KDHamptons

KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons? Why is it such a special place to you?
Jodi Jefferson: I grew up in Queens and went to college in the city, so the Hamptons have been my summer escape since I got my drivers license! I fell in love with Montauk about 10 years ago and have been coming ever since. The calming effect of the landscape and the overall vibe is incredible. Many wonderful people and opportunities have come into my life out here. The slower pace of Montauk helps to balance my fast-paced life in the recruiting industry in Manhattan. Once I hit Amagansett the windows go down, the air fills my car, and the sensation of being surrounded by water sets in. My kids get excited when we see the beach from the high point on 27 East when entering town, like they’re at the top of a rollercoaster and the fun is about to begin! The beauty of the cliffs at Ditch, the hip way the surfers ride around town with boards thrown in their open jeeps, people choosing to bike rather then drive, the sunsets, the sense of community~ even if we all don’t live there year round. We all escape here. This is why I love Montauk.

KDH: Describe your Hamptons home, and decorating style?
JJ: I used to stay in the classic Montauk motels prior to renting a home in Ditch Plains for the past few years. The closer to the ocean, the better for me! I want to walk or bike and have no need for a beach cover up or shoes! I recently decorated my NY apartment on the Upper West Side with a totally beach inspired theme. Lots of blues, orange, turquoise and reds… I’m in love with my new Ocean duvet from the Lulu DK Matouk collection and John Robshaw’s Cove Pillows from his diving collection. It all blends well with the dark wood, leather and clean lines from my modern classic furniture.

KDH:  Personal style: do you have a Montauk “uniform”? Who is your favorite designer for your Hamptons look?
JJ: Winter wardrobe favorites are my AllSaints Spitalfields hi-top black sneakers and Alice Temperley for Barbour oxford down coat. Come summer you will find me in cut-off jean shorts, a bikini and flip flops. Evening uniform is usually a bohemian sundress or simple tank dress with a bold beachy accessory. I easily go June to Labor day without wearing heels. Can’t wait to rock my ByBritt turquoise/green eco friendly cotton cord wrap bracelet that she gave me for my birthday! Absolutely love the bold tribal-meets-surf inspired accessories from Holst + Lee. Joelle Klein has a beautiful selection of clothes and accessories at her store “share with…” in Montauk. And of course, I rock my Surf Craft tanks and other great pieces sold at Bethany Mayers Surf Bazaar.

KDH:  Share your favorite Hamptons restaurant? Always order the same dish and drink?
JJ: I love sunsets at Navy beach with a Marganegra, a mix of silver tequila, crème Yvette, rasp-blackberries and lime. South Edison for their crispy vinegar braised chicken, oysters and clam chowder. Wednesdays are a great night for me and my daughters to have dinner at the Surf Lodge while enjoying Nancy Atlas perform. The crab, popcorn & blueberry ceviche along with the mussels are my favorite. For a quick lunch, the lobster roll from the Dirt Lot or Montaco truck in Ditch Plains.

KDH: Describe your “perfect” Hamptons day in detail for KDHamptons readers?
JJ: I wake up early for a surf lesson at Ditch before the crowds come, or a hike on the cliffs before it gets too hot. I then jump in my outdoor shower to freshen up for a locally sourced breakfast with my daughters. Afterwards we head to the beach where we’d spend time playing with friends and relaxing. The kids are well behaved and are being extra helpful. Since there’s NO line (on my perfect day) at the Ditch Witch, we grab lunch and lemonades. Late afternoon I take my SUP out on West Lake and head home in time to host a BBQ with friends at the beach house. The kids are enjoying and entertaining themselves as the adults relax and chow down on good food and wine. We catch live music outdoors after dinner in town, followed by a bonfire and s’mores under the clear Montauk skies. Now that’s a perfect day!

KDH: Tell us about your seasonal business, Surf Craft NY?
JJ: Surf Craft is a drop off summer art camp, ‘drop-in’ craft & dine, and enriched babysitting service. Our program is designed to actively engage children with thoughtful and exciting art projects that bring together craft with artistic technique. Global themes that evoke imagination and emotion children can express through activity, texture and color.

KDH: What is the greatest part about your job? If you could snap your fingers and instantly have another career~ what would be your dream job?
JJ: My career in recruiting has allowed me the ability and flexibility to pursue some of my dreams simultaneously. I’m happy with the growth of Surf Craft and looking forward to my third season. I’m continuously evolving and redefining what I want out of life but totally stoked about where I am today.

KDH: Do you have a “best kept secret” destination in the Hamptons?
JJ: I’ll share one because it was shared with me… heading west on 27 just past the overlook in Montauk you can off road down to a very private beach on the sound, but please don’t tell anyone!

KDH: What are your plans for the winter season? Travel or staying out East?
JJ: I just took a trip to Cabarete, in the Domincan Republic for surf lessons. I started two years ago in Montauk but committed myself this winter to daily lessons for a week straight in warm water! I stayed at a hip boutique hotel called Swell Surf Camp.

KDH:  Which is your favorite season in the Hamptons and why?
JJ: Fall is a beautiful time to come out and Spring is exhilarating since summer is just around the corner. My kids get a kick of being on the sand in the winter! While I summer in Montauk, I really enjoy the serenity of the trip out East anytime.

KDH: If you could have anyone at your Hamptons dinner party (dead or alive) who would you invite?
JJ: In addition to my mom and my closest friends….Steve jobs to inspire me, Bob Marley to serenade me, Sam Talbot to cook for me, and Bradley Cooper as my date.

KDH: How do you “do it all” ?….work, love, family…share a couple tips for busy readers?
JJ: I’m blessed to have an amazing support system of family and friends. I’ve had to take risks, allow myself to fail, and let go in order to make room for this chapter of my life and I’ve come to appreciate the journey to finding balance and fulfillment. Raising two kids as a single mom, working full time and running a seasonal business has its challenges but I embrace them. The quicker you realize that the obstacles you encounter are part of your path to happiness, you’re on the right track. I try to “do it all” but really need 6 extra hours each day!

*to learn more about Surf Craft NY, please go to www.surfcraftny.com