How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have two children. Elle is almost eight and Teddy is five.
What do you love about living in the Sarasota area?
We have lived in Sarasota for a little over a year and I still feel like we haven’t been able to see and do it all! I love that there is something here for everyone and have found that people with families are welcoming and inclusive. Depending on what you’re in the mood for and where you are, Sarasota can feel like a beach town, a small town, or a city.
What’s your favorite restaurant and place to shop in Sarasota?
It’s so hard to choose! Three of my favorite places to eat are Napule, Spice Station, and Shore. I could spend hours shopping at Bon Bon Vintage.
Tell us about your business, Aqua-Tots
Aqua-Tots is a year-round, indoor swim school that offers group lessons to children of all abilities from ages 4 months to 12 years old. We also have semi-private, private, and S.N.A.P. (Special Needs Aquatic Program) lessons. Our comprehensive curriculum is used at all our locations worldwide, and our instructors receive more than 40 hours of training before teaching swim lessons. We offer easy scheduling and an awesome makeup policy. Our goal is to help children become safe and confident swimmers for life.
What do you love about your business?
As a mom of two, I know the importance of teaching children to swim and the value of water safety. It is especially crucial here in Sarasota where water is everywhere. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling job and I wake up with purpose every single day. Watching the progression of babies and kids as they move through our swim levels and knowing parents can have peace of mind is so rewarding. I am thrilled that we can be a positive, impactful presence in our community.
What are some of your hobbies?
We swim a lot! I love spending the day at the beach or swimming in the pool with my family. When we’re not in the water, I enjoy reading, cooking, binge-watching shows, and trying out new restaurants.
How do you juggle work and motherhood?
Juggle is the perfect word! It has been an adjustment, especially since the kids have been home full-time these past few months. Every day I plan one-on-one time with them where they have my undivided attention. I think it helps them feel appreciated and later they are more willing to play independently when I need to work. I have a supportive husband that acts as a teammate and close family that lives in Sarasota. They love to spend time with my kids and are always willing to lend a hand.
It also really helps that my business is kid-oriented. Elle and Teddy think hanging out at Aqua-Tots is the greatest! They are always eager to organize, clean, set things up for the day, and of course, swim. They cannot wait to be official Aqua-Tots employees.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received from another mom?
When I was pregnant with my first baby, another mom told me her one piece of unsolicited advice was not to listen to unsolicited advice. Everyone has an opinion, but it’s okay to ignore it and do what feels right for you.
-Lindsay Leary, owner of Aqua-Tots Sarasota
Learn more about the new Aqua-Tots here!