Two Of A Kind On Mother’s Day

By Daniel Crawford, The Sandy Standard

Monique Farinha and her daughter Taylor Torkelson are carrying on a family tradition as second and third generation property management agents for the Premiere Property Group located at 39355 Proctor Blvd. on the east end of Sandy.  

Farinha and Torkelson share two core traits, passed down from their mother and grandmother, respectively, to become successful in their careers. They both have the unique ability to make others feel comfortable and they both possess very quick witted personalities.They also share a taste for sushi.

Torkelson graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in business.  She recently earned her brokerage license. She is also engaged to be married to a construction worker in the Hoodland area.  

For now Torkelson is employed at Starbuck’s as the opening morning shift barista. After her shift is complete, she trades in her apron for a clipboard and meets her mom at the property management office. She and her mom have a plan to close a few deals in a row to give Torkelson a sustainable base of sales to start her agent career. 

“I love my job at Starbucks. I see myself staying in some kind of part-time role.  There are so many of the customers I truly would miss,” said Torkelson.

Torkelson is the second-oldest daughter and has shown the most interest in mom’s career. Torkelson credits her mother as inspiration.

Farinha has four children, all girls, ranging in ages from the youngest at 10 to the oldest who is 30.  The youngest and oldest share the distinction of both having blonde hair while the two middle daughters share dark brown hair like their mom.

“I call my youngest and oldest daughters my bookends,” laughs Farinha.

Farinha has an excellent relationship with all four of her children and she loves every moment of being a mom. Her oldest daughter, Jordyn, lives in Seoul, South Korea, where she is employed as a teacher. Jordyn graduated from Texas Tech University. She and her mom keep in touch in a variety of ways but when they want to speak on the phone, Farinha has to wake up extra early to take the call.

“I set my alarm for 2 a.m. to take her (Jordyn) calls.  It’s the only time we can chat but it’s worth it,” Farinha smiles. 

Daughters Skylar and Ryder both live at home. Skylar is enrolled in college and Ryder is still in elementary school. All of Farinha’s children have the letters “R” and “Y” in their unisex names.

Farinha and Torkelson have a special bond. They never fight. Never argue.  

They never have to make up because they never break up: they are a mother and daughter that have walked through life together to become friends.

Sunday May 10 is Mother’s Day. Living or passed on, remember Mom on Mother’s Day.