Kimberly Costa Simmons
Marital Status:
I bought a ticket on that rollercoaster ride 25 years ago and haven’t been thrown from the car…yet. I married a Brit, David, and no, we have never had tea and stickies on the lawn with the Queen nor does he know any of the Beatles.
Children?
Two gorgeous girls. Samantha Lauren, 21, Psychology major and a Junior at Rutgers. Jessica Ashley, almost 18, senior at Pascack Hills, also majoring in Psychology but undecided where she’s going.
Grandchildren?
Bite you tounge!
Education:
Please, I went to four different High Schools! Attended New York School of Interior Design and hated working with people on something as personal as their homes. Switched to Commercial/Visual.
Occupation:
Dave and I started a Visual Merchandising, storage and trucking business that focuses on retail. Our accounts include Neiman Marcus, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Sony Style, Lord and Taylor and Macy’s. It is my job not to spend more money than they owe us. Failing miserably.
Volunteer and Professional Activities:
I do a lot of volunteering through my church. I cook for a homeless shelter and so far haven’t poisoned anyone. I’ve also slept in a shelter…very enlightening and this Easter I’m dragging the family (kicking and screaming) to serve at a shelter in Harlem. Afterwards, we’re going to B.B.King for some gospel music, a brunch followed by a big slice of humble pie.
Current hobbies and interests:
I’ve traveled the world and it truly is a passion. I also like anything that challenges me artistically and I love/hate going to the gym.
What percentage of your hair is visibly gray (is this a trick question?)
Zero. Next question.
If you had one year free of all responsibility and unlimited funds, what would you do?
Some crazy stuff like fly out to the middle of the desert and sleep under the wing of a plane, spend a night in a refrigerator box an a street in Manhattan ( probably the Upper East side), pack a carry on bag, head out to the airport with a shit load of cash, hot air balloon through France and find my way to Tibet and ponder the meaning of life until I run out of money.
What are the most rewarding things that you have done in your life?
I worked at Hialeah racetrack in the Public Relations Department and I wrote a commercial. I told my uncle the only way he could use my idea was if I ran the show. I went $10,000.00 over budget and the Director of Photograph entered it in the Greater Miami Film festival. It won Best Commercial and Best of the Show.
What rewarding things do you plan to do in your life?
No plans…I naturally gravitate toward rewarding things because that truly makes me happy.
What are your favorite non-family related things to do in your free time?
Apparently, I’m fun to be with and I get a lot of social invitations with my diverse group of friends. They range from vice cops to drug dealers, lawyers, mobsters, actors and postal workers. I love eating great food, drinking great red wine and getting into heavy conversations provided we can agree to disagree. I’m fascinated by different perspectives as they bring me closer to who I really am.
How would you best describe your idea of "being successful?"
Being successful is knowing that money has nothing to do with being successful.
What are your most vivid memories of your days in Ridgewood?
Parties at my house.
What achievement or activity are you most proud of in your life?
Being married for 25 years and bringing two beautiful women to the planet.
What single piece of wisdom would you like to leave for the next generation?
Life isn’t about the destination…it’s about the journey. Oh, and always wear clean underwear.
How have you changed since high school?
I haven’t.
What else should we know about you?!
I am so grateful that I have had a High school experience and friendships that have lasted for 30+ years…we’re a very lucky group of people…let’s keep it going for another 30+.