Name: Andrea Smalley

Where do you live? South End of Montclair

When did you move there? July 2015

Where did you grow up? I was born in Las Vegas, but spent most of my childhood in San Diego.

How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion? I recently turned my passion into my own small business, Lighten Up. I specialize in decluttering, organizing, helping people get ready for moves, assisting elderly adults getting ready to downsize, etc. Most of my clients contact me when they are completely overwhelmed and at a loss for where to begin. I can’t tell you how much joy it gives me to see relief wash over their faces when a project that seemed impossible before is completed. Lighten Up is on Instagram!

Coffee, tea or … ? Coffee

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day? A long, scenic drive to a historic town. Spending the entire day walking around, gawking at the beautiful homes, window shopping, combing through every antique store in town, followed by a decadent meal and a cold beer. 

What’s your favorite local restaurant? Ray’s Luncheonette on Walnut Street. I do little happy dances in my seat whenever I’m inhaling my food there.

What’s on your nightstand? A Jeff Goldblum prayer candle, a stack of books (one I’m actively reading, one I am reading on and off, and MANY stacked with intent to read), paperwork that probably should have been handled a week ago, and body butter from my favorite shop Dolly Moo.

What are you listening to? First Wave Radio on SiriusXM. Depeche Mode, The Cure, The Smiths, etc.

What are your current indulgences? Jamoca almond fudge ice cream from Baskin Robbins. I lie to myself fairly regularly and say I won’t buy it, but here we are.

What talent you would most like to have? To sing, but specifically a Broadway caliber singer. I was raised on musicals, so my go-to daydreams are starring in Chicago, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, Hello Dolly, etc. Those dreams are close to actualized when I am alone in my car, singing at the top of my lungs though! In fact if you’ve ever pulled up next to me in town and I accidentally scared your children, I do apologize.

What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about Montclair? Canterbury Park in the South End. The long path of cherry blossoms in the spring is absolutely spectacular.

What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? Man, could that girl make me laugh.