18 years. We moved here from Millburn where we lived for 4 years after moving out of New York City. We settled back in this Livingston/Millburn/Short Hills community to raise our family in large part because I grew up in Livingston! Although I never expected to be back here to raise my own family, I have come to appreciate and love this area for all that it has to offer.
Tell us about your business and what other local things you are involved in! And how did you get started?
I own LikeWear with my husband, Ken. We have locations in Livingston and Tenafly. Our tagline is “wear what you like” and that’s exactly what we try to help our customers to do! Our retail store is filled with fashionable blank and ready-to-wear clothing and accessories like flannel pjs pants, super soft hoodies, drifit tees, overnight bags, baseball hats and more. We have a Custom Bar where you can add graphics, monograms, camp or college names or almost any design of your choosing and then watch as we apply it to your item. We are also very involved in school and team apparel and fundraising projects. My business started after my third child was born and I started hand sewing baby gifts and big bro/sis gifts. I started taking requests for what kids “wanted to wear” – specific candies and graphics – and 10 years later we are essentially still doing the same thing!
Favorite thing to do when you need “me time”?
Get a pedicure! I am on my feet all day when I work so there is nothing more relaxing than having my feet rubbed and pampered. I always choose the same bright neon blue polish – it’s my favorite color.
Favorite place for dinner with kids?
The Landmark in Livingston. The food is always good – the TVs are always on – and it’s the only place the 5 of us can always agree on!
Most enjoyable place to hang out?
I love being in my backyard watching my dogs run around and chase each other.
How do you balance your career and being a mom?
Not easily! I feel like finding that balance is a daily struggle and the scales definitely seem to tip more towards the career side – which can lead to guilt and sometimes regret. I am fortunate that I work close to home though, so I am able to run out when needed to pick up from school, drive to a doctor’s appointment or attend a game. I remind myself that sometimes all it takes is a small daily moment to help me feel connected to my kids. We also try to sit down during the week to eat dinner together as a family. Often times we don’t eat until 8pm but it gives us all something to look forward to and a way to connect and come together each day.
Proudest mommy moment(s)?
My proudest mommy moments are the ones when I am not around. By that I mean that watching each of my kids advocate for themselves – independently, without my help – makes me feel so good and reassures me that although I am not always around, I have done my job as a parent!
Can’t believe that happened mommy moment!
When my son, Ryan, was about 4 years old he ran his outstretched tongue along the underside of the outdoor railing at the Wendy’s fast food restaurant on Route 10. Ewww!
Best advice you have gotten from a mom?
“Always take the trip.” When you question whether or not you should go on the vacation, just do it. Spend the money. Take the time. You only have a limited number of years together as a family before your kids get busy with lives of their own, and building memories and having new experiences together are things you’ll never regret.
Best piece of advice you can give other moms!
Don’t be afraid to engage in things that may take some time away from your kids. It’s important to do things for you and it’s important for your kids to learn.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I used to be a stockbroker.