Given the unanimous response from my post about, “What are we doing with our kids this year?!” I’ve decided to share the information I’ve collected to best guide you and help you through the great unknown. Will schools open? Well, it’s unclear, but in an effort to plan and prepare as much as possible, I found these 4 female founders who have inspired me, and created businesses to have us covered in a number of ways this year. For some of us who are at high risk, or have family members who are immune compromised, these options will serve as great tools for home-schooling and tutoring, as well as assistance with zoom school if that is the route you’re taking. Playful Learning, Admit New York, Blue Balloon, and Braintrust have all been interviewed below to give you a better idea of what each service delivers, so read them thoroughly to see what works best for your family, reach out and tell them Mama & Tata sent you!
Read moreMama-of-the-Moment: Miranda Kerr
As an international model, businesswoman, and mother of three, how do you juggle all these aspects of your life?
No two days are the same and it’s definitely a juggle, but I love it… I guess for me, the most important thing is making sure that I plan and schedule appropriately. I’m lucky that both the babies, Hart and Myles are pretty good with their sleep routines, so that makes life a little easier.
I’m passionate about having a healthy work/life balance and I feel fortunate to be able to balance a career while raising my family – I realise how lucky I am to be able to do both. My family are always top of mind and their needs come first, then I do my best to fit everything else in around their needs. I have multiple color-coded calendars and try to schedule in work meetings/calls/etc when the kids are napping, in classes or at school.
What was your initial inspiration to create your now award-winning natural skincare line, Kora Organics?
I initially got into the organic skincare space because I was looking for products that were certified organic, but I was unable to find anything that really worked, so I decided to create my own range. Creating KORA Organics combined my passion for wellbeing and my desire for healthy yet super powerful skincare.
I knew I wanted the range to be certified organic – this is something I feel very passionate about because what you put on your skin soaks into your bloodstream. Using certified organic ingredients naturally creates more powerful skincare because certified organic ingredients contain higher antioxidant levels; therefore, they produce more potent results than non-organic skincare, or even “clean” skincare for that matter. Certified organic is also “clean” but even more powerful because of the high-quality certified organic ingredients.
How have your children inspired you in your career as a model and entrepreneur?
My children inspire me every day in every way, from the way that they’re forever inquisitive, enjoy the simple things in life and remind me to be in the moment. Being around their child-like sense of wonder and curiosity is very inspiring. It’s also important for both Evan and I that our children understand that work is a necessary part of life.
What is coming up in the pipeline for your business? Any product in particular we should be looking forward to?
Yes! We have just launched the Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum! It is a powerful certified organic night treatment serum that uses natural AHAs, BHA and ferments to resurface your skin and increase cellular turnover, leaving you with a smoother more refined complexion. I’ve been using the it every night for the last 6 months and my skin feels amazing. My pores are noticeably smaller, my pigmentation spots are almost gone, and my skin feels super smooth. I’m obsessed!!! It's also energized with Amethyst and Rose Quartz crystals to help bring a soothing and calming energy to your night-time skincare routine. I apply the Noni Night Serum every evening on my face, neck and décolleté after I’ve cleansed my skin and before I apply my moisturizer & face oil. Based on recent consumer studies, 91% of consumers noticed pores appeared smaller, the appearance of dark spots & hyperpigmentation was minimized and that overall skin appeared more youthful. It’s really an amazing product that you must try!
What is your daily beauty regimen? Do you have any glowy secret skin products you use regularly?
Before I shower, I dry body brush all over, it’s a great way to get the circulation going and remove any dead skin cells.
In the morning I use the Foaming Cleanser followed by Energizing Citrus Mist, then the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum. It contains a 12% VITAMIN C Super Complex that helps with pigmentation, fine lines & wrinkles, and increases skin firmness & elasticity. Then I apply the Noni Radiant Eye Oil and Hydrating Moisturizer mixed with a few drops of Noni Glow Face Oil and apply over my face, neck and décolletage.
I’m obsessed with our Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating 2 in 1 mask and use it 3-4 times a week as facial scrub and mini mask. It’s like an at-home facial in a tube as it brightens, deeply cleanses, reduces any inflammation and evens skin tone. I love to use it in the shower in the mornings as the peppermint aromatherapy is so invigorating and uplifting. It contains the naturally active AHAs of Papaya Enzymes and Apsen Bark to promote skin cell turnover and the Rosehip Seeds and Quartz particles provide a deep physical exfoliation.
In the evenings I double cleanse using the Cream Cleanser, swap out the Energising Mist for the Calming Lavender Mist (I also spritz this on my pillow before going to sleep), then apply 1-2 pumps of our new Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum. I then follow with the remainder of my routine (Noni Radiant Eye Oil, Noni Glow Face Oil and Hydrating Cream).
I apply the Noni Glow Sleeping Mask each evening before bed, It’s a multitasking overnight face mask that’s more hydrating and restorative than a regular night cream. It contains Silver Ear Mushroom, Coconut Milk, Caviar Lime, Kakdu Plum and natural hyaluronic acid, which really plumps the skin, softens fine lines, reduces redness and inflammation, improves cell renewal, tone and texture and boosts radiance and luminosity. I use it as the last step in my routine before I go to bed and there’s no need to wash it off until the morning, because it dries as a translucent veil, it locks in the moisture and won’t rub off on your pillow!
Another step to my beauty routine is our heart-shaped Rose Quartz Facial Sculptor, which harnesses the ancient healing technique known as gua sha. It’s a rose quartz heart-shaped stone used massage your face & neck to stimulate circulation and reduce puffiness while lifting, toning and sculpting your face. I use this technique daily for a 5-minute facial massage with the Noni Glow Face Oil as it also helps it absorb deeper into your skin.
What skincare products do you prefer to use on your children?
I’ve used my body products on all my children since birth. I use the Body Wash in the bath and the Body Lotion, Body Oil, Body Balm and Face Balm to keep their skin nourished and hydrated.
What is your favorite secret spot in Sydney, Australia?
I love to do the Bondi to Bronte walk and go to Camp Cove!
What values do you hope to instill in your children?
We put a focus on cultivating kindness, compassion and gratitude within our home, and teach the importance of manners, respect and forgiveness.
How do you give back?
We donate to many different charities and organizations from Children’s wellness and education, to various Woman’s charities, mental health organizations and environmental disaster relief funds. Philanthropy is very important to us as a family. We also volunteer at various homeless shelters.
The Giant Room - Little Giants
‘Tis the season of indoor play in NYC, and although it’s not my favorite season, I do try to get creative for the kiddos on the weekends. I am excited to share a new play space with you that is different from others I’ve seen. The GIANT Room mixes art with science, and is filled with the most challenging, yet fun activities for our little ones; from giant blank canvases for art making, to complicated tech tools they can put together and break apart, to laser cutters and 3D printers, this room is fully equipped to make our children feel GIANT. It is a colorful, safe, and educational environment for our kids to learn and explore independently, with the help of their female founders who have a background in early childhood education. It’s a space where kids can design clothing, make a mural, build a toy car, learn coding, and basically create anything they can think of. I can’t wait to take the girls to this Chelsea children’s paradise!
Read moreMama-of-the-Moment: Amy Miller Gross
Our Mama-of-the-Moment this week is Amy Miller Gross, writer and director of new film, "Accommodations," which is now on showtime and showtime on demand and coming to other platforms shortly!
Read moreMama-of-the-Moment: Wishi's Karla Welch
Describe yourself in three words…
Hardworking, kind, fierce.
You are true role models in the fashion industry. How did you come together to create your online styling business, Wishi?
A little bit of magic. A lot of creative thinking and shared values and goals!
What was your initial inspiration?
Bringing my process of helping my clients to everyone. I felt, if I can bring ease to peoples lives and make them feel a little more confident on what they wear, then my work is done.
What is the best and the hardest part of starting your own company?
Well, it is amazing to build something, but it is super hard work, so I guess what makes it amazing also makes it stressful!
How do you benefit the mom on-the-go?
Because we take the guessing out of getting ready. And, its such an adjustment after having a baby, the last person we take care of is ourselves, we are here to take care of you… even if it's just a little text!
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Because we are bringing industry experts in the styling field - we aren't a bot service, real stylists with amazing technology. Our mission is really clear, it is about making our clients feel great!
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Good clothes open doors.
Mamas of the Moment: The Kit's Simone Harouche and Jamie Mizrahi
We often get a cute little black dress with an open back or a flattering silky dress that shows every detail of the body, but never give much thought on HOW we will wear our undergarments and still look have it look seamless. Luckily, two of the best celebrity stylists are here to help: Simone Harouche and Jamie Mizrahi. This power duo just launched their undergarments essentials line named, The Kit with the perfect solution when dressing for any occasion. The line is incredibly comfortable and practical for everyone. You’ll find everything from bodysuits to unlined soft bras, even pieces you never knew existed! Thanks to them now we’ll be red carpet ready in our everyday life.
Read moreSuper Smalls - Like Mother, Like Daughter
What kid doesn’t love a little shimmer and shine!?! My girls love playing with jewels, particularly my expensive pieces that I don’t necessarily want them running around with. They always ask for clip on earrings when they wear fancy dresses, and their go-to shoes are most definitely their mary-janes that sparkle. I hate to tell them they can’t play with something, but they don’t quite understand how fragile real jewelry is. Luckily, a good friend of mine, Maria Duenas is making the most beautiful costume jewelry for our kids, that looks identical to the real thing! It is appropriately named Super Smalls to reflect the inception story of how her own daughter wanted to be able to wear beautiful pieces similar to Maria’s personal collection. The idea behind the brand was inspired by the “super” innovative and creative ideas of her “smalls!” I mean, who better than the former Elle accessories editor to be the pioneer of such a stylish and desirable product!?! I might be stealing some pieces from my girl’s jewelry boxes now, particularly my childhood favorite, the mood ring(new and improved!) I can’t wait to get all of her sparkly jewelry kits; they are the perfect holiday gifts!
Read moreMama-of-the-Moment: Joy Bauer
You are the author for multiple best-selling books, a tv host, a columnist, the official nutritionist of NYC ballet and a mother of 3! How do you manage to juggle these aspects of your life and make it all work?
I’ve become a master juggler! I work insanely hard, but I choose work projects I truly love, so while it can sometimes feel exhausting, it’s also incredibly rewarding and fun. It also helps that I hire smart people who help me every step of the way. Plus, I have a wonderfully supportive family. They’re always there for me—cheering me on, testing recipes, offering good advice and a helping hand.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
For as long as I can remember, I was drawn to all things health. If you were to ask my mom, I was making messes in her kitchen—or, as I like to say, concocting healthy creations—ever since I was a little girl. I was also a competitive gymnast most of my young adult life, so I always cared greatly about health and wellness. In college, I studied kinesiology (I was a total science nerd) and then planned to attend medical school, but before I went down that path, I got a graduate degree in clinical nutrition. It was love at first class—and I knew I had found my calling.
To this day, whenever someone comes up to me to tell me that one of my recipes has become a family favorite or one of my tips has helped them drop weight or boost their energy or lower their cholesterol or got their kids eating veggies, there’s no better feeling in the world. It is such a rewarding and fulfilling career, and I’m beyond blessed to be in a position to help people change their lives for the better. I love my job!
How do you carve out "me" time with all of those responsibilities?
I take my “me time” when I can get it, and it’s not always “me time” in the typical/conventional sense. For instance, I try to start every day by taking a minute or two to think about a few things I’m grateful for—my family, my job, my health, my adorable fur baby. This puts me in a good frame of mind for the day ahead. I’ll also enjoy a few moments of deep breathing or stretching in between emails or conference calls.
And I love my time in the kitchen—it’s my therapy. It’s a double bonus when I recruit my family or friends to help with prep or cooking (or even sit at the island sipping wine while I cook), because I’m experimenting and creating fun and healthy recipes and spending quality time with my kids or husband or girlfriends. I view all of these moments as “me time.”
As a passionate hardworking mama, what is the best and the hardest part of these two full-time jobs?
The hardest parts: Balance. Being present. Disconnecting from work. I always try my best to make sure I’m not living my business life when I’m at home living my personal life… (I say “try”…because I’m constantly working at this and reminding myself to be in the present and to savor the moment).
Congratulations on your new book “Yummy Yoga”! The book is so much fun and perfect for engaging our little ones who are just learning. Can you tell us more about the book? How have your children inspired your work?
Thanks! I had so much fun working on it and am glad people are excited about it!
I’ve always had a passion for helping kids foster a love for good health. Early in my career, I worked in pediatric cardiology at Mount Sinai Hospital. I also had the chance to implement health programs in communities that were identified as being high risk for obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes (specifically Harlem and East Harlem in New York City). For years, I taught nutrition and exercise classes to children in kindergarten all the way through 12th grade—it was one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had! It was so inspiring to watch these impressionable kids sop up the information and make dramatic changes. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe. From working with thousands of kids throughout my career—and raising three of my own—I’ve learned two important things:
It can often be TOUGH to get little ones to try new healthy foods. They’re much more likely to latch on when we make it fun, exciting and interactive.
So when my college friend, Bonnie Stephens, a brilliant photographer and yogi… sent me a “food sculpture” she had built and photographed… my brain started spinning. I knew there was something super cool and creative here. And then, YUMMY YOGA was born – we built playful yoga poses made out of healthy foods that kids can mimic… and then I designed tasty kid-friendly recipes to go along with each of them. The goal is that the fun poses make the foods more enticing and crave-worthy!
My huge hope is that this book will help parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers – even older siblings—encourage their precious little ones to latch on to good health.
You’re a professional nutritionist and a fitness and health icon... What are your go-to healthy snack brands for your kids?
I’m obsessed with making my own homemade creations—they’re so quick and easy.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Take advantage of your slow cooker—it’s like having your very own personal chef! Just toss everything into the magic pot in the AM and you come home to an amazing delish and healthful meal. Plus, the kitchen smells divine. Of course, there are other cooking gadgets that I love and use all the time—my Instant pot, air fryer, spiralizer, blender, food processor and so on. But my slow cooker always takes the top spot.
Here are two fave slow cooker recipes:
What are your favorite healthy, family-friendly restaurants in NYC?
Waverly Diner and Malaparte.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Life is hard, food should be easy!
Mama-of-the-Moment: Ambre Dahan
What inspired you to create your own line?
I am very creative and I also have an entrepreneurial mindset – my challenge is always to streamline which idea should be explored. For example, I love making jewelry, so I started Ambre Victoria five years ago. But I also love cooking and interior design! The name for SPRWMN came to me as I was driving from Malibu trying to juggle single mom life, my friends, being my own contractor on my new house, personal challenges with relationships, money, etc.
How does your line positively impact your clientele?
It’s all in the name! It is me but it is also every woman in my life, and seriously every single woman out there. I want every woman to know she is a superwoman. It is not easy to be female and juggle all the aspects of life (motherhood, relationships, career, etc.) while also finding time to work on yourself.
What is your favorite part of being a designer?
I love the endless possibilities. I started SPRWMN exclusively doing leather, but now we have a full range of sweats, tees and, soon, denim. I really wanted to open a SPRWMN café, but for now I am focused on the collection. I like the challenge of creating something new each season.
How have your daughters influenced you in your career as a designer and entrepreneur?
Oh yes! They are my engine. Everything I do is for them. I want them to be proud; they see me working and always being creative. I want them to know that everything is possible. They really want me to dress Billie Eilish ☺
How do you juggle your dual roles and mama and fashion designer?
I have the best nanny, Yaya, that has been with me forever, even before my kids were born. She’s like family to us—she’s my nanny too ☺ My ex-husband, Joe, is my partner in SPRWMN, and he is the biggest support in my life. It is a very special relationship and I am very grateful.
Where do you like to shop with your daughters?
My daughters LOVE vintage, which I love, so we go to Jet Rag and all the shops on Melrose Avenue. They only want vintage Levi’s, and they also love Urban Outfitters.
What is your favorite LA spot?
Hard to say! There are so many different places in the city. I go everywhere, but I love where I live in the Hollywood Hills. I also spend a lot of time in Malibu, which is a dream, and the most amazing thing about LA is that you can have both—the city and the ocean. In the 15 years I have lived here, LA has evolved in such amazing ways, with good art and fashion. It is truly where I want to be!
How do you give back?
My friend Kelly has an amazing charity called Baby2Baby, so I donate all of my girls’ toys and clothes to them. The other day my friend Ali introduced us to an amazing charity in Africa called GroundUp Africa, and we bought little desks, expandable shoes, goats and chickens. It was so tangible and we loved it.
How did you get your start in business and what advice would you give to other mamas who want to launch a company?
You have to trust your intuition. I believe in organic and genuine journeys. Stepping stones are all around you, plant seeds where you can—life is an amazing teacher. Do everything with grace and kindness.
Playgarden Prep - First Steps
Although my days at pre-school are long gone, I’m excited to share that my dear friend Valeska has opened up her fabulous Montessori-based program on the Upper East Side! There are so many programs out there for children age 2-4, but hers is by far my favorite because of the solid foundations she provides her students. When my girls were younger, they both started out at Playgarden Prep and have such strength when it comes to independence, confidence, socialization, and character. I loved the program so much, I would have kept them in school with her for pre-K too if she’d offered it! My favorite aspect of this early learning center is the education it provides giving our little ones the tools to thrive in the next chapter of schooling. It’s a perfect feeder program for both progressive and more traditional elementary schools, and the Upper East Side is lucky to have them in the neighborhood.
Read moreBlocks, Trucks & Art - New & Improved
Years ago, I shared a more temporary business Jeff Mayer and wife Angela De Vincenzo had established for summers out east. This dynamic duo has since made the Hamptons a permanent residence, and in doing so they have re-created and revamped their truck and biking facility Blocks, Trucks, + Art to be equipped for year-long use. Embarrassingly, a little secret about me, I learned to ride a bike out here when I was 11 years old. For whatever reason, I never spent time learning, but always wished I’d honed in on this skill that lasts a lifetime. Luckily, I have Jeff to thank for teaching my girls how to ride way earlier, at 5 and 7! They have been taking a few lessons and after just one, could pedal on their own for a few feet. I highly recommend this if you want to teach your children how to ride properly, and then accelerate to their incredible dirt bike path, where they get to listen to some great tunes from the DJ booth set up in the truck. Their track is a great way to encourage and facilitate both socialization and physical education. You may even want to join your kids for the ride!
Read moreMama-of-the-Moment: Kaylee DeFer
Describe yourself in 3 words…
I had to defer this question to Lauren and Ali… We always joke that we need to take class on how to talk about ourselves… or just talk to humans in general.
Lauren & Ali: Kaylee is loyal, open-hearted, and incredibly warm. She is literally the best!
How did you get inspired to create Milkit?
Milkit was inspired by the astonishing power of women and the transition into motherhood. Ali, Lauren, and I all became pregnant with our second children at the same time, and we were all overwhelmed by unnecessarily extensive checklists about how and what to pack for the hospital. We wanted to refine what mamas really need for that radically life-changing day. We also wanted to provide mamas with beautiful and ethical products to feel pampered and taken care of without having to think about it.
What is the story begins the brand?
We believe that aesthetics and ethics don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We feel we have a responsibility to how and where our products our made, and that conscientious drives our mission. So, we took our (almost 7) collective birth experiences to create simple, sleek, thoughtfully designed and ethically sourced postpartum essentials meant to take you beyond the delivery room and out into the world with your new babe.
How do you carve out “me time” being a mother of 3 boys, and co-founder of Milkit? How do you like to spend that time?
Well, I’m still baking number 3 right now, but it’s feeling increasingly difficult at the moment. Honestly, it’s not easy, but I couldn’t have a dreamier situation. I get to work from home with my two best friends and all of our children on a project that supports pregnant and postnatal women! It really couldn’t get better than that. It’s definitely challenging to get anything done when you have 6 kids running around. There’s never a dull moment, that’s for sure. But, what we’ve created is really beautiful. We are raising our children with an actual village. A tribe. It’s a cliche thing people always say when you have kids, and it’s not easy to accomplish in this day and age with everyone’s busy schedules and location proximity, but somehow we all found each other and it all happened in an amazing organic way. I wish that for all mamas entering this world.
What are your favorite go-to products for this motherhood master kit?
My favorite products in our kit currently are:
The MIlkit Diaper bag. It's the perfect no fuss bag. I use it with or without my kids present. It also doubles as the perfect work bag. The large pocket in the back fits my laptop. The side pockets fit my water bottle and usually a snack or coffee beverage. It’s become my biggest necessity.
Our Milkit Robe. It’s so soft and cozy, with 3/4 sleeves and a shorter hemline so you don’t have to fuss with a bunch of extra fabric for all those million times you have to pee. It is the only robe I’ve found that completely covers my belly at 9 months, and gives my that extra flow when my belly isn’t massive.
Our Milkit x O-M Ceramics Mug. I drink my labor prep teas by Oat Mama every day out of that gorgeous mug. And I will be drinking the Lactation teas we provide in the bag, very soon.
Poppy and Someday’s Rose Quartz face spray for during and after labor. I’m pretty obsessed with it.
And last, but not least, the Erbaviva Relax Room Spray. It works as a room and body spray and HAND SANITIZER. It smells incredible and its safe for you and baby.
If you had to choose the next 3 products you’d want to introduce to your customer, what would they be?
We’re always on the hunt for new ethical brands. Right now we are all obsessed with Olio E Osso’s lip tints. Orez Lifestyle has these amazing reusable napkin/utensil kits you can add on or customize. They are so beautiful and smart. I feel like that’s something all moms could use on the go. Sakura Bloom is another brand that’s on target with our company, providing beautiful baby slings and carriers. We’d love to incorporate any or all of those items in the next limited edition run.
What are your favorite nutritious snacks?
We are all obviously very into the snacks we picked for the bag, but on a regular daily basis, I’m a trail mix person. I always have nuts in my car or diaper bags. It’s always about what I can bring on the go that my kids will also eat. All of us and our kids are very into the nut butter by SuperFat. The kids devour the Original and we keep the MCT + Probiotic pouch for ourselves. Another easy snack on the go is just an old fashioned apple or banana.
What is your beauty and exercise regimen to help inspire all of the new Mamas out there?
I’m a big proponent of self care. I always take time for myself to do something that relaxes me and or makes me feel happy or pretty or in a perfect world, all of the above. When I want to splurge I do a lymphatic treatment at Ricari Studios. And before I got pregnant, I would do infrared saunas or sweat lodges to top my workout routine with a little detox. I love yoga and pilates, but if I’m being totally honest, these days I’m feeling pretty solid about myself if I can just get out for a walk.
What are your favorite kid friendly/baby-friendly activities and restaurants in LA?
It can be difficult to find things my 5.5 yr old and a 2 yr old both get excited about, and lets be honest, my husband and I also want to be entertained! We all love a trip to Huntington Garden or Descanso Garden. They have beautiful seasonal events for the whole family and it gets you outside. We’re also a big fan of Kitchen Mouse in Highland Park. They have delicious vegetarian food and a kids play corner for those restless babes… which is basically every child.
Pay it forward and name 3 mentors in your industry (can be other female entrepreneurs)…
I’m constantly inspired by Rachel Craven and Beatrice Valenzuela. They are two best friends and mothers that started selling their crafts out of their back yard in Echo Park and 10 years later expanded into one of the most desirable Craft Fairs in the US. They have completely different aesthetics, but both equally beautiful. To me Rachel signifies the simple-no bullshit-woman who always looks elegant without ever trying. And Beatrice signifies romance, desire, in a zesty rebellious way. I love those ladies and I’m so grateful for their friendship. They helped us launch our company on Mothers Day at the Echo Park Craft Fair. We couldn’t be more proud to have gotten our start there with all of those talented vendors.
Gwyneth Paltrow is another force we absolutely respect and admire. I love that she’s using her platform to bring awareness to ways we can make positive changes for ourselves, the environment, and our workplace. Her emphasis on ethics, sustainability, and eco-friendly products are right in line with our mission, and her aesthetics are on point too!
What values do you hope to instill in your children?
The big ones in our family are kindness and respect. We believe that is the foundation of all things great in life. If you come at any person, obstacle, or endeavor with a respect for them or the opposing view and a kind heart, you can accomplish anything.
Where can we purchase the Milkit?
Right now you can only get it at our website.
Each run is limited and exclusive. We will be changing up the products every new release to showcase all of the amazing brands trying to change the industry. Get yours before we sell out!
Mama-of-the-Moment: Adrienne Bosh
Describe yourself in 3 words…
Wife, Mother, Founder, Dreamweaver, Mompreneur, Activist, Manifestor, Philanthropist…it’s hard for me to just pick 3!
How do you manage to carve out “me time” being a mother of 5? How do you like to spend that time?
I am a big believer in “me time,” especially as a mother of 5. I practice a self-care regimen that I call my “goddess rituals,” which helps me unwind from even the most stressful situations. One of my favorite go-to’s usually involves drawing a warm bath full of essential oils, lavender, and bath salts. I’m addicted to anything aromatherapy driven, I love scents! I’m also a big fan of stealing time for myself by doing yoga, daily meditation (a non-negotiable, ESPECIALLY when you have 5 kids), or treating myself to an at-home massage. I also love a movie night with my hubby, even if it’s at home after I’ve tucked the kids in bed.
What are your favorite Miami activities with the kids?
We do a lot in Miami, which is an amazing place for kids. We love to go to the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens, Jungle Island, Frost Museum, The Poppet Project, or even the Miami Kids Museum. Also, my kids will never pass up a movie date, so sometimes it’s as simple as going to Ipic to see the latest installment of a Pixar movie. A movie night always keeps them in their happy place (which you can do in any city!).
Read moreThe Wonder - Play All Day
There’s a new play space in town, and you’re going to want to sign up! The Wonder opened up its first location in TriBeCa, the Mecca of family life. This is a space for both kids and adults to congregate, truly bringing the outdoors in! There is a lot of open play space, filled with themed wooden toys, a cozy book corner, and room for arts and crafts. Unlike other play spaces, this one is also geared towards adults looking to sit and work or grab a bite in the cafe. There is a private room carved out as a workspace, as well as a soothing nursery to bring babies while the kids run around. I’ve never seen a more well-thought out environment for children and their parents in NYC. Founders and parents, Noria and Sarah, made this space a members only club you will want to be a part of, and it’s constantly evolving with the seasons to feel fresh and new.
Read moreMama-of-the-Moment: Melissa Grillo
Describe yourself in three words
Loyal, Trustworthy, Driven.
How have your children inspired your work at Forerunner?
My older daughter Peri has greatly inspired me to continue achieving my dreams as a working mother. I remember one day when I was feeling defeated and overall guilty about not being able to pick her up from school every day (you know — the general working mom regret), and I asked her, "Peri, do you like that I work or would you rather I stayed home with you?"
Her response to me was simply: “I think working makes you smarter.” This little statement made me feel so much better and motivated me to a totally new level. I hope she didn’t say it because she doesn't want me around, but I'm choosing to look at the positive here. :)
Read moreMama-of-the-Moment: Melissa Wood-Tepperberg
Describe yourself in 3 words...
Loving, passionate and loyal.
What is your daily workout regimen?
My workouts! I love to mix it up with either my 30-minute full body or an abs/arms targeted flow. I also live for my power booty series. I share all of my workouts on my website and offer a 5 Day Free Trial for all people that are new to me.
What are your favorite go-to healthy snacks for both you and your children?
Mustache Munchies (they're like an insane vegan goldfish) for myself and my son, and then for my daughter, the Baby Mum Mums.
Read moreMama-of-the-Moment: Kathryn Brolin
Describe yourself in 3 words...
Mother. Art. Spirituality.
What inspired you to create Midheaven?
Midheaven was inspired by all the women I would meet who were tall like I am. It was a constant topic of conversation: jeans for tall women! "Where did you get your jeans? Ugh, I can never find them long enough...." I grew up to be very tall, very fast. I kept getting taller, and my pants kept getting shorter. I couldn't find a company out there that I could be loyal to, that would always have a selection of on-trend, beautifully made garments that were customized for women who had a taller than average frame. I really wanted to create a line of denim for others out there who cared about not only length, but who cared about fit and quality also.
Please share your launch story...
I had been marinating on the idea of creating this product for some time, when I happened to run into a neighbor of mine. We got to talking and it turned out she had been in the denim world for 30 years as a manufacturer. Her and her husband got out of the business in 2008, but still had all their contacts and offered to show me around and introduce me to their old factory, production manager and pattern maker. I started by making one pair of jeans: a mid-rise flare with a 38" inseam, something I hadn't been able to find in the right length. That pair of jeans took me 1 year to perfect, and during that year I learned as much as I could about the process of bringing a design to reality from start to finish. I kept going, and created three more styles with that particular team. During that time, I came up with the name "Midheaven," and decided to launch those four products as a small collection specifically for tall women, and advertise this would-be business on social media. We launched in January of last year and haven't looked back.
What has been the biggest help for brand exposure so far?
Instagram! What a powerful tool instagram is. We live in a world where everyone is so connected and we are able to bring forth our creations and expose those creations to a wider audience in a short period of time than was ever possible before. Not only am I able to target my specific demographic, but I am able to communicate with my customers and ask them what they would like to see next. That communication and access to my customer is invaluable and is solely because of social media.
What differentiates your denim brand from others in your market?
Most of the denim brands focus on the widest audience possible which means AVERAGE. Unfortunately, many of us fall outside of the "average" sizing scale. Midheaven caters to a very underserved demographic: the tall woman. While we carry product that a not-so-tall woman would absolutely love also, we really wanted someone to be able to shop Midheaven no matter how tall they are. We also carry plus sizes as well, so that no matter your figure, Midheaven will have product you can depend on that is both made to fit beautifully and offers a wide variety of styles for different body types.
How has your new baby motivated and inspired you to create?
Westlyn is a huge inspiration for me to go for my dreams and continue to create, no matter what. She is constantly moving, constantly laughing, constantly excited to see new and different things and people. I feel like my inner child is expressed through her. I don't ever want to allow my life to get so complicated that I stop doing what I love and being creative on every level. I love working hard. I love challenging myself. I love newness and exploring and educating myself. Business is so interesting to me, and in the beginning, I knew NOTHING about business. I loved the challenge and have learned so much not only about what it takes to run a business, but I learned so much about myself also. I want her to be proud and to see that her mother sets goals and achieves them. And when she is older I want her to understand the premise of Midheaven: that it is about confidence. Fashion is expression, and what we put on our bodies should help us express how we feel on the inside. My goal for Midheaven was to help women feel comfortable and confident in their clothes and that inevitably impacts how we operate. I like the positivity of the message and I like that Westlyn's impact on me as a mother and as a woman is absolutely part of each step we take in growing this business.
What are your favorite go-to fashion brands?
Stella McCartney - she is a pioneer in the sustainable fashion space and that is so inspiring to me. We source our fabric from Candiani, which is the greenest denim mill in the world. I don't think you can work in this business, or simply be a consumer of fashion without looking at its impact on the world and the environment. In building this company, I really wanted to make sure that I wasn't being reckless in trying to minimize my footprint. We pay a lot of money to get our fabric here from Italy, and the reason why we do that is because of the way the mill is aiming for sustainability as well. Their cotton is responsibility sourced from the Better Cotton Initiative and all of their waste products are recycled from their spinning, warping and dying departments. I am always researching ways we can improve our processes as a whole and what we can do to explore more sustainable means of production. We very much respect other brands who are doing the same.
What values do you hope to instill in your child?
I would love to teach her that being respectful and honest is so important in everything you do in life. Nothing is worth cutting others down for. We are living in such a beautiful time where women supporting women is being spotlighted and encouraged. I want her to feel the impact of the work that is being done right now and know in her bones that you give what you get. If you give support and love and encouragement and genuinely feel happy for others when they achieve their dreams or hit milestones in their endeavors, she will get that energy back in spades.
I also want her to feel connected with her spiritual life. I am religious and very spiritual. It has taken me a long time to find stride with my own personal spiritual journey. I was very encouraged by my mother to read as much as I could, to research as much as I could and think and explore and find my own connection to God as I felt truth in. I want to pass that on to my children as well.
What are your favorite go-to activities in LA for Moms?
Taking a hike up Runyon Canyon or any hiking in Malibu and Santa Monica... going to the beach or going to the Santa Monica pier and playing video games or walking to the very end and watching the fisherman... Taking a bike down the Venice boardwalk is definitely a weekly activity of ours. We also recently brought "Bean" (Westlyn) to the Getty Museum to see Sally Mann's exhibit. She absolutely loved it and stared at each piece we strolled her in front of. Highly recommend.
What would be your dream collaboration?
I would absolutely love to do a collaboration with a bathing suit company. My customers are always asking for bathing suits (mainly one-pieces) that are designed for taller women. I would love to do activewear too, which is actually in the works with a brand we cant reveal yet (yay!) Also, Cynthia Rowley is pretty amazing and has been one of my mentors since the beginning. I would love to do a pair of jeans or two with her at some point.
Union Square Play - A Place to Grow
When my sister’s dear friend, Jennie Monness started her blog Mo’Mommies, I was thrilled for her, as she dedicated her life (pre-parenthood) to studying childhood development, and was probably the most prepared mother-to-be I knew. I loved the philosophy behind her play-based methods, and her blog helped her create an actual physical space for babies and children to come learn. Union Square Play is a new play-space which offers drop-in classes throughout the day where children are encouraged to explore the environment and find activities that foster their curiosities to expand their development. There is a beautiful community of parents that have found each other through their children in USP, who have created a very nurturing and supportive culture, that is unique and special. Jennie has also brought on one of my personal favorite activities, playAGAIN with Lisa Zaretsky, who now has a permanent space within USP, so go say hello for me!
Read moreMini Magazine Feature - Mama and Me
We were very excited and honored to be featured in our favorite parenting publication, Mini Magazine. It was fun taking the opportunity to be self-reflective in answering their interview questions. The girls were giving me so much love in our shoot with Ana Gambuto, I didn’t want it to end. I appreciate the magazine capturing the authenticity of our home and family life, and creating such a beautiful spread that I’ll cherish forever. Visit their website to view the full issue along with my interview.
Mini Magazine, Spring 2019 Issue
Broadway Bees - Theater Camp
As we can all tell from my Instagram account, I have two very theatrical daughters who love the performing arts. When I was little, I volunteered for every play offered between camp and school, always hoping for a lead role, as singing dancing and acting were my passion. I’m happy to have found Broadway Bees, a short-term summer camp program that runs weekly, in Manhattan, the Hamptons, and Greenwich, supporting children’s acting skills and assisting with confidence building and public speaking. I believe that enrolling children in programs like this at a young age will facilitate strength and risk-taking, even for children who struggle with speaking up and voicing their opinions in the classroom. This program was founded by Valentina Berger, a Broadway veteran, who has worked as a producer in the industry for years, and I’m excited for the girls to try it out.
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