Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published August 2, 2019.

Where are you from? How did you end up in Rochester?

I’m from Rochester, I grew up in Hamlin. I went to Brockport High School and attended MCC afterwards for Vocal Performance. I love to sing and play guitar. My only stint living outside of Rochster was when I moved to Stamford, Connecticut for three years. I never really wanted to leave, because I’ve always felt so connected to the city, and my whole family is here. I had a cool work opportunity, though, and it took me away from Rochester just as the city was really starting to boom. I’ve been back for almost a year now, and I’m loving it so far. 

The level of connection among people is different in Rochester compared to Stamford; it felt more like a business transaction there. It was always about what people could do for you. Every interaction was on the surface level, and it had a real transplant vibe. There also wasn’t as much culture, in terms of farmers markets and the arts.

What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?

We do festivals the best. I love that we’re known for Jazz Fest and Eastman brings in lots of diversity and culture. I like going to RPO shows. I used to watch golf a lot with my dad, and I love that we’re a golf hub; it puts us on the map. We have a cool nightlife scene here too, where it feels unique. If you’re going out somewhere downtown, it’s never to a chain.

What are some of your favorite hidden gems around town?

Atlas Eats is one of the most underrated places in Rochester. Old Pueblo Grill isn’t hidden, but I love the vibe there. Basha, on Monroe, has Mediterranean food and the people there are just so accommodating. 

What's the most unique or interesting event you've been to in Rochester?

I have a warm spot in my heart for Clothesline Festival. I used to perform there as a kid with my Irish dancing group. I love the Lilac Festival and that it brings cool musicians out to look at flowers. I love the Jazz Fest; having grown up around live music, I love seeing shows, even if I don’t know the band. If they’re talented, I’m into it.

What are some of your favorite local nonprofits to support?

Genesee Country Village & Museum. My sister is their Volunteer Manager, so I often end up hostessing at events or checking people in. I love what they do to showcase the history of our region. I also appreciate all that the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley does. I think it’s so important to empower women, making sure they’re not reliant on others and are economically self-sufficient.

If you had $100 and two hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the money/time? 

I’d probably hit up some museums, like the MAG and George Eastman Museum. They’re both literally in my backyard, but they fly under the radar. They’re nice places to go, take your time, and walk through on your own.

What's your favorite neighborhood in the city? 

I’m partial to Park Ave, but I moved to NOTA recently and I’m excited about that. I love the Park Ave vibe; it feels young, but there’s a big range of ages that lives, eats, and shops there.

What's the best place to get a garbage plate? 

I’m partial to the original Nick Tahou’s. The home fries and meat sauce texture are the most important aspect of the plate. I used to go to the one on Lyell during high school a lot, so I have a lot of fun memories there.

What is your personal coping mechanism for our long, cold winters? 

I like winter. I try to continue to get outside. I like to snowshoe and hike. A solid self-care routine is important; for me, that’s eating seasonally, maintaining my exercise, and taking vitamin D. You definitely get depressed by the time March rolls around and there’s still no sun, though.

Tell me about a memory or moment that is quintessentially Rochester to you. 

One of the last East End Fests comes to mind. Rusted Root was playing, and everyone was dancing in the streets and having a good time.

St. Patrick’s Day parades are always a blast; I’ve participated in a lot of them with my Irish dance group. There was one year when it was 80 degrees out on parade day, and so many people came out. It was so fun walking the two miles and seeing Rochester show up.

What makes Rochester unique? 

The feeling that you’re in a big city but you’re not. Some areas feel suburban but are within a mile of downtown. The festivals are really awesome too.

What do you think could be improved about our city? 

I wish there were more businesses in downtown proper. They should come back and grow that part of town up again. Sibley’s and Midtown left a huge void. That would really help make people see more value in actual downtown Rochester.

Tell me a little bit about your business and how you got started.

I’m a certified health coach and personal trainer. I work with people 1:1 to help them find the highest expression of their health in a holistic way. I’d always been an athlete, so personal training came to me naturally. Health coaching and nutrition is what clients struggled with the most. I always have good conversations with my clients, where we really dig in and pursue their wellness goals. I launched the business in February 2019 and hope to go full-time with it someday. 

What have you learned in running your business so far?

I’ve been battling with some self-limiting thoughts, like not feeling worthy to do this work. It takes meditation, mindfulness, and turning off social media in order to remember what I’ve done so far and know that I can have an impact on the community by helping people.

What's one piece of health/wellness advice you wish everyone knew?

You’re allowed to eat more than 1,200 calories a day!

What advice would you give to someone who's new to Rochester and looking to get to know the area?

Don’t let the winter scare you. Continue to get out and explore. There are plenty of places to explore in the winter, like museums and Radio Social. Explore the region too—ike the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, and Letchworth. Get out of your comfort zone and have an adventure!