This week’s Meet-a-Mom is the creative and beautiful Ashley Vaz of Ashley Vaz Photography, this #parsipanny Mom shares her favorite local spots and how she turned her talents into a business.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have two adorable little boys, Luca just turned 5 and is beyond excited to start Kindergarten. Noah will be 3 in October and will start Scribbles Preschool(where I work) in Mountain Lakes.
photo cred: Max Grey Studios
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Morris County?
I was born in Hackensack but moved at a year old. I grew up in Morris County (Parsippany) and have lived here basically my ENTIRE life. 36 years (shh)
Favorite things to do with your kids? (local shout outs are always appreciated)
My boys love being outdoors, especially riding their scooters at all the local parks. If you asked my boys, their “best day ever” would be riding scooters with their best buddies, followed by a slice of pizza from The Columbia Inn and some Ice Cream at Curly’s in Boonton (it’s also allergy friendly, which is a huge plus for our egg and nut allergy family)
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Not the most upbeat information, but still quite surprising…9 years ago I was hit by a car on route 80 and survived to tell the story. (yep, as a pedestrian)
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My mother for being such an amazing role model growing up. I’m still not sure how she did it all, and with 4 kids. My husband for being my biggest supporter and always reminding me to take a minute for myself. Honestly, this list could go on and on. It really does take a village to raise a small human. I really also need to thank Pam from Calm Baby RN. Without her constant support, I’m not sure I would have survived the newborn stage. Not only would I have never known about my son’s tongue and lip-tie but I don’t think I would have ever slept again.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
As a family we are quite involved in all of the above. After having kids I put my teaching career on hold. While at home in my new role of a “stay at home mom” I fell in love with photography. Before I knew it, Ashley Vaz Photography was born. Last year, when the pandemic hit I was given the opportunity to educate young minds once again. My son Luca’s beloved preschool was in need of teachers and it was only natural to share my love of learning with Scribbles, my favorite preschool. My husband Philip Vaz is the Co-President of Lincoln 1st Bank in Montville. He has been with the bank for over 15 years. He is also very active throughout the community, most recently he has joined the Parsippany PAL Board.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Without the support of this community, I wouldn’t be the mother I am today, the teacher I am today or the Photographer I am today. It is crazy to think just a few years ago photography was just a hobby for me, but today it is so much more than that.