Meet a Mom: Robin Reitzes, Publicist and Rockin’ Mama | Northern Westchester Moms

We wear many hats as moms. Take it from Robin Reitzes, a mama of three, publicist and front woman of the band, Blonde Ambition. With a love of fitness, music, her clients, and of course, her boys, Robin brings her passion and energy into everything she does so we were thrilled to learn even more about her, plus where you can see her locally in Northern Westchester! Read on to learn more about this local mama.

Meet a Mom: Interview with Robin Reitzes

 

Meet a Mom: Interview with Robin Reitzes

 

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in your town?

 

This is a loaded question. I was born in Wilmington, DE and moved to Chappaqua, NY when I was 2 years old. When I was five my Dad’s job took our family to St. Louis, MO for five years which was really different than Chappaqua! In the three short years my parents lived in Chappaqua they planted roots and made incredible friends, we always felt like New Yorkers and knew that we would be back. After a five-year stint in St. Louis our family moved back to Chappaqua when I was 10, and that is really where I say I grew up. I moved to Katonah/Goldens Bridge as an adult and have lived here happily for over 14 years.

 

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

 

That’s a funny and difficult question to answer. Most people know a lot about me. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I don’t keep secrets. I guess one thing people would be surprised to know but I always like share my story to create an awareness – is that I have Type 1 Diabetes. I was diagnosed at the age of 1 – which is really young. My diabetes is what motivates me to keep fit and healthy, not just for me but for my kids.

 

If you see me working crazy hard at the gym or eating a lot of salads for my meals or always carrying a banana for low blood sugars – it’s mostly because I want to be healthy and set a good example by doing. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease where for some reason your body attacks the cells that produce insulin and they no longer work, so I have to take insulin (I use a pump) and monitor my blood sugar constantly (with a continuous glucose monitor). If you have other questions about Type 1 Diabetes feel free to reach out to me…[email protected]

 

Tell us more about your work in pubic relations.

 

I love my work! I love to talk and communicate, so working in public relation is a natural fit for me. I went to NYU and received a MA in Performing Arts Administration and my first job out of school was working in Marketing for Radio City Entertainment. From my background in Marketing, I parlayed my career into Public Relations starting with the amazing retail furniture company Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. It was four years ago that I went out on my own and started working in the Home Category for myself and that has been extremely rewarding.

 

How long have you worked in public relations and how do you find clients? 

 

I have working in public relations for over 8 years. I find clients in various ways but mostly they have found me through word-of-mouth which has been very flattering.

 

You are also a lead singer in your band! How did that come about?

 

I have been singing since I could talk! My mom knew at three years old that I didn’t sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star like most kids (true story), so I started singing very young. I was in St. Louis Children’s Choir, and sang in Chorus growing up in Chappaqua, and performed in community theatre my entire life. I also took voice lessons from the age 12-18 in Katonah from Bunny Bramson (her family owned Bramson’s Music Store in Mt. Kisco for years) and was classically trained.

 

For a while I thought I wanted to be an opera singer. When I was in my 20’s my younger brother (who is also a musician) asked me to sing in his band, so we sang together in NYC at venues in the Village. When I moved out of NYC in my 20’s and back up to Northern Westchester I really missed having that creative outlet and singing. After I had my second son I approached a friend of mine who has a Grateful Dead Cover band and said to him, I don’t sing Dead music but if you want to start a Rock Band with a female sound I’m your girl. He told me to email him a list of 10 songs to sing together and that he has a music studio in his home. I emailed him 10 songs and went over to his house to play some music and the first song we sang together was Son of a Preacher Man and he said to me “wait you can really sing” and I said “yes, I’m a singer, what did you think” and his reply was that “you have no idea of how many soccer moms come over here to sing and nothing comes out of the mic and you can sing!” and that is the truth and that is how Blonde Ambition Band started over 11 years ago!

 

Meet a Mom: Interview with Robin Reitzes

 

Where can we find you performing locally?

 

You can find us at Lucy’s in Pleasantville, North Street Tavern in White Plains, Bedford Playhouse, and outdoor festivals. We also do private parties.

 

Why is it important for you to incorporate music into your life?

 

I always wanted to be singer. It’s my passion. If I could do it full-time, I would. Music has helped me through the most difficult times in my life, it’s like therapy.

 

What advice could you give someone who wants to take on a hobby but has no time?

 

You always can make time for the things you love. I truly believe that.

 

Meet a Mom: Interview with Robin Reitzes

 

How do you manage all of these different roles as a mom?

 

Not very well, but I do the best I can. You have to carve out a piece of happiness for yourself so you can be a good mom. I do believe that and for me, other than my three boys and my family – my happiness comes from playing music and exercise. If I am not healthy in my mind and body, I can’t be a good mom. When you have kids you can really lose yourself and I try not to do that. My kids are my world but I also have a life outside my kids.

 

What are some of your go-to organizational tips?

 

Ha! I have none. Let me know yours and I’ll use them. I rely on other really organized moms to tell me what to do. I am great at delegating.

 

What are some of your favorite me time things to do in your area?

 

Me time is usually spent at the Saw Mill Club taking classes or group training with some amazing women. I also love to go for walks on Reservoir Road in Katonah with my mini golden doodle Roxy. My favorite spot to eat dinner is Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish. I also spend a lot of time rehearsing with my band Blonde Ambition or sitting with friends at The Whitlock in Katonah for either drinks or dinner. I also love to stroll up and down Katonah Avenue, starting at Tazza for my large iced coffee, and stopping in at my favorite stores like Rubysue, Little Joe’s Books, Fado, and Ebba.

 

What are some of your future visions for your work?

 

Just to keep working in my niche with incredible clients. I am lucky to work with people that are creative, talented and inspiring.

 

Meet a Mom: Interview with Robin Reitzes

 

Anything else to add?

 

I am a mom of three boys from the ages 15, 12, and 8. I think it is so important for boys to see a mom who is working hard at whatever it is she decides to do. I am trying to raise boys that a respectful and kind to everyone. I am a firm believer in leading by example. My kids know they are loved, but I work, and I take time for myself to exercise and I follow my passions – like singing in a band…and I do not think there is such thing as work-life balance…we are all just doing the best we can.

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