FRIENDSHIP, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND A SWEET NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN
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
BARBARA
A. WARD, MD PHYSICIAN HONOREE
D. BARRY BOYD, MD PHYSICIAN HONOREE
R e f i n e d T i m e l e s s D e s i g n e d f o r I m p a c t
L i l l e D e s i g n s i s a D a r i e n - b a s e d b o u t i q u e s t u d i o s p e c i a l i z i n g i n r e f i n e d e x t e r i o r s f o r
d i s c e r n i n g r e s i d e n t i a l a n d c o m m e r c i a l c l i e n t s . W i t h a n a r t f u l b l e n d o f e l e g a n c e a n d i n t e n t i o n , w e c r a f t t i m e l e s s o u t d o o r s p a c e s t h a t r e f l e c t b e a u t y , b a l a n c e , a n d p u r p o s e
D E S I G N S E R V I C E S
3 D L a n d s c a p e D e s i g n
E x t e r i o r D e s i g n
( R e n o v a t i o n / N e w Co n s t r u c t i o n )
W W W L I L L E D E S I G N S N E T
F l o r a l I n s t a l l a t i o n s
S e a s o n a l P l a n t e r s
p h : 4 7 5 3 2 8 2 2 6 5 | e m a i l : h e l l o @ l i l l e d e s i g n s n e t
I n s t a g r a m : @ L i l l e D e s i g n s c o / @ L i l l e F l o r a l s Elevate Your Outdoors With Us Contact
Raising Families, Building Community
August is one of my favorite issues of the year because it shines a spotlight on the people shaping the future of our communities: our children, our families, and the entrepreneurs who are creating meaningful solutions to help them thrive.
This month, we're proud to feature several inspiring women who are building businesses with purpose while balancing the realities of motherhood, family, and community life.
Our cover story introduces Candy Riot, the newest venture from local moms Lana Powers-Shears and Jessica Gomberg-Cohen. What started as a shared love of candy and community has evolved into a creative new business focused on bringing people together through memorable experiences, thoughtfully sourced treats, and a healthy dose of fun. Their story is a reminder that some of the best business ideas are born from friendship, curiosity, and a willingness to take a leap.
You'll also meet the founders behind Serein Wellness Co., two local moms who are helping families build healthier habits through innovative wellness products designed to make prevention and education approachable for children. Their mission highlights the power of small habits and everyday choices in creating long-term impact.
In addition, we feature Layla Lisiewski and Erika Nardini, two accomplished media leaders whose work centers on something increasingly valuable in today's world: trust. Their insights on community, connection, and authentic relationships serve as a powerful reminder that local matters more than ever.
Throughout this issue, you'll find stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, wellness, and family—all connected by a common thread. Each founder featured here saw an opportunity to make life a little better, a little easier, or a little more joyful for the people around them.
As summer winds down and families begin preparing for a new school year, I hope these stories inspire you to support local businesses, invest in your community, and remember that some of the most impactful ideas often begin right here at home.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful end to summer and a strong start to the season ahead.
With gratitude,
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Andrea Alderson | andrea.alderson@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR
Adam Vohra | adam.vohra@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Leslie Kumar, Megan Schinella
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brook Road Photography, Jenae Weinbrenner, Jerri Graham Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: 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
business monthly
Person to Person Welcomes Five New Board Members
Person to Person has appointed five new members to its Board of Directors, effective June 10: Amanda Benjamin-Smith, Nikia Bowman, Amy Harlacker, Lauren Meyer, and Jessica Walsh. Bringing expertise in law, finance, marketing, operations, public policy, and community service, the new directors join as the organization continues addressing food insecurity and economic instability across lower Fairfield County. CEO Nancy Coughlin said their diverse perspectives will strengthen efforts to support local families while advancing long-term stability.
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.
New Canaan’s FrogPond Estate Debuted with Television Finale Event
FrogPond Estate in New Canaan debuted in June with an exclusive White Party that also served as the filming location for the season finale of Amazon TV’s Life on Mar’s. The $8.997 million waterfront property was represented by Emmynominated television host, bestselling author and luxury real estate professional Mar Jennings of Higgins Group Private Brokerage, who co-developed the Scandinavian-inspired home with builder Carlos Alvarez. Jennings curated the launch as an immersive, lifestyle-driven real estate showcase.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRI GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY
THE FUTURE of TRUST
How Layla Lisiewski and Erika Nardini are redefining community in a digital world
At first glance, Layla Lisiewski and Erika Nardini 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 Nardini, 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 Nardini. “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 Nardini. “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 Nardini 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 Nardini. “Communities need to be fed. You have to be part of them and contribute to them.”
SW e E T I d E A , E N D L e S S O N e M O M’S ,
P O s SIBI L I t I ES
A H EAD
REIMAGINING CANDY THROUGH COMMUNITY, CONNECTION, BETTER INGREDIENTS, AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENAE WEINBRENNER
Some businesses begin with a market analysis. Others begin with a carefully crafted business plan.
Candy Riot began with friendship, Swedish candy, and a shared belief that life's sweetest moments deserve to be celebrated.
For New Canaan residents Lana Powers-Shears and Jessica Gomberg-Cohen, what started as a mutual obsession with discovering unique European sweets has evolved into one of Fairfield County's most exciting new lifestyle brands—a colorful, community-focused venture that blends elevated experiences, better ingredients, and a whole lot of fun.
While Candy Riot may be rooted in candy, its founders are quick to point out that the business is really about something much bigger.
"It's about creating moments people remember," they explain.
The idea emerged after both women left New York City and settled in Fairfield County, where they quickly became close friends. As mothers raising young families, they found themselves seeking out opportunities to connect with their community while creating meaningful experiences for their children.
At the same time, both were entering a new chapter professionally.
Lana had spent more than a decade building and ultimately selling a successful public relations agency, helping shape some of the country's leading wellness brands. Jessica built a thriving career in real estate, where relationships, customer experience, and trust sit at the center of everything she does.
As conversations about their future evolved, so did a realization that they wanted to build something together.
"We shared a love of candy and a passion for creating experiences," says Lana. "At some point, we realized there might actually be a business hiding inside those conversations."
The timing couldn't have been better.
Like many parents, both women had become increasingly mindful of the ingredients entering their homes. They weren't interested in eliminating treats or making childhood less fun. Instead, they wanted options that felt more aligned with how they already lived.
Their search led them across Europe.
As they explored Swedish candy and confectionery products from Germany, Italy, Spain, and beyond, they discovered something surprising: incredible flavors, unique textures, and products often made without artificial dyes and ingredients they preferred to avoid.
"We genuinely love candy," they laugh. "We never wanted Candy Riot to feel like a health food company. We wanted it to feel like candy—just made with better ingredients."
What surprised them most during their research wasn't simply the products themselves.
It was realizing that the candy industry hadn't fully evolved alongside modern consumer preferences.
Today's shoppers read ingredient labels. They care about sourcing. They seek experiences. And increasingly, they want products that feel intentional rather than mass-produced.
At the same time, Swedish candy was exploding across social media, with consumers eager to discover something different from what had long dominated traditional candy aisles.
The founders recognized an opportunity.
Rather than simply selling candy, they could reinvent the experience surrounding it.
That's where Candy Riot truly comes to life.
At the center of the concept is a beautifully designed mobile candy cart featuring a rotating collection of globally sourced gummies, sours, and sweets. Guests are invited to scoop, sample, customize, and create their own candy mix while discovering flavors and products they likely haven't encountered before.
The experience feels equal parts nostalgic, elevated, and interactive.
Whether appearing at birthday parties, school events, retail activations, weddings, fundraisers, or community gatherings, the cart transforms a simple sweet treat into something memorable.
"We wanted something that felt more elevated, more experiential, and more community-driven than a traditional candy store or candy buffet," says Jessica.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive—even before the official launch.
Support from local families, business owners, and community partners has reinforced their belief that people are craving opportunities to gather, celebrate, and connect.
That community-first mindset sits at the core of everything they do.
Launching locally wasn't simply a strategic business decision—it was personal.
Fairfield County is where they're raising their families, building friendships, and creating roots. It was also the inspiration behind the brand itself.
"We felt there was an opportunity to bring something fresh, fun, and different to the area," they explain. "There was no better place to launch than the community that inspired us."
As Candy Riot continues to grow, the founders envision much more than a local candy cart.
Over the next year, they plan to expand through pop-ups, brand collaborations, retail partnerships, custom gifting, and community activations throughout Connecticut and beyond.
Yet even as the business scales, they remain committed to preserving what made the idea special in the first place.
Friendship. Community. Joy.
And the belief that some of life's best moments happen when people gather together over something simple.
For other women considering entrepreneurship, their advice is equally straightforward.
"Don't wait until you have everything figured out," they say. "We started with an idea, a lot of enthusiasm, and plenty of things we didn't know. We figured it out as we went."
That willingness to leap into something new has already transformed a shared passion into a growing business.
And if the early excitement surrounding Candy Riot is any indication, this sweet idea is only getting started.
SWEET LOCAL FAVORITES
• Coffee: Zen Cha Matcha
• Workout: Adrienne Fleming & The Formula by Meredith
• Family Outing: Crafty Kids
• Girls' Night: Blackbird
• Sweet Treat: Van Leeuwen
WHAT THEY LOVE MOST ABOUT NEW CANAAN
"The vibrant community, the small-town charm, and the countless opportunities for families to connect and create memories together."
Life's challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about the path ahead. New Light Psychotherapy offers a supportive space for individuals and couples to explore their experiences with honesty, curiosity, and compassion. Through relational psychotherapy, we work together to foster deeper understanding, strengthen connections, and create meaningful change.
ASK LESLIE
Have you ever done something simply because you knew it would scare you, challenge you, and make you proud all at once?
That was me on June 18.
A few months ago, I applied to participate in a local Drop the Mic storytelling event hosted by SPEAC Success. The moment I hit "Submit," my first thought was, What did I just do? Then came weeks of writing, rewriting, and practicing a five-minute speech everywhere from my shower to the Waveny walking trails.
My talk was about Becoming. How much of my life I spent chasing external validation before realizing the person I was trying so hard to become was already there all along.
Standing on stage in front of more than 100 people was exhilarating. I worried about forgetting my speech, tripping up the stairs, or randomly needing to cough at the worst possible moment. Surprisingly, the one thing I never worried about was whether I'd win. I simply wanted to prove to myself that I could do something that scared me. I also wanted to show my two young daughters that you can do hard things.
To my surprise, I walked away with the 'Audience Favorite' award. While the recognition meant a lot, the real reward was knowing that people connect most when we're willing to be honest about our own fears and insecurities.
As I was putting together this month's column, I realized both questions are really about the same thing. One asks how to stop seeking validation from an invitation list. The other wonders when self-promotion crosses the line into cringe. Different situations, same challenge: learning to value yourself before waiting for someone else to do it for you.
Maybe that's what Becoming is really about. Not convincing the world you're enough, but just believing it yourself.
xx Leslie
I recently received an invitation that made me feel like I was more of an afterthought than a must-have guest. How do you handle situations where it's pretty clear you're on the B-list or even the C-list without your ego getting in the way?
Dear Seat Filler,
Well, the host didn't do a very good job of making you feel wanted. Whether you're inviting someone in the first round or the fifth, good hosts know how to make every guest feel like they're on the VIP list. The fact that you could clearly tell you were an afterthought is, frankly, a little tacky.
It sounds like the host realized they had a few empty seats to fill and thought, "Who can we invite at the last minute?" Your name landed on that list.
Even so, I wouldn't let your ego drive the decision. If it's an event you're genuinely interested in attending, go. Have fun! Enjoy yourself! A great party is still a great party, regardless of when the invitation arrived.
But I understand what's really bothering you. It's not the event itself. It's the realization that you weren't in the first round of invites. Nobody enjoys feeling like Plan C.
The question becomes: is it better to be invited late or not invited at all?
My advice? Accept invitations because you want to be there. If the event excites you, go. If your main motivation is proving you belong on a list, stay home or make other plans.
Coincidentally, I found myself in a similar situation recently. The invitation arrived late enough that I knew I wasn't on the A-list. I politely declined. Not because I was offended, but because I wasn't excited enough about the event to overlook the circumstances.
- Leslie
At what point does self-promotion become cringe? I know I need to be visible to grow my brand, but I never want to be THAT person on social media.
Dear Panic Poster,
One of the biggest misconceptions, I think, about social media is that everyone is paying as much attention to us as we are.
Most people are scrolling while waiting for coffee, sitting in the carpool line, or pretending to watch a streaming show (that's me with Emily in Paris). They're not analyzing your content nearly as much as you're analyzing it before you hit "post."
I do have a rule, though: if it makes you cringe, don't post it.
If something feels forced, or like you're trying too hard to convince people how amazing you are, your audience will probably feel that too. On the other hand, if you're on the fence, post it anyway and see what happens. Every post is data. The content you thought would be a huge success might flop, while the quick, authentic post you almost didn't share could end up resonating the most.
Here's the mindset shift that helped me: think about social media as sharing something useful instead of talking about yourself. Your audience is following you, yes, you, because they want to learn something, be inspired, be entertained, solve a problem, or feel connected.
I find that the strongest personal brands don't constantly say, "Look at me. I'm so fabulous on a boat in The Bahamas." They say, "Here's a restaurant I loved, a mistake I made, or something I learned while I was there that might help you if you ever visit."
That's the difference.
And remember, you are not your brand.
Your brand is a business. A platform. A product. You are simply the person helping tell its story.
As someone who launched a public-facing brand this year, I understand how uncomfortable it can feel to put yourself out there. Truthfully, I still don't really know what I'm doing or what I should be doing half the time. But I remind myself that if I believe in what I'm building, it's my job to tell people about it.
And there's nothing cringey about that!
- Leslie
Want to submit a question to Ask Leslie? DM Leslie directly on Instagram (and follow along!): @ask_leslie_official All submissions are confidential and anonymous.
LOYAL:
ARTICLE BY MEGAN SCHINELLA
Local Experiences
THE BEST PLACES AND THINGS TO DO IN OUR AREA.
1. Lake Compounce: America’s oldest continuously operating amusement park. From roller coasters and kiddie rides to Crocodile Cove Water Park, there’s something for every age. The ultimate destination for one last summer hoorah before the season ends. Bristol, CT.
2. Brownstone Adventure Sports Park: A giant outdoor playground featuring zip lines, cliff jumps, water slides, swimming areas, and inflatable obstacle courses. Expect tired kids and unforgettable memories by day’s end. Portland, CT.
3. Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort: Zip lines, mountain biking, tubing, and other outdoor adventures. It’s an exciting destination for families seeking one more adrenaline-filled outing before the school year begins. Middlefield, CT.
4. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: A classic New England adventure. Ride a vintage steam train through the Connecticut countryside before boarding a riverboat cruise along the Connecticut River. A unique delight for train lovers of all ages while showcasing some of the state’s most beautiful scenery. Essex, CT.
5. Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill: This underwater-themed bowling alley inside Bass Pro Shops feels like stepping into an aquarium. Also a favorite rainy-day destination, especially when paired with exploring the giant fish tanks and displays nearby. Bridgeport, CT.
Megan Schinella
Grab the kids, pack your bags and hit the town for some end of summer fun. Use this list for some family-friendly adventures that will do everything from raising your heart rate, excite the little ones, and create lasting memories together.
TERESA ALASIO MD Owner & Medical Director
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.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOK ROAD PHOTOGRAPHY
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
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.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“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.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
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.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AUGUST 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOW - AUGUST 31ST
The Talented
Gruelle Family
Jim Bach Special
Collections Museum
From now until the end of the month, The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society will be showcasing The Talented Gruelle Family; the incredible varied talents of the Gruelle Family: Richard, Justin, Johnny, Mabel and Prudence. This prominent dynasty of American artists, illustrators, and storytellers, were central figures in the historic Silvermine art colony.
AUGUST 6TH
Dinner from the Garden
Grace Farms | 6:00 PM
Celebrate summer with friends and community at Grace Farms. Enjoy handcrafted mocktails and seasonal bites in the Plaza beneath blooming apple and plum trees, alongside the new Dancing Trees seating by Kazuyo Sejima & Associates. Then, gather in the glass-enclosed Commons for a farm-fresh dinner featuring recently harvested garden produce, thoughtfully paired with seasonal wine and stunning landscape views.
AUGUST 7TH
Darien Summer
Sunset Concert Series:
The Spadtastics
Tilley Pond Park | 6:00 PM
Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy live music by The Spadtastics at Tilley Pond Park! Support local food trucks (Supreme Poutine, Fryborg, Antonio’s Pizza) and let kids enjoy face painting!
Be a guest at your own wedding.
Specializing in full-service wedding planning, so you and your family can be fully present on your wedding day, driven by intentional, story-driven design that brings your love story to life in every thoughtfully curated detail.
Grab your popcorn and settle in for a magical Monday night at Darien Library! Enjoy a screening of Wicked: For Good, the next chapter in the beloved Oz story. Follow familiar characters as they navigate friendship, adventure, and life-changing decisions in a world filled with wonder. Bring friends and family for a fun and entertaining evening at the movies.
AUGUST 26TH
Waveny Summer Concert Series:
Geoff Hartwell Band
Waveny Park | 7:30 PM
Bring a blanket or chair to the Lawn behind Waveny House and enjoy the live music! The Geoff Hartwell Band will be performing as part of the Waveny Summer Concert Series.
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.
