New Jersey-based designer Theresa Kaz knows a thing or two about adversity. Last spring, just as everyone was amping up to head to Las Vegas, where Theresa exhibited at the launch of PREMIER X Designer, her home burnt down. And when I say “burnt down,” I don’t mean, there was a small kitchen fire, it literally burnt down to the ground.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Theresa remained shockingly optimistic. She was so thankful that nobody had been hurt–she, her kids, her husband and her dog were all out of the house at the time–she also reveled in her good fortune that she’d brought her entire collection to her mom’s that morning to get prepared for a presentation, so her entire line was in tact. Her only nagging conflict was a persistent feeling of guilt that the local, volunteer firefighters had rushed into the house to make sure nobody was inside. In response, and with the help of CJDG and other industry friends, Theresa started a Go Fund Me to raise money for the Paramus Fire Department, which garnered nearly $6,000 for those brave souls!
We were excited to catch up with Theresa, while she Shelters in Place, to see how she’s handling the current situation.
JA New York: How has your daily life been affected by the current crisis?
Theresa Kaz: Every facet of life has been affected. For me personally, I miss the structure…going to the gym at five, Starbucks at 6:15, making breakfast for my kids and taking them to school, starting work by 9 a.m. I now start my day around 9 a.m. by pouring tequila on my cheerios to help quell the anxiety. I just miss so many people, places and things.
JA New York: What are you binge watching?
TK: So many good things on Netflix: Just finished Ozark, The Pharmacist was good, just started watching Unorthodox.
JA New York: What are you reading?
TK: The Stranger. I wanted to read it before watching it.
JA New York: What’s your new favorite go-to meal?
TK: I love Indian food. My son and I order from a local restaurant, Downtown Dhaba, every Monday night. My favorite quarantine snack is a bowl of Stew Leonard’s vanilla frozen yogurt with a heaping tablespoon of their honey roasted peanut butter on top.
JA New York: Where are you finding joy in this crisis?
TK: Any crisis brings out the best and worst of people. I’m finding joy in seeing so many selfless acts of kindness, but I’ve seen some awful cringe worthy behavior too. There was so much love and unity post 9/11, but the virus feels as divisive and polarizing as the national political landscape. On a local level I’ve seen a lot of ugliness. The Yenta Gestapo or Basketball Beckies calling the cops on every perceived infraction of CDC guidelines they witness. People posting photos of other people’s children on social media and “social distance shaming” them. There’s a lot of ugliness and judgement. There’s also so much misinformation. Anyone who doesn’t get their news from one source I’m sure would agree that switching from one national news station to another, you’d think they’re talking about two different countries and two different viruses. It’s tough to discern what the truth and reality is with the threat of the pandemic.
JA New York: What small business(es), other than your own, do you want to promote?
TK: Independently owned small restaurants. We’re trying to order out a few nights a week and not use the delivery apps which we have learned siphon a huge percentage of profits from the local restaurants.
JA New York: What are you doing to stay sane during shelter-in-place?
TK: I have been apprenticing with our tile installer. It’s been fun learning a new skill and having control over the end result, but my nails look absolutely draconian. If I was just locked down in the apartment all day I would lose my sanity quickly. I may also be indulging in a splash of pinot noir at the end of the day. The tension is palpable at this point. I was verbally assaulted by a man today because I failed to accelerate rapidly enough when a light turned green. None of us can take anything personally; we’re all collectively losing our sanity to some degree and while we may all be in this together, we’re not all in the same set of circumstances. People are stressed, scared, frustrated. It feels like an anxiety bomb ready to detonate at this point.
JA New York: Has the current situation caused you to reevaluate what might make the “value cut” in your life and/or business moving forward?
TK: I’ve never really been someone who has their priorities and/or goals skewed. I know what’s important and I’m highly focused to never lose sight of that. Does this suck? Yes, but I have my family, our health and a place to lie my head at night and sleep safely.