Motherhood Designed

In this episode I’m joined by Lindsay Mullenger, the founder of keepsake storage company Petite Keep. Petite Keep’s line of beautiful storage trunks and other keepsake items helps moms, brides, and families in general to store items and memories from life’s favorite moments. Lindsay is a mom if four girls herself, and shares her perspective on building Petite Keep while still working in the corporate world. I also loved chatting with her about life as a girl mom, the roles that keepsakes play in kids’ lives, the importance of carving out time and hobbies for yourself, and her unwavering support of other female entrepreneurs.

In this episode I’m joined by Lauren Robbins of Lauren Robbins Interiors. As a wife, mom of three, interior designer and business owner, Lauren knows a LOT about balancing demanding life and work schedules. Her Augusta-based firm Lauren Robbins Interiors is best known for their modern take on traditional design, and  her all-female team works with families across the Southeast and beyond to infuse lifestyle and identity into their homes,while creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Lauren was so incredibly sweet and down to earth, and offered a great perspective on taking time off, making big moves, and also some tips for using high-end items in spaces with children. I know you’ll relate and enjoy hearing more about her experience!

In this episode I’m talking to Easter Ahn Lee, the founder of a fine jewelry brand Easter Ahn Designs. Easter’s company creates beautifully balanced, delicate styles with a relentless commitment to quality in craftsmanship and excellence in design. In founding her company, Easter sought more flexibility to spend time with her children, and today appreciates the balance that self-employment and entrepreneurship has brought to her family life. Our conversation covered transforming heirloom jewelry pieces, the secrets to great gift giving, and the importance of female friendship.

I’m so excited to welcome sisters Maddy Howey and Kate Conroy, co-founders of brand Pippen House which launches today, May 9. Pippen House’s signature duvet revolutionizes the ease of changing your duvet cover, and Maddy and Kate are just getting started. From the path to creating their product, to how they’ve supported each other as sisters and moms, this conversation was so refreshing and FUN to have. Maddy and Kate feel like everyone’s best friends, and I loved their candor and honesty on so many taboo topics.

In this episode I’m talking to Jennifer Teplin, licensed clinical social worker and the founder of boutique psychotherapy practice Manhattan Wellness. As a mom herself and therapist who specializes in supporting women, Jennifer had so much to share about her own experience with motherhood, as well as what kinds of support she thinks all moms can benefit from. Our conversation covered everything from the pros and cons of social media, to what issues couples face following the birth of a child, to differentiating the mom you thought you’d be from the mom you are. Not only was Jennifer amazing to talk to on a personal level, but this episode is full of great advice from someone who’s helped dozens of women through the challenging years of new motherhood.

In this episode I’m talking to Elizabeth Kendrick, the founder of smocked children’s clothing company Ann & Reeves Kids.  After having her daughter, Elizabeth was eager to find clothes for her that were affordable and celebration-worthy, no matter the occasion. She took the leap while on maternity leave and started Ann + Reeves Kids as a side hustle to her full time job (in addition to also being a wife and a mother). Today, Elizabeth successfully runs her business while also maintaining a traditional corporate career. Her unique situation gives her the perfect perspective to offer great advice on juggling competing priorities, including how to let certain things go without guilt or outsource tasks to others. Enjoy!

I’m so excited to welcome a guest I’ve been wanting to have since starting this podcast- Marghi Adzick, fellow Philadelphian and founder of activewear company Addison Bay. Marghi’s has accomplished a LOT in the last five years! She launched Addison Bay in 2018, and since then has grown the company tremendously. During that time, she also had three children, and has learned to juggle life as an entrepreneur with being a hands-on parent. In this episode Marghi shares so much about the lessons she’s learned since becoming a mom and business owner, from her experience with IVF, to how her exercise habits have changed, to what transitions have been the hardest. She was so fun and genuine to talk to, and her positive attitude is truly contagious- you’ll finish listening motivated to tackle something new!

In this episode I’m talking to Marissa Galante Frank, fashion director in beauty and accessories at Bloomingdale’s. Having been in the fashion industry for over a decade, Marissa shared the story of how she’s gotten where she is today, as well as how she’s adapted to balancing work and mom life since having her daughter a few years ago. From dealing with the mom guilt that comes from work travel, to finding female mentorship, to items that have boosted her confidence as she expects her second child, we had a wonderful and candid conversation about what motherhood has looked like for her in the corporate world. This is a great listen for any new or expecting mom dealing with the balance of work and motherhood- enjoy!

In this episode I’m thrilled to welcome Andrea Faulkner Williams, who co-founded the ubiquitous baby and children’s care line Tubby Todd nearly ten years ago with her husband. Andrea was amazing to talk to, and one of the most honest and forthcoming guests to date- between having four kids and running a successful company, she knows what works for her and was an open book when it came to difficult topics like sleep in the early years, setting boundaries between work and family life, and the importance of dating your spouse. I’m so excited to share our conversation with you, as I think her messages will resonate and build community with so many women. 

Today’s episode is a conversation with Suzie Welsh Devine, the founder of the custom women’s supplement company Binto. Suzie is a registered nurse with experience in the fertility field, and was inspired to create Binto to help women feel in control in all parts of their reproductive journeys. From her background in clinical nursing, to her own fertility struggles, to the obstacles she’s overcome in founding Binto and how she balances being a CEO with having an infant, Suzie’s work ethic is truly inspiring and I know her story will help women in many stages of fertility and motherhood. 

This episode is an interview with Betsey Mosby, interior designer and founder of Betsey Mosby Interiors. Based in Mississippi, Betsey is a mom of two and a successful interior designer known for her functional, traditional-meets-contemporary aesthetic. This episode is a great resource for anyone wanting to find out a bit more about what custom interior design entails, as well as for any parent struggling with the clutter that takes over your house with kids! Betsey offered some great tips on both, as well as her unique career path into design, how she deals with social media, and her experiences with mom guilt. I loved learning from Betsey’s expertise and I hope you do, too- enjoy!

This episode is a conversation with Sara Banks, the founder of the beautiful luggage brand Steamline Luggage and mom to four boys. Sara is currently doing something incredible in traveling the world with her family, spending several weeks or months at a time in destinations like Greece, Colombia, and Kenya. Our interview was an incredibly interesting one, with Sara sharing everything from the benefits and challenges of traveling as a family, to making lasting connections across the globe, to how her kids have adapted to such a unique upbringing. I know you’ll love listening to her family’s story, as well as how she’s continued to manage and grow Steamline while experiencing other cultures and homeschooling her children.

In this episode I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah Tucker, lifestyle content creator and founder of the eponymous blog sarah-tucker.com. She’s the mom to two elementary-aged boys who’s known for her beautiful events, mom-friendly looks, and sweet disposition, so I was very excited to chat all things motherhood with her! Sarah gave great perspectives on raising boys, leaning into travel, how to set boundaries for yourself and your hobbies, and what this season of life as a mom has brought her. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording- enjoy!

This episode is an interview with Elizabeth Rees, mom of two young girls and the founder of Milwaukee-based Chasing Paper, who are best known for their beautiful, fun, removable peel-and-stick wallpaper. Elizabeth and I had a great conversation about everything from designing a nursery and kid-friendly home, to moving from New York City back to the Midwest, to the challenges of finding reliable childcare. She works alongside her brother on Chasing Paper, and we also discussed the role family and siblings still play in her daily life. I hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode I’m interviewing Leigh Williams, stylist and content creator of L.Williams Style. Leigh’s blog and Instagram have exploded in the last five years, and she’s built L.Willams while also navigating life with two school-aged children. She’s known for her down-to-earth attitude and achievable style that wear from dinners out to the carpool line. We talked a lot about the pressures of social media in both parenting and building your wardrobe, the importance of patience and knowing yourself when starting your own side hustle or business, and how to dress for the life you have, not the life that’s trending on Instagram. 

Today I’m talking to Alston Calabrese and Leigh Hansen, the founders of Habitual Hostess, a website and Instagram account dedicated to helping women entertain in a beautiful but accessible way. They live by the motto “Life is boring, it’s your job to make it fun!” and share recipes, cocktails, hostessing tips, and entertaining inspiration to help achieve that goal! We had so much fun chatting about how to host a beautiful gathering even as a crazy-busy mom, and why perfection is not a requirement for your guests to have a great time. From signature cocktails to non-iron napkins to kids’ birthday parties, this episode covers a ton- enjoy!

In this episode I’m sitting down with Ellie McNevin, the founder and Head of PR at Birdie Public Relations. Birdie is a full-service PR firm collaborating with creative brands to share their stories on a national scale, and Ellie recently launched an online video course called Prepping for PR that helps business owners hire a publicist, know what to expect, and get the most out of their partnership. Our conversation was one of my favorites to date- I felt like we could have chatted for hours, and Ellie was so open with her thoughts on self-promotion, mom guilt, and her support system. 

In this episode I’m talking to sisters-in-law. Liza and Sallie Pruitt, co-founders of The Pruitt Shop, an online marketplace for quality art prints and home goods including printed napkins and tablecloths. Their partnership perfectly combines Liza’s artistic background and Sallie's expertise in digital marketing- Liza is also an online art curator based in Richmond, Virginia whose goal is to make sourcing and buying original art accessible to everyone. Sallie is the owner of Pruitt Resources, a full-service marketing firm also based in Richmond with an expertise in digital marketing strategy whose clients range from non-profits to small businesses to large corporations. Their collaboration with The Pruitt Shop is a natural continuation of their excellent relationship both as professionals and sisters-in-law. Their friendship and family commitment is truly refreshing, and our conversation will remind listeners of the importance of a strong support system and creative outlet.

In this episode I’m talking to Sophia Demirtas, mom of two boys and founder of beautiful clothing line Fanm Mon, a line of dresses and apparel that take their inspiration from Sophia’s home country of Haiti. The brand was launched in 2013 but has exploded in the last few years, and all Fanm Mon pieces are created by artisans in Turkey. The dresses, sweaters, and other clothing items are colorful and feminine, reflecting the influence of nature, and are available on sites like Tuckernuck, Over the Moon, and Couper. Sophia has lived in Haiti, the US, and Turkey, and shared the most beautiful perspectives on female influence, sustainability, motherhood, and raising children. I love her line even more after learning about the story behind them and the care and love in each piece.

In this episode I’m talking to Veronika Paluch, mom of two and owner of Veronika Paluch Photography. Veronika is based in the western Philadelphia suburbs and focuses on portraits of expecting mothers, newborns, and young families. She spent time in several other fields before settling into her creative passion as a photographer, and both her work and personal life are incredibly influenced by her experiences as a mother. Today, she offers full-studio photography, including wardrobe and hair and makeup for moms and their families. We chatted about everything from career changes, to postpartum confidence, to the way we speak to our children- Veronika was so kind and genuine and will feel like an old friend to all listeners. Enjoy!

In this episode I’m talking to Tessa Ercoli, mom of two young daughters and founder of Docent, an art curation service and online marketplace. Docent simplifies and modernizes the way we shop for contemporary art and discover artists online, existing at the intersection of helping emerging artists thrive while also helping collectors shop more easily for pieces they truly love. Tessa is a huge champion of female artists, and shared some great thoughts on how to incorporate art into your home with young children. We also chatted about long-distance moves, career evolutions, and fitting in me time as a mom. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording!

This episode is a conversation with Jillian Moorhead, the founder of Powder Puff Collection. Powder Puff is a line of luxury winter neck warmers and scarves, all made from sustainable materials. Each style is inspired by the beauty of the Tetons of Jackson Hole, where Jillian resides with her husband and two children. She spent the early years of her career working in luxury fashion prior to moving west and starting Powder Puff, and today her collection includes collaborations with other female-owned fashion lines like Cara Cara, Lela Rose, and Veronica Beard. I loved hearing about the exciting years of her twenties in New York, as well as how she’s come to love life in Jackson Hole and how she balances her family life with being a one-woman show at Powder Puff, doing everything from designing to social media to shipping orders herself. 

In this episode I sit down with Morgan Hutchinson, the founder of Buru, a fashion line designed with mothers and motherhhood in mind. All of Buru’s pieces are machine washable, versatile to style, and priced attainably so that moms in all stages of life can look and feel their best. Morgan is a mom of three who currently lives in LA, but whose life and career has found her across the globe in cities like New York and Beijing.  Our conversation covered everything from her career as a fashion entrepreneur, to the challenges of nursing clothes, to the pressures of being a perfect mom, to how she’s maintained her unique style in motherhood. This is truly a packed episode and I know so many moms will love hearing about her experiences and advice.

In this episode I’m talking to Emily Testa LeMaster, founder of Cub Wrap. Cub is Cub is a hybrid baby wrap that combines the flexibility of a sling with the structure of a front-facing carrier. It goes over your head like a t-shirt, and it’s as soft, stretchy and supportive as your favorite yoga pants — with the sustainable bonus of 15 recycled plastic bottles in every wrap. Emily lives in Savannah, Georgia with her husband and two young children, and works full time in addition to heading Cub. She was so open about the challenges she’s faced in motherhood and entrepreneurship, and through her honesty is a real ally to new moms everywhere. I love that she is making a real difference in real women’s lives, one wrap at a time.

This episode kicks off a bit of holiday cheer in a conversation with Kate Stewart, founder of Bauble Stockings, a line of timeless, traditional mini-stocking designed to be heirlooms for each family member. As she says, a Bauble Stocking contains the final, most special gift of Christmas, the one that says “you are loved.” Each stocking is hand-stitched under fair trade conditions by mothers in Haiti and Bauble is committed to giving back to charity through their collaborations, making Kate a philanthropist as well as an entrepreneur. She resides in Georgia and has two school-aged children, and had a candid take on the challenges of throwing yourself into what you do while also making sure your kids feel loved and connected.  I loved her honesty about how hard she’s worked to get where she is, as well as the support systems that have made her success possible. She also gives a beautiful perspective on how Bauble Stockings can create special moments for all family members, but especially mothers.

In this episode I’m chatting with Kiki Slaughter and Abby Kasonik, established contemporary artists who recently collaborated on a line of sculptural lighting available on 1st Dibs. Both have roots in Charlottesville, Virginia, and made names for themselves as abstract painters before moving into design projects as well-  Abby with sculptural lamps, mirrors, and other objects, and Kiki with wall coverings and textiles. The result of their collaboration is a set of beautiful, playful but sophisticated lighting that creates an incredible statement. Both women are mothers to elementary-aged children, and share how they’ve balanced their creative careers with family life. Our conversation brought some thoughtful points about resume gaps, the importance of the arts, and female friendship.

This episode features  Leah Melby Clinton, the co-founder of In Kind, a biannual print magazine that covers the intersection of style, careers, and motherhood in a beautiful, relatable way. Leah has a long career history as a fashion editor and writer, having worked with several Conde Nast and Hearst publications including  ELLE and Cosmopolitan, and she still works full-time in fashion writing and digital content. In addition, she’s also the mother to two young children, and is a living testament to the fact that you can always find time for what you’re passionate about.  I loved her candor and reflection about work, motherhood, and everything in between. 

Today's episode features Caroline Keating Gilroy, co-founder of Couper, a luxury fashion retailer focusing on emerging designers and sustainability.  Since its launch this past summer, Couper has already become a huge success, drawing customers for it’s unique exclusives and museum-worthy pieces. Caroline has a career background in fashion and technology, and is also the mother of two toddlers, making her accomplishments over the past few years that much more impressive. She was incredibly warm and genuine to talk to, and her passionate support of other women and mothers- both professionally and personally- really shined through. 

Today’s guest, Lisi Lerch, is a longtime favorite designer of mine! Lisi has been incredibly successful with her eponymous brand of colorful earrings and accessories. Since starting her company in the early 2000s, Lisi’s items have been worn and featured by celebrities including Cameron Wimberly, the Hilton family, Oprah, and Martha Stewart Weddings. Incredibly, she also has three teenage children, who she raised as a stay at home mom while simultaneously growing  her business. Lisi’s personality was just as fun as you’d expect from her style and collections- I’m so happy she agreed to share some of her experiences with you. 

In this episode, I’m talking to Jessie Funchion of Plant the Seed Nutrition, and she is such a wonderful mother to connect with and learn from! As a registered dietician, Jessie has a wealth of information on how both moms and their families can make simple changes to feel their best and healthiest. We chat about everything from postpartum body image to incorporating more plants into your children's diets. In addition, she has a great perspective as someone who balances being a stay at home mom with being self-employed part time.

Motherhood Designed is a podcast about balancing all aspects of life as a mother, from style and wellness, to relationships and career paths. Join host and mom Gabriela Dokas each week as she sits down with a different guest to discuss how they’ve designed their own version of motherhood. A range of topics will be covered depending on the woman, from starting a successful business with young children, to building a passion project, to style and beauty routines, to balancing social relationships, and more. 

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