Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
Stacy and Debbie met 19 years ago when they were both teaching 3rd grade in Long Valley, NJ. Stacy lives with her family in Randolph, NJ and Debbie lives with her family in Lopatcong, NJ. Although the distance between their houses is an hour’s drive they love the quiet time in the car when they get together to work.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Stacy and Debbie each have three kids – two older boys and a younger girl. Debbie’s boys, Jacob (17) and Connor (15) attend Philipsburg High School and her daughter Aubrey (11) attends Lopatcong Middle School. Stacy’s boys, Ethan (13) and Ellis (11), attend Randolph Middle School and her daughter, Emerson (4) attends Shalom Yeladim Preschool in Morristown, NJ.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
Stacy’s favorite thing to do with her kids is to go to the diner for breakfast. It’s become their tradition to pick up scratch-off lottery tickets before they go. She loves not having to worry about cooking or making everyone happy – they all love breakfast – and it creates an easy way to connect and catch up. Plus, it involves coffee.
Debbie’s favorite thing to do with her kids is carving out one on one time with each one. Sometimes it’s something special like a trip for ice cream or going out for wings. Other times it is running an errand together or baking cookies at home. With everyone’s busy schedules, and when quality time is often limited, she looks for the small moments to stay connected to her kids.
Are you involved in a business venture or corporate world? Please Share!
A little over a year ago they started their business, The Family Keystone. Their company helps families and small businesses write personalized mission statements. It was an idea that was born over years of lunchtime chats. They had watched so many children come through their classrooms and the ones who were the most successful – academically and socially – had strong roots to lean on. Those families were always clear about who they were and what their goals were. Debbie & Stacy decided they wanted to simplify the process of writing a mission statement. Their Keystone Kit walks families through the process and includes a custom-designed hanging canvas. A portion of the proceeds from every Kit gets donated to For Pete’s Sake – a non-profit organization that enables cancer patients and their loved ones to strengthen, deepen and unify their relationships by creating unforgettable and lasting respite experiences.
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs what would it be?
Be patient, have a sense of humor, and start before you think you’re ready. If you are in partnership, make sure it’s with someone you trust completely.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
Although they are both teachers, they don’t believe in homework! Children learn best authentically. They believe the time after school should be spent helping with family chores and enjoying time together. Children need hands-on experiences to be able to connect to new content. They both encourage children to play and engage with their family after school, not do more work.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Debbie & Stacy have found the support of other moms to be so important to their success. They have been mentors and cheerleaders for them along the way. Debbie & Stacy are not afraid to ask questions and they have found other moms more than willing to answer them!
You can order your Keystone directly on The Family Keystone’s website and be sure to follow them on social media as well:
