Meet the Mansells
Darren is from South Africa. Meg, of Armenian descent, is from Iran. Their relationship and a passion for home renewal was forged in the United States. After marrying, they discovered a common interest and skill in remodeling after working on their first home together on Long Island, NY. A mom of three and successful Manhattan advertising exec for over a decade, Meg courageously decided to change careers and turn a fulfilling pastime into a business with Darren, a former tennis pro now real estate broker.
Over time, their combined expertise, attention to detail, ethics and persistence has led to many successful fixes and to the realization that their shared joy of working together and for work with positive purpose has built a business with a reputation for transforming houses in need into dream homes—Papillon Homes.
Starting Over
Meg arrived in the United States at age 6. In escape from the dangerous conflict in Iran, her family of four left an opulent lifestyle and home to reside together for many years in a studio apartment in Queens, NY. They knew no one and spoke no English—but they were safe. Her parents, once thriving professionals in their native land, started over in the U.S. by assuming menial jobs, working hard, re-educating themselves—and they achieved the American dream. Looking back, Meg says she learned a lasting lesson which carries her throughout life’s peaks and valleys—that the most successful people are those who can adapt and rise above adversity.
Tennis Anyone
Growing up in South Africa, Darren lived a good life. In the untimely event of his father’s passing, as a young teen Darren was forced to mature beyond his years. Searching for the balance he developed a stronger drive and will to succeed. At the age of 18 he boarded a plane to America with two tennis rackets and one duffel bag to attend university in North Carolina. On the worldwide tennis circuit after that as a professional player and coach, Darren decided to make Long Island, NY his last stop when he met Meg in 2010. With Meg, he found a reason to stand still.
Darren + Meg
In 2011, Darren proposed to Meg while on safari in Kruger National Park in Darren’s native South Africa. The following year, surrounded by family and friends, including Meg’s two daughters, the Mansell’s married in South Africa at a winery in Franschhoek on the Western Cape. Nearly seven years later, the busy redevelopers and their three children reside in Port Washington, NY.
