Meet at Mom: Kate Santangelo of Monmouth Moms! | Little Rock Moms Network

This week’s Meet a Mom is Kate Santangelo, the mom of three behind Monmouth Moms who was recently named Director of Sales at The Local Moms Network. She lives in Aberdeen, a small town in Monmouth County, NJ, with her family, including kids Shane, 17, Brianna (stepdaughter), 14, and Grace, 6. “We moved here about a year ago, but I’ve lived in Monmouth County since I was 7 years old. We love this community because it has so much to offer! It’s home to great school systems, the beach, beautiful downtowns, great restaurants, and a fantastic park system,” says Kate. Below, read more about Kate’s involvement with The Local Moms Network, her East Coast suburban life and more.

Why did you join The Local Moms Network?
I was feeling a little stuck in my career in wholesale wine sales, after spending the better part of a decade climbing the corporate ladder. I was looking for an opportunity that was not only flexible but also more fulfilling and offered more growth. I saw the listing in a parent group on Facebook in 2018, and jumped at the chance! I love the sense of community this role allows me to bring to our rapidly growing network of moms, how I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with other amazing working moms, and how much we can help parents navigate motherhood by highlighting local events, resources, and everything Monmouth County has to offer! Since then I’ve also taken on the role as Director of Sales for The Local Moms Network, which has been a dream!

What is your background and how is it helping you now?
I majored in hospitality in school, and worked in restaurants when I was younger (while I was also a single mom). I moved into wholesale beverage sales for about ten years, focusing mostly on wine, and worked with retailers of all sizes. I really enjoyed helping small businesses grow by introducing new products that would sell in their stores, and building brands. I always say everyone should work in a restaurant at least once in their lives, because it truly builds a solid work ethic and you learn so much about people. I think my combined sales and hospitality experience has made Monmouth Moms what it is today, as it’s so important to me to help my customers gain awareness and succeed!

What is your favorite part of being part of TLMN?
I’ve truly enjoyed my newer role as Director of Sales this year. I’ve worked with moms all over the country just starting out with their new website, and moms who have been at it for awhile too. It’s been really gratifying to help them succeed and build their own business in their hometown. I also love our Meet-a-Mom features, as I’ve always found it so fascinating how moms are able to accomplish their goals and still be great mothers at the same time!

What is your best “working mom” tip?
Find a good support system that will enable you to be less stressed. Whether that’s hiring someone to clean your home or watch your kids, or someone that just listens and encourages you, it’s so important to have that foundation. And also, wine.

How are you feeling about the upcoming school year/what are your plans for school?
I think we have all survived 2020, and learned more about what we can handle than ever before. I’d say I’m definitely going with the flow, and will handle it as it comes! My son is going into his senior year of high school in person, and my daughter is starting first grade.

What’s one thing most people don’t realize about your area?
I’d say in general most people don’t realize how nice New Jersey is if they haven’t been before. But specifically in Monmouth County I’d say most people don’t realize how close we live to the beach. In the summer it’s like being on a seasonal staycation! It’s really beautiful here.

Anything else you’d like people in your area to know about your site?
Yes! We have lots more than an event page. Our website offers a job board filled with local businesses hiring all sorts of positions, a local marketplace with items to purchase, lists and guides to local resources and attractions, and will be introducing events soon too!

We love supporting local businesses. Can you please share your fave places in your area to:

Go to dinner as a family: Bistro in Red Bank

Have date night: Drew’s Bayshore Bistro or Yumi

Have fun as a family outdoors: Sea Girt Beach hands down!

Workout: I love to run!

Get your hair done: One Willow in Little Silver

Get your nails done: K Elite Nails in Aberdeen

Go shopping (for kids, yourself and gifts) I love The Grove in Shrewsbury for all of the above. Shopping in Spring Lake is great too!

This post originally appeared on The Local Moms Network.

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