These Stamford residents inspire us through their community impact and passions
Kylie O’Connor
Founder of the online apparel business Kylie’s Custom Kreations and active member of Women of Stamford
Q: What motivated you to start Kylie’s Custom Kreations?
A: “My passion for crafting and creativity. I’ve always loved making personalized gifts for friends and family, and it was their encouragement that pushed me to turn my hobby into a business. I saw an opportunity to provide custom, handcrafted items that bring joy and sentimentality to people’s lives, while still being able to be a mom and have flexibility.
Q: How does your involvement with Women of Stamford impact your creative vision?
A: Women of Stamford [a female-led support organization that aims
to lift up female professionals at every level of professional and personal growth] provides opportunities for collaboration, support and networking. Connections amplify my creative vision by exposing me to diverse perspectives and resources within the community. Being around like-minded women is such a boost and makes me want to strive harder while being
a support to others.
Q: Why are you passionate about the work you do?
A: I love to be able to bring other peoples’ visions to life. My company creates custom apparel for a variety of clients, including local businesses, event planners, schools and consumers planning special occsions, such as weddings. My clients typically have
a vision but don’t know how to achieve it. I also love a good challenge, so when a client asks me to do something I have never done, that pushes me to learn more. The best reward is handing over an order and seeing the joy on a client’s face. That warms my heart.
Q: What’s your favorite place to shop, eat or relax around town?
I love a good coffee shop, where I can sit and enjoy a catch-up with a friend, meet with a client or get some work done. Honey Joe’s and Lorca are my favorite spots. Mill River Park is always a lovely place to take a walk and get a nice feel for nature through all four seasons, yet still be in the heart of the city.
Q: What’s your favorite Stamford holiday tradition?
That would have to be the annual Thanksgiving Day parade—provided it is not too cold outside!
“My work with Women of Stamford provides me with opportunities for collaboration. Being around like-minded women is such a boost and makes me want to strive harder while being a support to others.”
AMY GORIN
A registered dietitian and nutritionist who inspires others to enjoy a plant-inclusive lifestyle with her blog, Plant Based With Amy
Q: Tell us about Plant Based With Amy.
A: Previously, I was a magazine editor in New York City. During my work in the nutrition department at Prevention, I got inspired to work in nutrition, so I went back to school to become a RDN. Now, I combine both of my passions, media and nutrition, through my work with my two businesses, Plant Based With Amy and Master the Media. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I help everyone and anyone eat more plants—whether you’re vegan, flexitarian or simply plant curious. I don’t see patients one on one, but I love sharing plant-based recipes and nutrition guidance with my audience through my blog, Instagram
and e-newsletter.
Q: How did you segue into coaching with Master the Media?
Soon after I became a dietitian, my colleagues started coming to me with questions about how to work with the media and brands. And so Master the Media was born. I teach dietitians and other health professionals how to get featured in the media and partner with brands they. One student just landed a $50,000 partnership.
Q: Why are you passionate about the work you do?
A: I love helping people. I’m lucky that I get to do that on a mass communications level through my blog and the media outlets—including Food Network, Everyday Health and The Healthy—that I contribute to on a regular basis. And I’ve always wanted to teach. I get to do that through my coaching program. I feel very fortunate that I wake up every day excited to work.
Q: What’s your favorite Stamford holiday tradition?
Ever since I moved to Stamford, I’ve been working with my neighbors to adopt a local family in need every holiday season through the nonprofit Domus. I’d always wanted to do this and having neighbors to share the adoption with makes it possible for us to help a higher-needs family. We have a really wonderful neighborhood. I organize volunteers who want to help with shopping, wrapping and delivering gifts.
“Ever since I moved to Stamford, I’ve been working with my neighbors to adoptna local family in need every holiday season through the nonprofit Domus. I’d always wanted
to do this and having neighbors to share the adoption with makes it possible.”