People

Pure Love

Raising a family in paradise may be a dream come true but it sure doesn’t come without its fair share of challenges! Meet a few Key Biscayne moms who have mastered the superpower of balancing it all.
Interviews by Kaya Baez | Photography by Alê Bomeny  | April 28, 2021 | People

Kirsty Barany Gibson

Why Key Biscayne? “Key Biscayne is the perfect place to live, especially being a mom, because it allows you to have a professional life (being so close to a major metropolis!) while keeping your home and family in the peaceful bubble that the island provides.”

Best part of motherhood? “Since my son was born, I’ve made sure to always wake him up with a smile and make every interaction a happy one (unless I’m teaching him his no-no’s!). I hope that doing this has set his baseline to be a happy person by nature, and hopefully, it will stay with him through life.”

Most challenging? “Making sure that you are always there for him when he needs you, which is especially challenging when you have a career.”

Family tradition? “Every Sunday, the whole family gets together for brunch. In Europe (where my parents are from) and Latin America (where I was born), family is a big part of who you are as a person, and this family time allows my son to enjoy the same bonds I’ve had in my life.”

Most anticipated life stage? “I’m looking forward to a time when I can have meaningful conversations with my son about the world, his values, dreams and expectations and be witness to him becoming his own person and claiming his special place in this world.”

Ideal Mother’s Day: “My son is the best gift I have ever received in my life. I couldn’t ask for more than having him and his dad by my side this Mother’s Day!”

Luciana Junqueira

Why Key Biscayne? “Not only does the island offer a safe environment to raise your kids — you’re also on the beach with a lot of nature around.”

Best part of motherhood? “I love the fact that my kids and I teach one another how to be better every day!”

Most challenging? “By far the most challenging part of being a mom is trying to raise my kids with the right values in a world that is so vastly different from when I was growing up.”

Family tradition? “We all go together to the Farmer’s Market every Saturday and buy our favorite things — for the kids it’s kettle popcorn, of course!

Most anticipated life stage? “I always cherish the present. They are at a great age right now where they appreciate the island, playing sports, enjoying the beach, going to their favorite restaurants and all the other things kids love to do.”

Ideal Mother’s Day: “I’ll always remember the cards they made me at school when they were younger — this year I’m looking forward to being at home with them and enjoying a nice meal together.”

Carolina Vieira

Why Key Biscayne? “The close contact with nature and the feeling of security provided by the island gives me the quality of life that I have always dreamed of!”

Best part of motherhood? “My favorite part of being a mom is evolving into a better human being every day — becoming a mother is the best thing that has happened in my life!”

Most challenging? “Being able to manage all the responsibilities that come with motherhood!”

Family tradition? “Sundays are very special for our family — we plan a fun schedule, have lunch and talk about our week.”

Most anticipated life stage? “I think that each stage of their life is challenging and each child is different. I’m enjoying them all, it goes by very fast — sometimes I just want time to stop!”

Ideal Mother’s Day: “All I hope for is to spend the day with the ones who I love the most — my family!”