On my last visit to New York I had the privilege of meeting the lovely Rachel Roberge Connors & her beautiful daughter Carly on a shoot at Molly Magnuson’s studio in Brooklyn. Carly is incredibly shy in person, but in front of a camera she transforms into a bright shiny star. Rachel and Carly live with husband and dad Skip, and sports enthusiast son and brother Jackson. Watching Carly’s transformation to confident model in front of the camera makes it easier to believe she stars alongside Nicole Kidman in the eagerly anticipated movie version of the number one selling novel The Goldfinch. Let’s find out more about both Parent & children…

Rachel is a Director of the award winning children’s music program ‘songs for seeds’. Carly her daughter is a truly multidimensional kid. She can be very shy which surprises some people, as a child model and actor people often expect a precocious show off, which she is not. According to her mum there is something about being in front of the camera that allows her to shine. She is passionate and outspoken about current events and the issues facing society with strong opinions about politics. She has a loving heart of gold, and is extremely empathetic. Born over two months premature, she’s been proving her strength and resilience ever since!

Jackson is a compassionate soul. He’s incredibly affectionate and loving. He lets nothing stop him and possesses a never give up attitude. A big sports enthusiast he excels in basketball and baseball. He loves his family and friends and never misses an opportunity to express it. Jackson was born missing his right hand but that hasn’t stopped him one bit from pursuing his dreams.

Child model Carly Connors with her brother Jackson
Carly & Jackson for JCrew

Children: Carly & Jackson

Your first memory?
Carly: Singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow all the time when I was about three. (my Dad video taped it!).  See the cutest of cute videos here (Sorry Carly but its just too cute, Pirouette xx).
Jackson: Playing baseball on Martha’s Vineyard.

The person you admire most?
Carly: Barack Obama because he was a great leader.
Jackson: My Dad because he is a great Dad, and he is nice.

What was the last dream you had?
Carly: I was at the beach on Martha’s Vineyard swimming.
Jackson: We were on Martha’s Vineyard running around in the sand playing tag.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Carly: An actress.
Jackson: NBA MVP (National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player).

What is the most extraordinary thing to have happened to you so far?
Carly: Being in The Goldfinch, a movie that is coming out in October of 2019.
Jackson: Having great parents. They brought me into this world so what is better than that?

Tell us something special about your mom?
Carly: She is always there for me and loves me even though I may get on her nerves.
Jackson: She gives good hugs.

Describe your talent?
Carly: Playing the violin, acting and swimming.
Jackson: I am good at basketball and baseball.

Build a den, or play a video game?
Carly: Build a den.
Jackson: Play a video game.

Favorite song, book & TV show?
Carly: Believer by Imagine Dragons, Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper, ‘Riverdale’
Jackson: Holy Grail by Jay Z, What Was D-Day? by Patricia Brennan Demuth, ‘The Loud House’

If you could have a super power, what would it be and what would you use this power for?
Carly: I would have the power to fly so I could fly around the word.
Jackson: To cure diseases to help people.

Do you have a favorite piece of clothing?
Carly: Yes, all of my shoes!
Jackson: My Supreme NBA Jersey.

A piece of advice?
Carly: To always know that if you are feeling down, there is always someone there for you.
Jackson: Stay hungry and humble.

Parent: Rachel

Carly Connors with her mum Rachel, dad Skip, and brother Jackson
What type of mom are you?
I’m a loving Mom. I always want my children to know they can come to me with anything. I let them know there is nothing we can’t tackle together. I’m probably guilty of being a little over protective but I feel like it’s my job to anticipate things that could negatively impact my kids. It’s like an animal instinct, if you will…as Moms, we’re always on the lookout. I’m insanely crazy in love with both Carly and Jackson. They are both so different and I love that. They teach me every day…so in that way I’m a forever student.

A good habit that helps you as a mom?
I have a habit of repeating myself (insert sarcastic laugh). It definitely makes me an effective Mom…eventually…because both of my kids generally require constant reminders. Ie. ‘brush your teeth!’ (repeated 10x a night!).

The place you love near your home that you visit with the whole family?
As a family we love Martha’s Vineyard. It’s our second home. In the summer we all gather at my husband’s family’s house. He’s one of 5 children and has wonderful parents. It’s an opportunity for all of us to be together. There’s nothing better than to be surrounded by family. Our children love being with Grandma and Grandpa, aunts and uncles and cousins!

Sunset or box set?
Sunset always!

A film, or a book you read recently that stayed with you?
The Goldfinch. A powerful reminder that we can’t always anticipate what events in our lives will shape us.

Last items you added to your child’s wardrobe?
For Carly, beautiful swimsuits from Submarine Swim
For Jackson, something he’s wanted for a while… NBA Jersey and shorts from a recent Supreme / Nike / NBA collaboration.

If you could only give one piece of advice to your children? Different is awesome, so never stop celebrating your individuality.

 

Carly Connors

@carlyconnorsnyc

Representation
Photography  @generationmm
Film                  @generatiomtv_nyc

New York USA