My First...

What is your first memory of 'home' as a kid?

My first memory of home would be arriving at my soon to be home as it was being built. I was walking up to it with a My Little Pony in hand, and thinking this looks like a fun place to play!

When was your first time moving out of your parents home?

I was 21 or 22 and my boyfriend at the time and I moved in together.

When was your first big trip away from home?

My first big trip away was the year after I graduated from high school. A friend and I took off on a 15 day trip through Europe, spending time in Paris, London and Amsterdam. I would say the travel bug hit me on this trip and the rest is history.

What is your DREAM first home?

I want to say that I am living in my dream home. I have dreamt of living in a Springfield home since I was 13 and attended a slumber party in the neighborhood. I can't tell you how many times I have driven through Springfield over the years looking at the homes wondering which one I would live in one day. With that being said of course dreams change and now I want a bigger and better Springfield home with a bigger laundry room and more storage. But for now I'm happy with this dream home. <3

Drinks with Hampton Barnes of Wick: A Candle Bar

Drinks with Hampton Barnes

Wick: A Candle Bar

What are you drinking?

I usually like going with a Gose, I also like to try whatever Alex and Priya from Town Beer recommend.

What is it that you do?

I run a unique candle store where you can create your own scents.

What is a typical day for you?

Waking up, walking my dog, coming to the store pouring custom candles for customers and having fun with my co-workers

The best part of my job is definitely helping people recreate past memories through the use of scents. It’s always nice to see a smile on someone’s face that you help.

What do you love about Jacksonville?

What I love about Jax is that even though it’s a sprawling city I still feel like it’s a small town community. I can walk into a neighborhood and, you know, get the feel that I belong, that I know who people are.

It never feels like you’re a stranger in Jacksonville.

My First...

What is your first memory of 'home' as a kid?

Growing up, I moved about every four years. Born in Georgia, preschool in Nashville, elementary in Apopka, off to Tampa for middle school, small town Maryland for high school, and then back to Florida for college and my adult life. With scattered memories from different homes it is hard to pinpoint that first memory, but my first vivid recollection is in our living room in Apopka, wearing a princess hat, and dancing to Trishia Yearwood's "She's in Love with the Boy." Here's some pictures through the years that feel like home.

My husband and me at Florida State University!

When was your first time moving out of your parents home?

The old fashioned way- when I turned 18 and went away to college. I left a small town in Maryland to start my first summer semester at Florida State University (go noles). It was about 18 hours away from home and I'll never forget the feeling of sitting on my dorm room bed when my parents left and I was on my own for the very first time in my life. There were so many mixed feelings that day, both good and bad, but that campus holds some of my very favorite memories and is where I met my husband and lifelong friends, so I'd say it all worked out for the best.

When was your first big trip away from home?

Our European adventure with some close friends. I remember trying new foods and eating way too much gelato. I was introduced to art, a new language, and culture. It was unforgettable. Take me back!

What is your DREAM first home?

This is a tough one. I love love love our current house. We live in Springfield, right on the park, and I truly adore it. To be honest, I think our neighbors and community make us love it even more. One thing I've learned from looking at houses all day, every day is that what truly makes a house a home is the love inside of it- cliche, I know, but it's true. Stop rolling your eyes at me- I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want.

My DREAM home would include a large backyard, a kitchen island, master bath with a stand alone tub, a drive-way (we only have off street parking), an office space, and modern updates so I don't have to do them (ha). Oh, and a pool wouldn't hurt. Walk-ability to restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, etc is also a must. I also need my current location to remain in walking distance to my two best friends. Easy enough right?

Every year we cheers on our home anniversary looking over downtown from our front porch.

My First...

There is something special about a 'first'... your first date, a first kiss, a babies first steps. All an occasion for joy and celebration. As agents, we are lucky enough to be a part of a huge 'first' for several of our clients.. their first home!

Each month we will sit down with someone near and dear to chat about a few of their 'firsts'. This month we chatted with our Riverside gal Mary Mychael!

What is your first memory of 'home' as a kid?

My first memory of home is from when I was about 2 or 3 years old. It’s a bit hazy, but I remember a cozy front porch in which my brother and I sat calling for our puppy Toto who had gotten loose (again). It was a quiet neighborhood in Marietta, GA. Years later my dad drove me by that old house, and that memory came flooding back.

When was your first time moving out of your parents home? 

I moved out in the traditional way, when I graduated high school and moved on to college. I went to Florida Sate which made it easier knowing home was not too far away. I lived with my brother in a home my mom owned and we created many memories there.

When was your first big trip away from home? 

We traveled a lot as kids so it’s hard to pin down the first but the one that stands out most was a trip to New York when I was about 8 to visit my aunt. I traveled BY MYSELF (!) Which is crazy to think about - and was terrified and excited all at the same time. I still reminisce over photos of me standing at the Twin Towers and trying to find my way without my mom for the first time.

What is your DREAM first home?

I am one of the lucky few that can say I actually live in my dream home! My husband and I live in a condo building with our daughter that is full of architectural intrigue and beautiful history. We are blocks from 5-Points and the St. John’s river and just a bike ride to most of our favorite spots. (The pool doesn’t hurt either). The next step from here would be ocean front somewhere!

My First...

There is something special about a 'first'... your first date, a first kiss, a babies first steps. All an occasion for joy and celebration. As agents, we are lucky enough to be a part of a huge 'first' for several of our clients.. their first home!

Each month we will sit down with someone near and dear to chat about a few of their 'firsts'. This month we chatted with our small town gal Kait!

What is your first memory of 'home' as a kid?  

My first memory at home as a kid was in a home that we shared with my great grandmother. It was a large farmhouse that my great grandfather had built and was split into two sides. We lived in one side and she lived in the other. I spent the first 5 years of my life in that home going back and forth from her side to mine. My cousins lived on the same road so I remember constantly being with them walking through trails in the woods, playing in the creek, or exploring the big barn!

When was your first time moving out of your parents home? 

The first time I moved out of my parents home was when I went to college. The same week that I moved away from home they moved out of my childhood home and bought the cutest log cabin! It was a huge adjustment moving into college and also moving out of my childhood home at the same time. Luckily, I was immediately playing soccer in college and met some of my best friends so school quickly became my new home! I wouldn’t change a thing!

When was your first big trip away from home? 

My first big trip away from home was when I went on my senior trip to Disney. Since I am from NY it was a big trip and my first time on an airplane! It was so fun spending a last hurrah with the kids that I grew up with! We made memories for a lifetime!  

What is your DREAM first home?

Oh boy... Since I haven't owned a home yet this will be fun! I am a beach girl so my dream would to be as close to the inter coastal or the ocean as possible! Something updated with a fenced in yard for my pup for sure!

Drinks with Rethreaded

Drinks with Kristin Keen of Rethreaded

What are you drinking? Everyday I have a coffee with vanilla creamer, an afternoon Zevia (organic diet coke), tons of waters (I always, always have water with me!), and in the evening I will usually have a glass of red wine.  

What is it that you do?

I help people Renew their Hope, Reignite dreams and Release their potential through business!! Specifically I run a social enterprise that helps survivors of human trafficking by providing long term employment and access to mental health counseling.

What is a typical day for you? I get up and head for the beach for a sunrise swim with my friends in Duval Ocean Swimmers.  Most of my day is spent in advocating for Rethreaded in a variety of meetings to drive sales, partnerships, and donations. 

What is the best part of your job?

I love my job!!!!! I love being challenged on a daily basis. I love that everyday I am learning something new. I love seeing women at Rethreaded reclaim their life and go after their dreams.

What do you love about Jacksonville? I love the big small feel of Jacksonville. I think it is a two degree of separation town. Whomever you need to know someone will know them! and I also love the beach and the river.

For more information on Rethreaded or to shop + support please visit https://www.rethreaded.com/