Gina Ciuccoli
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I grew up in Bridgewater, CT, lived in Ridgefield for a couple years after college, but my father’s side of the family’s roots are in Ridgefield. My cousins still live in Ridgefield. In fact , my grandfather has a baseball field named after him, called Ciuccoli Field.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I don’t have children. I have a little 4 yr old Yorkshire Terrier named, Liberty that I adore. I have 4 nieces, Caitlin 13, Ashley 11, Emilia 6, Elysia 5, and Oliver, 3. When I am not working, you will find me with them! For many years, I lived far away from my family in Atlanta and San Diego. My family bond has always been very strong so I moved back to CT to be closer to my sister and her family. My nieces have taught me so much about me! I love watching Caitlin and Ashley achieve everything they have in school and dance. They are high honor students and incredibly talented dancers. Emilia, Elysia and Oliver, live in Okinawa right now, since my brother is a Marine and lives their with his wife and family, but when I travel once a year, it’s typically to see them so I can be a kid again with them! They bring me perspective on what’s important, love and quality time with family for me.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping guide you?
I would like to thank my Mom for always being a strong role model in career and family! Her balance of keeping family values, faith and her full time job has always driven me to be the best person I can be in every corner of my life. Also I would like to thank my sister and brother who open up their homes to me so I can spend time with my nieces and nephew. Without our strong bond, I would not have the amazing relationships with Caitlin, Ashley, Emilia, Elysia and Oliver!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I never saw myself starting my own business. I work in the legal and regulatory field with General Electric for 7 years since I returned to CT. I love that work, and I find research, digging deep to find the answers fun. Before working in the legal field, I ran Gap Kids/Baby Gap stores as a General Manager for a combined 8 years in CT, NY and Atlanta before making a complete career change in San Diego. I ran a couple marathons while I lived out there and built the strongest friendships in both of those cities.
Favorite things to do with your Nieces & Nephews?
The best part of being an aunt is the opportunity to jump in into my niece and nephew’s everyday lives. I love visiting my far away nieces and nephew in different countries where they have lived. They teach me about the cultures they have experienced so far and experiencing all the sites and landmarks through their eyes! I have loved going to see them in their gymnastic classes the most. It’s fun to see them trying all these new things out and finding what they love. My experience with my nieces here in CT has allowed me to become their “dance aunt” going to their rehearsals, their competitions and helping out backstage. I love when they can come stay at my place for a sleepover, go shopping, paddle boarding and of course eat at their favorite restaurant, Colony Pizza
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
About a year and a half ago, I learned about the dangers of our seriously underregulated personal care industry through Beautycounter and became concerned about my own exposure and my loved ones exposure to toxic ingredients allowed in our personal care products. Beautycounter is a transparent safer skin care brand that takes the guesswork out of consumers seeking to find a reliable brand that’s truly safer. We educate the consumer about the need for safer ingredients, take it a step further advocate for better health protective laws in Washington D. C. and offer a safer solution. Now I have built my own business on those three pillars, of education, advocacy and a safer solution. I help other women build another stream of income in own flexible time and alongside family priorities. Quite honestly I love it and it’s my passion.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I have loved collaborating with Ridgefield Moms, to reach consumers where I normally may not be able to. I am incredibly grateful for them as a resource. Local businesses in the community have been instrumental in me growing my business by meeting new people and reaching new clients. I’ve been able to raise money to make donations in the form of care pouches for patients going through chemotherapy and radiation for Norwalk Hospital Smilow Breast Cancer Center for Breast Cancer prevention through my work with Beautycounter and giving back is central to my work. Local businesses have allowed me to come in and offer my safer skin care products for a few hours in their local businesses. I am also able to feature their business on social media and by word of mouth, growing their exposure all while representing a safer skin care with Beautycounter. I think it’s important in times we live in and in a world where consumers shop based on your recommendation, reviews and influence that we have the community relationship between businesses and reliable resources we can go to.