LOCAL BUSINESS: Latch On Jacksonville
Today we’re featuring car seat expert Samantha Kastelz and her business Latch On Jacksonville. If you are having a child or just want to make sure you’re car seat is installed safely, I HIGHLY recommend giving Samantha a call!
What do you specialize in: Child Passenger Safety, Car seat Safety, CPST
When did you open: During National Child Passenger Safety Week in September 2020
How did you get interested in this line of work? I became a CPST after having my son, though car seat safety was important to me before having my daughter. I was t-boned in a car accident in October 2013 and still suffer side effects today. When I was pregnant with my daughter I did a lot of research on car seats and attended the Safe Kids seat check with my mentors Danielle & Tina. I just couldn’t imagine a child with low bone ossification being in an accident and sustaining injuries the way I did…and my accident was considered minor.
What is something about your business that sets you apart? We only have a few other practicing CPST’s in Jacksonville and they work through The Players Center for Child Health/SafeKids. I offer concierge, in-home education on car seat safety. We go over your seats safety features, proper harnessing and vehicle installation.
What is something about your business that most people might find interesting? I am the only business of this kind in Jacksonville and one of only a few in the country. (Something unique, interesting, different, etc.)
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know and to ask questions. There are hundreds of different vehicle and car seat combinations and we can’t know everything! But we have access to a network of people and manufacturers and if we don’t know someone is bound to!
For a little fun….
Where were you born? Riverside Hospital in Jacksonville, it doesn’t exist anymore
How did you end up in Jacksonville? Born and raised! Although we did live in North Carolina for 5 years while my husband was in the military
Where’s your favorite place to travel? We love to travel! I loved our trip to Costa Rica and hope to go back one day soon!
Where do you want to travel to next? We almost always have a “next” planned. I think it will be Lake Oconee
What are your hobbies? I do Pilates 5-ish days a week and am making it a habit to walk on the beach for some peace and quiet at least once a week
Do you have any pets? 2 dogs: a 10-year-old lab, Molly, and 6 month old crazy double doodle named Pretzel.
Do you have any interesting talents? No really LOL
Where can people find you at?
Check her and other awesome local vendors out on our Resources page.
Your website: latchonjax.com
Facebook: LatchOnJax
IG: @LatchOnJax
Professional headshots for Samantha were done by Christy Whitehead Photography.
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