Community Spotlight: Celebrating Our Families at the École

Welcome to our Community Spotlight, where we shine a light on the inspiring families of The École. This is a space to celebrate the diverse talents, passions, and stories that make our school community so vibrant. Each month, we feature parents, guardians, and students who are making an impact - whether in their careers, personal pursuits, or contributions to the community.

From restaurateurs to entrepreneurs, artists to activists, get to know the incredible people who enrich our TÉ family. Explore their journeys, discover their stories, and be inspired by the unique perspectives they bring to our school.

Want to nominate someone for the spotlight? Reach out - we’d love to hear from you!

Can you share a little about your background, your passion for photography, and how it evolved into a career?
I was born and raised in Vancouver. Professionally, I come from a scientific background and spent several years working in clinical research in Toronto. Photography began as a hobby on the side but it brought me so much more joy that I decided to make a career shift and start my own photography business.

I have now been photographing professionally for over 17 years. I’ve had the privilege of photographing many weddings, almost every weekend for a while, and traveling for shoots to places like India and Saint Lucia. These days I'm focusing more on families, babies and headshots. But what I love most about photography is the connection I build with people and the ability to create lasting memories. Capturing family stories is especially meaningful to me.

In addition to photography, I am also a certified yoga instructor. The two -photography and yoga-complement each other really well. Both require a sense of presence and attention to detail that I’ve come to truly appreciate.

How has being a parent influenced your approach to photography, and how can one encourage an interest in photography in children?
Being a mother has definitely shaped how I work with kids during photo shoots. I have a few little tricks up my sleeve to get kids to smile - like making them laugh, being playful, and even teasing them. It’s all about creating a relaxed, fun environment where kids feel comfortable enough to let their guard down - because that's when the best photos happen.

My own kids absolutely love photography, too! Instant digital cameras are great for kids - they love to see the pictures instantly. They’ll take their favorites, print them out, and turn them into little art projects. It’s such a fun way to engage their creativity and share the joy of photography with them.

What are your go-to spots for photographing in New York?
We’ve been living here for 11 years, I love capturing New York’s energy in my work. Some of my favorite places to shoot are the streets of the city and Central Park. The streets have so much character - the grit, the vibrancy - it adds a layer of depth to the images. There’s also something so special about photographing in a home. People often worry that their house isn’t “perfect” for photos, but honestly, that’s not what matters. It’s about capturing the warmth and the unique personal touches of the space. As time passes, when you no longer live in that home, those photos become priceless memories. 

For those interested in working with you, how can they learn more and get in touch?
Anyone interested in working with me can find more information and view my portfolio on my website: jennifer-ballard.com. When it comes to sessions, I typically do about an hour of shooting, though it can vary depending on how the kids are doing! You’ll receive at least 50 images, all of which are yours to print and share as you wish. I also offer custom albums for a beautiful way to preserve your memories!

How did you come to create Nestapple?

Life is full of unexpected turns, and for me, what began as a six-month work stint in New York City has evolved into a 13-year journey of personal and professional transformation.

Originally from Costa Rica, I came to the US as a young attorney, driven by ambition and a desire to experience life in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Thirteen years later, I stand as the proud owner of a thriving real estate brokerage firm. My narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the bravery to pivot in the face of change.

After years of working as a lawyer, I became pregnant with Lily and decided that I wanted a more flexible job where I could manage my hours. I had experienced different sides of real estate transactions: as a tenant, buyer, and landlord. I found the system to be outdated and saw an opportunity to make a difference. Why not offer first-class service at a fraction of the cost?

 This led to the conception of Nestapple, a comprehensive brokerage firm that provides services to buyers, sellers, tenants, and landlords at a much lower cost than traditional agencies. From the commission I earn as a broker, I return two-thirds to our valued client.

What do you love about being your own boss?

Listen, we are all working for someone! I’m working for my clients, and they are my boss BUT I can manage my own schedule and that’s the biggest benefit.  Being an entrepreneur, especially as a mom of three small kids offers flexibility, control, and the ability to create a balance that suited my family’s needs. 

What are some pro tips you can give families when looking for a new place in NYC?

Buying a home is like dating!

1.    At first, you're just browsing - getting to know what's out there and seeing what catches your eye. You might have a list of "must-haves" or a vision of what you want, but you're still figuring out what suits you.

2.    Then, like in dating, you start going on "dates" with homes - visiting open houses, touring properties, and feeling the vibe. Some homes might seem significant at first, but once you get a closer look, they're not as perfect as you thought - maybe there's a weird smell or something off about the layout. But others might surprise you, and you start thinking, "This one could be the one."

3.    There's also the excitement of imagining a future together. You picture yourself living in the space, making memories, and growing into it. But just like in dating, you're also cautious. You don't want to rush in too quickly and settle for something that isn't a good fit - after all, this is a big commitment!

And, just as with relationships, once you've found the one, you commit - make an offer, sign the papers, make plans, and officially start your journey together. There may be challenges down the road, but if it's the right match, you know it'll be worth it.

 If, throughout this process, you happen to have a knowledgeable and experienced broker who gives you advice PLUS offers money back, then you've hit the jackpot!

 You are a mom of 3 and running a successful business, how do you make it work?

 Not sure I make it work but I’m grateful for having the opportunity to do both: raise my 3 trilingual babies in the best city in the world while working in a dynamic industry.

https://www.nestapple.com/

What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion and lifestyle illustration?

I’ve always been a crafty kid, and creating has always felt essential to me. I’m naturally drawn to beauty and captivating aesthetics, so when I pursued fashion as a career, fashion illustration quickly became my favorite part of the process. During internships, I observed designers at work, and the illustration stage stood out the most. There’s something incredibly rewarding about bringing an idea to life with my hands and seeing it take shape so quickly - it felt almost magical. The power of visual storytelling truly captivated me.

Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you start a new piece?

My process usually begins with a creative brief from a client or an idea in case of a personal project. This gives me a framework to work within. I start by brainstorming and researching the subject to see what feels relevant and fresh. Then comes the sketching phase, where I explore different compositions until it feels right. Once the sketch is solid, I move on to the fun part: playing with color and texture. Finally, I polish the illustration to make it cohesive and complete.

How do you balance your role as a parent with your creative work?

I’m not sure I’d call it balance (laughs) - it’s more like juggling! And to be be honest, it can get messy with a lot of trial and error. I’ve found that the key is having a clear to-do list to stay organized and a flexible mindset to adapt when things don’t go as planned. But most importantly, having a strong support system makes all the difference. The help of family and friends has been essential, especially when I’ve had tight deadlines to meet.

Could you share a funny or unexpected story from your career?

At live events, where I draw illustrations on the spot, improvising has become an essential tool. One time, I realized too late that I had forgotten my pencils – which is normally my safety net for sketching and refining portraits. With no choice, I jumped straight in with pen and markers. There was no room to erase or start over, with the help of a glass of champagne and some deep breaths I goth through the evening. The experience challenged me to trust my instincts and commit to every line. It turned into a great exercise in embracing spontaneity.

What's one art tip or technique you've found invaluable that you could share with young aspiring artists in our school?

I believe that in art, expression is far more important than perfection. Whatever your craft may be, just keep doing it - over and over - and your style will come to you. When you make what feels like a ‘mistake,’ don’t discard it or get discouraged. Instead, play with it. Ask yourself: How can I turn this into something that works? How can I make it more appealing or fun? Sometimes, those unexpected moments lead to the most exciting discoveries.

Instagram: Verónica Collignon (@veronica_collignon)

Can you tell us the story behind ‘Dante’?

Caffe Dante has been a beacon for the community of Greenwich Village since it opened its doors in 1915. Now a registered New York City landmark, it has always attracted people from all walks of life: famous actors, writers, and musicians, all of whom have found solace in its relaxed and unpretentious environs. A place where a cup of espresso, a warm smile, or a friendly embrace epitomized life’s simple pleasures.

Linden and I took over Caffe Dante from the original owners in 2015 (in its 100th year of operation). We worked hard to retain the historical elements and sense of community - combining it with modern Italian cuisine on a wood fire, world-class cocktails, and an award-winning bar program. Dante was awarded #1 World's 50 Best Bars and World's Best Cocktail Bar in 2019 and 2020.

What is your signature dish?

Our signature dish is our 24-hour slow-roasted heirloom tomato, served with burrata imported from Italy, with a touch of basil oil, sea salt, and toasted homemade sourdough. A dish that was on our very first menu and continues to be one of our signature favorites. However, Dante is most well known for its cocktails. Our signature cocktail is the Garibaldi: fluffy orange juice, juiced fresh to order with a generous pour of Campari. If you haven't tasted it yet, we invite you to Dante to try one on us. In 2017, Time Out voted this cocktail the best cocktail in NYC. This shone a light on Caffe Dante, and we haven't looked back since.

How do you balance running a restaurant with family life?
It definitely helps being self-employed and working with your partner. This allows us to carve out our day around our family and tag team all day long. To be the parents that we want to be, we couldn't do it any other way. The very reason that we started this business was so that we could choose our own hours and structure our day around our family. Obviously, it's not always possible, but being self-employed allows for flexibility, and for us, this makes all the challenges worthwhile.

What’s one thing about running a restaurant that would surprise most people?
It's not as hard as people may think. Yes, there are always challenges, like with anything. Running a restaurant is all about people. You just have to 'like' people and, most of all, have a strong sense of hospitality. We run our restaurants as though they are an extension of our own home. The greatest compliment is a return guest and high staff retention. These are our benchmarks. Without happy staff and returning regulars, we don't have a business; it's as simple as that. This is at the forefront of our mind with everything that we do. 

What’s one skill you’ve learned as a restaurant owner that you also use in parenting?
Restaurants and young children are very alike - they need constant supervision, support, and love. Plus, you need to be on call 24 hours a day!

What brought you to your music career in New York?

I was born in Belgium, started singing when I was nine and singing professionally at 17. In Paris, I did a TV show (Vous avez du Talent) which opened many doors and allowed me to release my first album in 2014. Right after, I moved to San Francisco and then again to New York in 2021. With every move I had to restart, meet new people, create a new band, it’s a school of life.

Tell us more about your music, what makes your soul vibrate?

Retro Alert! I have a special love for the 70s/80s vibe and started an 80s band in New York called Cassette Unlimited. I also love emotional songs and singers with beautiful voices. My last album, called My One, is like screaming your love for the people you love.

Where can the school community see you perform?

Our next concert will be on December 5th at 9:00pm at Arlene's Grocery, and after that on January 24th at Connolly's Klub 45 at 9:00pm. Parents can also discover my work on my website www.virginiemarine.com and Instagram account.