The Mehta Family: Simrat, Aaryaman (12), Armana (9), and Saket
Local mom Simrat Mehta and her family moved to South Salem from New York City during the pandemic. After visiting here on weekends and during school breaks, they fell in love with the relaxing community and made it home. Find out what she and her family love about their town, their schools, and the South Salem community.
How long have you lived in South Salem and what drew you here?
We always wanted a weekend home (not too far from the city) to relax from the rush of city life. When the pandemic hit, we decided to move to South Salem. It was originally for weekends and long breaks, but we started to enjoy the calm of the country and the easy life here, so we moved schools for the kids and decided to make the drive to work. Yes, we were part of the exodus from NYC!
Tell us about your children.
My son is 12 years old and attends St. Luke’s School. My daughter is almost 9 and in the third grade.
Why St. Luke’s School? Isn’t it in CT?
St. Luke’s is in northern New Canaan, which is actually very close. One of our top criteria was that a school be close to home so we have an easy commute. My son is in 7th grade and St. Luke’s felt like a good choice for him. He loves designLab and has had the opportunity to pursue several sports he had never tried before. The school gives him a perfect balance of sports, peers, and academics. St. Luke’s has been an excellent guide for us as new parents and quick to answer concerns and questions.
Tell us about your work and volunteer activities.
I started working after my daughter turned 5 years old. Before that, it was always volunteer work for their school in the city and at The American India Foundation (AIF), an organization that partners with local NGOs in India committed to catalyzing social and economic change through high-impact interventions in education, livelihoods, public health, and leadership development. Since we come from a textile manufacturing background, it was an organic next step to evolve into apparel manufacturing. Along with my business partner, we design, source, and sell men’s apparel to discount chains across America.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom?
I have a preteen and an eight-year-old! To handle that dynamic is a challenge when it comes to dressing up and socializing, and I was told to choose my battles wisely…Let it go! That has been a blessing and helped me keep my sanity on many occasions.
Any words of wisdom?
We see our childhood in our children. Times have changed, but we as kids have done the same mischief or maybe crazier stuff and turned out fine. Stop being helicopter parents—our kids will also turn out fine.
Name one thing about you that would surprise people.
Hahaha….I don’t drive!
What are your favorite family activities in the area?
A constant is horse riding, followed by trail walking, cycling, and just enjoying the slow life we chose for ourselves. During the seasons we love going pumpkin picking and apple picking.
When you need “Me Time,” what are your favorite escapes?
Head to the city for a spa day or a good shopping trip. During a crisp sunny spring or fall day, I just love to take a book and my cup of tea and sit out in the sun.
The Local Moms Network likes to support local businesses. What are your favorites?
For dinner: Little Thai Kitchen, Miku Greenwich, and Oishi Sushi & Izakaya
For a special occasion: The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean Georges and The Garden Room at Mayflower Inn & Spa
Spend time together as a family outdoors: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Grab coffee: The Kitchen Table
Shop for the perfect gift: Sammy & Nat (for kids), Books on the Common, and The Huntress
