SOMA Living April 2026

MEET THE TORRE-LIPP FAMILY Leslie Torre and David Lipp first connected on MySpace 20 years ago, after Leslie opened their early conversation with one important question: did he like cheese? That simple exchange sparked a connection that eventually led them to SOMA. In 2018, they moved from Sunnyside, Queens, with their twins, Addy and Wyatt, now 10 years old.

Photography by Jamie Meier

For Leslie, the move began with an unexpected conversation at a baby shower. While talking about how much she loved Halloween, a fabulous woman sitting across from her (she knows who she is) mentioned that her town went all out for the holiday—and that town was Maplewood. “The charm of Maplewood, the annual Halloween parade, and the practical commute into New York City are what drew us to SOMA,” Leslie says. “We love it here—it feels like we’ve known our friends our entire lives.” David works for Oxford University Press, where he has managed authors since 2012. As he jokes, “I bug authors to turn in their books so they can be published.” Leslie previously worked as a creative director for a fitness company and now freelances as a graphic designer, with current projects at UCNJ. She also co owns The Charmery at The Co-Lab in South Orange.

APRIL 2026 | SOMA LIVING 9

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