Lacey Nagao the Faces of Tucson AZ

Lacey Nagao

Hey there! I’m Lacey Nagao. I am honored to be asked to complete this questionnaire. In all honesty though, I always struggle with these types of paragraphs because it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how to describe one’s self.

I’m certainly not someone that can be fit into a typical “box” so to speak. I spent several years of my life trying to fit into that “one” box, but quickly learned that just WASN’T me, and that is okay. I’m a bit of “organized chaos,” and always on the go. I love a good adventure and am always up to learn (or try!) something new.

I grew up in a tiny town in Idaho, met my husband while completing my master’s at Utah State University, moved to Ohio for 5 years for him to complete his schooling, and then ended up in the desert! We have been in Tucson for 6 years now. We absolutely LOVE it here and truly think it is the best hidden gem in Arizona. We are obsessed with the weather, everything to do outdoors with our kids, and of course how BEAUTIFUL the mountains are (reminds me a bit of Idaho but without the snow and crazy cold!).

I’m a mother to 3 beautiful children, a wife to a local dentist and business owner, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, author, life coach, PR specialist, and avid gym go-er (it’s my therapy!). I enjoy trying new restaurants, hiking with my family, styling photoshoots, lifting weights, raising little humans to be good people, and being involved in local charities and church organizations.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have three children: June, Thad, and Knox. June is 8 years old and the epitome of a “first born” child. She is our hard worker, determined, and “old soul” of the family. We are slowly approaching those “pre-teen” years though and I’m starting to wonder how we all may survive the next 10 years together under one roof! : )

Thad is our second born. He is our independent, middle child. He is sweet, kind, and makes a friend everywhere he goes. He is also STUBBORN and much more reserved. He is our quiet deep thinker and the boy who can spend hours building Legos on his own.

Finally, there is Knox. He is our little tornado; always dirty, always jumping off anything he can climb up, loves to entertain, and a true “wild child.” He just turned 2 and we are often amazed that he hasn’t had any ER visits yet; I’ve never met a human as fearless as him. He will be the boy that gives me gray hair.

We also have a wonderful friend who lives with us and is like an “adopted daughter”, Roy. She is 23 and has been an absolute joy to have in our home and help with the children (because Heaven knows it takes a village!)

We also have 2 dogs, a Siberian Husky named Apollo who is 12 years old, and a Doberman puppy named Brutus who currently has destroyed too many shoes to count.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently I’m a mother and entrepreneur, and a board member for Kid’s of Steele. I feel lucky that I get to work and have an online business, but also be able to be “mom.” As any working mother can tell you, it is A LOT to balance and sometimes that “mom guilt” sets in. However, I often remind myself that empowering women and showing my daughter that she can go out and become WHATEVER IT IS that she wants to become, that the long nights and early mornings are worth it.

I truly believe that our children learn so much from OBSERVING versus what we simply tell them around the dining room table. I’m grateful to live in a time where women really can have it all – maybe not all at the same time – but we CAN be present in both the home and at work. I think that’s the key; being present. When I’m in mom mode, I do my very best to be fully MOM. When I’m in coaching mode or in a business meeting, I do my best to be completely present to the task at hand.

People often will say that I’m the “busiest person” they know; while I do live on caffeine and feel like a professional chauffeur 99% of the time for my children, I don’t necessarily feel “busy.” I feel fulfilled. I think “busy” is a funny word; I think we make time for what matters. That’s what I love most about what I do, I have options, and along the way I get to (hopefully) leave people better than how I found them and inspire them that they CAN do big things.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Charro Vida, Posto Sano, Ginza Sushi, Le Buzz, Coffee Exchange, Gourmet Girls, Union, and trying anything new downtown for a date night.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
6 years.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Louis Breton; he does it all. Entrepreneur, philanthropist, father, chaplain. …. OR Jenny Horn. She is wonder woman. … OR Kathy Cuprak; quite frankly the nicest person I’ve ever met and a former teacher who EVERYONE remembers.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy; it’s been a dream vacation of mine since I was a little girl!

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Any documentary. I’m a big history and political nerd. I have also loved “The Crown” and “Suits.” … I also am slightly embarrassed to admit that I love a good binge episode of Real Housewives while folding laundry every now and then.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t wait until you’re ready to start – you’ll never feel “ready.” Just do the dang thing, just START, and then figure it out as you go. Most people never start because they spend too long “getting ready.” You will never feel totally ready. So start, before you’re ready. The rest will come.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Get my children’s book, “Lessons I Hope to Teach My Daughter” published this year. Huge thanks to local artist, Megan Welker for being the most amazing illustrator and helping make this a reality!

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love some Luke Bryan or a good “Girl Power” playlist on Spotify 🙂

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Eclectic Cafe; when I’m there, everything about it just screams “Tucson.” … It’s a little different, good quality food and people, and has that Tucson vibe.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
George Washington because I love history, America, and the principals he taught. My latest “meeting spot” for lunch meetings has been Coffee Exchange. I love their green tea and chicken salads. I’m sure George could appreciate the small town hospitably vibe there.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how active our community is; everyone is running, biking, or hiking on a Saturday morning. That was a HUGE draw for us to move here.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully as a mother who has taught her children how to be good humans, be kind, and how to make a lasting impression in the world.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love speaking in front of a crowd but get social anxiety in small settings!

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cancun Mexico, I love the beaches there.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Best month is June. Favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Single best day on the calendar is every Friday!

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A good meal and hot bubble bath following a long workout or hike.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children. And my own mother. She taught me to be kind to everyone, always, no matter what.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Eucalyptus

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, beauty, calm, safe.