MINI FO R T H E M O D E R N PA R E N T
THE POST PA R T U M HELPER LIVING I N YO U R SPICE D R AW E R
A+ RECIPES T O AV O I D LUNCHBOX BURNOUT
LIKE A BOSS P LU S T H E NEW STROLLER S AV I N G YO U SERIOUS CASH!
ALLISON HOLKER AND STEPHEN “ T WITCH” BOSS DANCE THROUGH LIFE WITH T H E I R G R O W I N G F A M I LY
THE DANCING DUO W E LCO M E S A B A BY G I R L T H I S FA L L
Experience the YOYO+ stroller and our full suite of accessories at B l o o m i n g d a l e ’s 5 9 t h S t r e e t i n N Y C a n d a t b l o o m i n g d a l e s . c o m .
RADAR
12
MINI
M O N A R C H B U T T E R F L I E S M I G R AT E F R O M T H E U S E AC H FA L L AT A S P E E D O F 1 2 TO 2 5 M P H . ON THE EDITOR’S LIST
New kids body care line Gro-To from Zoë Foster Blake is as expertly designed as it was formulated. The whimsical packaging is enough to make any kid excited for bath time, while each of the product formulas are gentle and created with clean, plant-based ingredients. The collection includes Super Softy, Sud Bud, Bad Dream Buster, and Skin Wizard. —gotoskincare.com
THIS JUST IN
SUGAR SWEET
BABYBJÖRN debuts their new Sprinkles collection this month, featuring exclusive designs paired with the brand’s popular Carrier One baby carrier and Bouncer Bliss baby seat styles. Both the carriers and bouncers are made from cotton, with the carriers made of soft cotton denim, and in such a neutral palette, these baby gear staples are sure to become a favorite for every parent this fall. —babybjorn.com
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT
EZPZ comes their First Foods Set made for babies ages four months and up! Designed by a pediatric feeding specialist, this easy-to-clean set prompts babies to get started on a happy, healthy, fun and mess-free path to eating and drinking on their own! The set is available in seven colorways and each includes a mini bowl, mini cup, and mini spoon set. —ezpzfun.com
M I N I f a l l ‘19
SPECIAL EVENTS TO AT T E N D T H I S SEASON
Cal
D I S N E Y H A L LO W E E N D AY O F T H E D E A D MR. BONES
MINI MUST-HAVE ▶
Don’t forget your Peppa wellies for jumping in muddy puddles!
Disneyland lights up each year for Halloween with its Main Street Pumpkin Festival, and even an Oogie Boogie on select nights!
Celebrate Mexican culture at the largest Day of the Dead celebration in NYC. This free event is held in the East Yard of St. Mark’s in-the-Bowery on October 26.
Find your rhythm when travelling together. Stokke® MyCarrier™
Stokke® MyCarrier™ design: Synnøve Stave, Anders August Kittelsen and Tore Mortvedt
Take the kids to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in Culver City this fall to snag their own personal pumpkin! Open every day now until October 30.
Embrace the Baby Shark craze as Baby Shark Live! makes its way across the nation in a fun performance with your kids’ fave songs!
Anna and Elsa will soon be back in the sequel to ON THE EDITOR’S LIST Staying close to their parents makes your baby feel safe and loved. Disney’s hit kids flick, Frozen! All of your favorite FROZEN 2 ▶ characters, including Olaf, return on November Our baby carrieris designed to help you keep your natural connection while strengthening the special bond you share. The carrier is fully 22 with Frozen 2 as the crew sets out to find the origin ™of Elsa’s powers and save their kingdom! adjustable for a tailored, comfortable fit for both of you. Stokke® MyCarrier grows with your baby with front and back carrying positions.
4
stokke.com M I N I f a l l ‘19
Introducing elegant Grey Melange. A classic, versatile neutral. StokkeÂŽ XploryÂŽ
stokke.com
mini-magazine.com
Head to Mini for more interviews F E AT U R E S
FOLLOW MINI WE’RE ON INSTAGRAM!
If you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow Mini! We’re sharing behind the scenes peeks at making the magazine, new kids products and collections, and much more! Find us on Instagram: @minimagazine
with parents around the world, style, and more
LIVING
BABY+KIDS
THE MAGAZINE
SHANI DARDEN SHARES HER STEP BY STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE Follow the skincare guru’s secrets to a flawless face. FALL BABY NAMES INSPIRED BY NATURE These baby names celebrate the season in the sweetest (and unique!) ways. 30 ADORABLE AUSTRALIAN BABY NAMES Take a tip from parents in the Land Down Under with these beautiful Mini monikers!
THE NEW BABY FOOD CREATED BY A BRAIN SURGEON This new baby food will make you think twice about what you feed your littles.
minisclusives LOG ON TO
MINI Find all of this and more on our website!
contents 02
04
06
08
10
12 16
20
24
26
28
32
38
44
21 | THE STYLE SPOT A fall selection of glittery and cozy ensembles for the Minis 14 | MEET THE TEAM The team that makes all the Mini magic possible
for all of you chic Mini moms from bump to beyond
18 | EDITOR’S LIST
30 | TECH KIDS The latest
A carefully-curated list of Kate’s favorites this season
27 | MOM It’s the style spot
and greatest from the Mini tech sphere 32 | IN THE BAG Solly Baby
founder Elle Rowley shows us what’s inside her Fawn Design drawstring bag
48
5 0 56
58
62
68
70
72
34 | BOOK CLUB Settle in with these new kids titles no matter the fall weather 36 | SCOOP Discover the postpartum helper that may already be stashed in your spice drawer 42 | TREE HUGGERS This
roundup of plant-based kids products will have you showing your love for Mother Earth
hatchcollection.com
contents
52 54
56
62 64 70
78
80 82 86
26
90 94 96 90
98
100 102
66 | LIKE A BOSS Cover couple Allison Holker and Stephen “tWitch” Boss talk expanding their brood 78 | FASHION FAMILY NYC fashion entrepreneur Sari Sloane shares how her kids get involved in the business 88 | MOM IN CHIEF Fawn
45 | ON THE SCENE This new stroller is saving you serious cash by cutting out the middleman, not quality!
54 | LUNCHBOX HERO Leg-
51 | ON THE CLOCK Mini
58 | MAKING A MAMA P.S.— I Made This founder Erica Domesek on the most surprising elements of motherhood
spends ten minutes with minnow swimwear founder Morgan Smith
endary lunchmaker Catherine McCord of Weelicious shares three hit recipes
Design founder Jenny Wecker shows us around her new Salt Lake City office
18
MINI-MAGAZINE .com Discover daily content, interviews, and more in between issues.
Exclusive interviews, Mini fashion, Mom hacks—
All in one place.
in t r oc u d ing
ÂŽ
a paci fie r f o r t ime - s t r a p pe d par e n t s w it h t a s t e. ww w.doddleandco.com @doddleandcom pany #becausebabies
MINI Founder and Editor in Chief K aitlyn K irby Cover Photo graphy G retchen Easton Photo graphy A ssistant Abby Hall Cover Hair and Makeup Andrea M ar tin Editorial Team Contributing Photo grapher Ana G ambuto Contributing Photo grapher Emma Feil Contributing Photo grapher Lizz y Williams M ini O ffices M ini M agazine Email | hello@mini-magazine.com Web | w w w.mini-magazine.com M ini M agazine is a digital lifest yle publication for the moder n parent available online at w w w.mini-magazine.com. All r ights reser ved. No par t of this publication may be reproduced, distr ibuted, or transmitted in any for m or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other elec tronic methods, without the pr ior wr itten per mission of the publisher, except in the case of br ief quotations embodied in digital and pr int reviews. Copyr ight Š 2019 M ini M agazine.
Editor
INSIDE LOOK: (On Right) A peek at our fall cover shoot with Allison Holker and Stephen “tWitch” Boss— the two talk about each other as parents and it’s the sweetest! (Below) Surprise! I am now expecting my second baby due this spring and it’s a wonder I can stay awake to write this.
16
M I N I f a l l ‘19
If you read the left sidebar first, you just learned that I am expecting my second baby, due this spring— which means this is my first Editor’s Letter written as a (soon-to-be) mom of two! It’s been a four-month-long tornado of exhaustion and food aversions with a toddler in tow, so moms of two (or more!), I salute you! We are thrilled to welcome Allison Holker (So You Think You Can Dance) and Stephen “tWitch” Boss (The Ellen DeGeneres Show) to our fall cover just before welcoming their new baby girl, Jenny Wecker of Fawn Design whose storage-filled
A LETTER FROM MINI’S FOUNDER K AT E K I R BY
diaper bag I have been carrying for months, Sari Sloane of The Westside and Everafter whose bright, bold NYC home just brings a smile to my face, plus more inspiring moms like Erica Domesek, Morgan Smith, Elle Rowley, and more! I hope you enjoy this content-packed fall issue that I’m so grateful to have put together for our ever-growing reader base— yes, that means YOU! Phew, now I’m off to take another nap.
E M A I L M I N I ’ S F O U N D E R A N D E D I T O R I N C H I E F AT K AT E @ M I N I - M A G A Z I N E . C O M
SAFE KIDS, HAPPY HOME
See our full line of baby gates at munchkin.com
MINI ◀
FROM PEA
EDITOR’S LIST
New homewares brand Pea makes decorating a kids’ room a blast! —frompea.com ◀
NO WIRE MAMA
LIVELY’s new No-Wire Maternity Bra doesn’t sacrifice style or comfort— at only $35! —wearlively.com
These limited edition pastel shimmer unicorn slip-ons are a big hit with toddlers! —toms.com
◀ MOM KIT
Frida Mom just launched a whole line of lifesaver birth products like Witch Hazel Foam! —fridababy.com
◀
ACCIO COLLAB
I love the new Boden x Harry Potter collab with its whimsical pieces like glow-in-the-dark pjs! —bodenusa.com
◀ PIPETTE BABY
18
M I N I f a l l ‘19
◀ MAGIC SHOES
This new clean baby care brand is raising the bar on safer, non-toxic products. —pipettebaby.com
From Diaper Rash to Relief, FAST. e
Touch-Fre
Spray
The brand moms and pediatricians trust to gently help treat irritated baby bottoms, fast. Find out why moms love Dr. Smith’s®
@DoctorSmiths
Visit DoctorSmiths.com for retail locations near you. Copyright ©2015 Mission Pharmacal Company. All Rights Reserved. DSO-P156003-2
T H E S P OT TO SHOP FOR THEIR M I N I WA R D R O B E
Style
B O D E N X H A R R Y P OT T E R A L L T H AT G L I T T E R S B O OT B R I G A D E
◀ EXPECTO CUTENESS
In case you couldn’t get your hands on the first drop of the Mini Boden x Harry Potter collab, the second is here with just as much magic as one can conjure up! Inspired by the Wizarding World, the collection includes thoughtful design elements like embroidered partywear and glow-inthe-dark details, not to mention a limited-edition Protego Maxima Magical Cloak, complete with velvet with gold jacquard piping and an embroidered Hogwarts scene in glittering sequins! —bodenusa.com
CLICK HERE TO S H O P MINI BODEN X H A R R Y P OT T E R !
M I N I f a l l ‘19
A L L T H AT G L I T T E R S The fall season doesn’t just have to be for sherpa and soft wool socks! Add some sparkle with this glittery kids wear.
CUSTOMIZE IT
Switch up your school game with these flashy wares! Above: $12; Glitter Letter Patches; Glitter Airplane Patch; stoneycloverlane.com Below: $85; STATE Metallic Confetti Backpack; bloomingdales.com
22
M I N I f a l l ‘19
SHINY SHOES
These easy-on pink glitter sneakers jazz up any fall ensemble. $38.95; toms.com
SEQUIN STAR
Your Minis will love transforming these sequins. $34; bodenusa.com.
MINI DREAMER
SHOW STOPPER
Dream big with this denim jacket by Lola + The Boys. $64; maisonette.com.
This sequin bomber makes a statement in every scenario. $49.50; rocketsofawesome.com.
DESIGN ALL AROUND YOU
Josephine Ald 3042 Lincoln W ay San Francisco , Califnia 94 115
“Zoo Menagerie” by Moglea (Audubon, IA)
Party dreams brought to life.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
INVITATIONS
NURSERY ART
PARTY DECOR
Sourced from a community of independent designers. Available at www.minted.com
one-click wonder Growth spurt alert? TAVO has it covered. Designed to provide tons of room for both the little ones (from both head-to-toe and side-to-side!) and you (the basket is spacious enough for your and their swag combined). All while providing a shade haven with its canopy’s incorporated dream drape and connecting to our oh-so-secure Nuna PIPA infant car seat with one-click—no adapters needed. From day one on, the TAVO is a flattering fit for both your lifestyle—and them.
learn all about it at nuna.eu
BOOT BRIGADE The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping— Now is the time to bust out these cozy fall boots!
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. SOFT SHEARLING
3. CLASSIC DUCK
5. WARM AND FUZZY
$58; McAlister Booties with Faux Shearling, maisonette.com
$139; Kids L.L.Bean Boots with Thinsulate, llbean.com
$129.95; Butte II Waterproof Winter Boot, nordstrom.com
2. FROZEN FEET
4. CHEETAH GIRL
6. COZY COOL
$75; Disney x SOREL Out ‘N About Frozen 2 Boots, sorel.com
$29.99; Kya Genuine Suede Shearling Boots, target.com
$75; See Kai Run Gilman Waterproof Insulated Boot, nordstrom.com M I N I f a l l ‘19
J U S T F O R YO U MAMA, FROM B U M P TO B E YO N D
Mom
FRANCES HART FRIDA MOM R E C L I N E R PJ D R E S S
THE NEW KID I N LU X U R Y
◀ MATERNITY LUXE
M AT E R N I T Y
Feminine, comfortable, contemporary, new luxe maternity brand Frances Hart launches this month, designing specifically for the ever-changing body of a working mom-to-be. The direct-to-consumer brand aims to equip moms-to-be with polished, structured pieces for use during and after pregnancy, each worth the investment to add to an already highly-curated wardrobe. The debut collection includes flattering dresses and separates all in neutral tones to stand the test of time. —franceshart.com
WEAR!
M I N I f a l l ‘19
THIS JUST IN
FRIDA MOM
From the brand that brought you the NoseFrida—the Swedish SnotSucker that’s swept the parenting world—comes the answer to all of your postpartum prayers. Frida, the parent company behind Frida Baby, recently debuted Frida Mom: a new and groundbreaking wellness line of postpartum recovery products dedicated to preparing women for the raw realities of the “fourth trimester.” With essentials like an upside down peri bottle, witch hazel perineal cooling pad liners and healing foam, plus more of your favorite disposable postpartum underwear, the entire Frida Mom is what you actually want to have in your hospital bag post baby. —fridababy.com
RIGHT NOW WE’RE LOVING
28
M I N I f a l l ‘19
The new (buttery soft and uber comfortable!) PJ shirt dress from sleepwear brand RECLINER. Available in two neutral hues—Rosey Stripe and Twilight Stripe—the shirt dress is made from an ultra-breathable cotton viscose blend with hint of spandex for stretch, a combo especially helpful during those postpartum weeks. The lay flat button-down is a cinch to undo for easy breastfeeding access and the long sleeves are perfect for the cooler months ahead. Trust us when we say, you need one! —recliner.nyc.
T H E L AT E S T F R O M THE MINI TECH SPHERE
Tech
GIGGLE TA B D E S I G N E R BY P L A E
MINI MUST HAVE
GIGGLE RETURNS
Yes, that Giggle! The go-to destination for the best selection of baby gear, clothes and gifts has just relaunched its digital site, also adding a Giggle private label brand into its product offerings. But they’re not stopping there! Giggle has partnered with sportswear brand Terez, jeweler Alexa Leigh, clothing lines Meme Chose, Lucky Jade, and Disco Panda, accessories brands LeSportsac, Lele Sadoughi, and more to create exclusive products and Mommy and Me capsule collections. —giggle.com
RIGHT NOW IN TECH KIDS
30
M I N I f a l l ‘19
The new Tab Designer by PLAE allows you to express your little one’s personality directly on their shoes! The new customizing tool offers endless combinations for designing the four tabs on PLAE shoes. Simply head to the brand’s website, upload cool images, and drag and drop onto the tabs! Everything from logos to drawings is fair game and your custom styles are delivered right to your doorstep! —plae.co
relax, parenthood just got 3x easier
Good news: now there’s Nuna for every age. Our well-loved PIPA infant seat, new RAVA convertible, and new AACE booster are sleek, simple and exceed American safety standards. So you can relax and enjoy every magical, messy, covered-with-crumbs moment. Take a test ride at nuna.eu
◀ WIRELESS HEADPHONES
“Always taking calls or listening to podcasts on my headphones. I don’t know what I did before wireless!” Airpods with Wireless Charging Case, $199; apple.com.
RAEN REMMY SUNGLASSES
“We live in San Diego, so sunglasses are a staple. I love these simply because they’re unisex. My husband and I can both wear them. We keep an extra pair in each of our cars so we’re never without them.” $170; raen.com
TARTE LIP QUENCH IN BERRY
“The color has just enough color but still looks natural and it never clumps up!” $19; tartecosmetics. com
NATIVE DEODORANT
“Who doesn’t need a late afternoon second application? I like this brand because it’s not sticky!”
32
M I N I f a l l ‘19
W H AT ’ S I N T H E B A G
Elle Rowley
SHARPIE POINT STICK PENS “All-time favor-
The Solly Baby founder and mom of four spills the contents of her Fawn Design Drawstring Bag. DEAR ZOO BOOK
“I usually forget snacks and diapers, but I always have a book to read to my little girls in case we get stuck somewhere. This lift-theflap book is our family’s favorite.”
ite pens. I buy them in bulk so I never get stuck with a Bic!” $12.99; amazon.com
FAWN DESIGN DRAWSTRING BAG
$139.99, fawndesign.com
Book Club
Whether you’re stuck indoors on a blustery fall day or simply feeling cozy with the kiddos, these fun titles will brighten your day!
FOR BEDTIME
ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
FOR FEELS EDITOR’S PICK
GOODNIGHT BUBBALA
by Sheryl Haftt This parody of the bedtime classic now includes a lively Jewish family complete with latke recipe by Ina Garten! FOR FASHION
34
S IS FOR STYLE
by Tina and Anthony Coorey
M I N I f a l l ‘19
FOR HEALTH
YUMMY YOGA
by Joy Bauer De-stress and boost your mood for the day with this delicious book of playful poses and tasty treats, including kid-friendly recipes by Joy Bauer!
I AM PERFECTLY DESIGNED
by Karamo Brown This book is a sweet ode to modern families and celebrating who you are, exactly as you are!
by Lewis Carroll The perfect one minute bedtime read, reimagined with characters of varied backgrounds!
int roducing
ÂŽ
a pacifier for time-strapped parents with taste. www.doddleandco.com
@doddleandcom pany
#becausebabies
THIS JUST IN IN THE MINI WORLD
Scoop
S A F F R O N L AT T E G R O TO S K I N C A R E B O B B I E B A BY
◀ ANCIENT POTION
The new Saffron Latte by The Fullest— a delicious and unexpected postpartum helper. Not only have studies shown saffron to both prepare the cervix for pregnancy, but they have been known to act as effectively as chemical drugs given to those suffering from postpartum depression. In fact, in a random, placebo-controlled trial to treat postpartum depression in breastfeeding mothers, 96% of those given saffron went into remission, as opposed to only 43% of the placebo group. Made with the most potent, Middle Eastern saffron and a base of creamy coconut milk powder, this one checks off all the wellness boxes: vegan, paleo, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and organic! —thefullest.com
36
M I N I f a l l ‘19
GRO TO SKINCARE Beauty entrepreneur and mom of two Zoë Foster Blake has done it again with her clean kids skincare line, Gro To, and its adorable lineup of plant-based products.
◀ CLEANER BATHTIME
Products like Skin Wizard nourishing body oil, Super Softy nourishing body lotion, Sud Bud gentle bubble bath, and Bad Dream Buster calming room spray make up the safe, cruelty-free, and worry-free skincare brand. Gro To avoids silicones, chemical UV filters, parabens, PEGs, sulfates (SLS/SLES), GMOs, mineral oils, petrolatum and synthetic colors, so you can rest easy and enjoy a cleaner bathtime. —gotoskincare. com/pages/gro-to
C L I C K TO S H O P THE NEW GRO TO S K I N C A R E LINE!
38
M I N I f a l l ‘19
The
Convertible Stroller
Bugaboo Donkey
Designed specifically to grow and flow with your family.
MEET BOBBIE Baby formula start-up Bobbie aims to shake the stigma moms carry surrounding how they feed their babies, promising healthier, wholesome ingredients in their product.
◀
FED IS BEST
Did you know corn syrup is one of the main ingredients in most U.S. baby formulas? Bay-area startup Bobbie is ready to change that with their “European style” formula, including fresh, grass-fed cows’ milk as the main ingredient— free from corn syrup, maltodextrin, artificial sugars, and unhealthy oils. Bobbie is currently working toward infant formula approval in the U.S. —hibobbie.com
C L I C K TO L E A R N MORE ABOUT B O B B I E B A BY FORMULA!
40
M I N I f a l l ‘19
SIRONA M WITH
The only smart-tech convertible car seat that provides essential alerts to keep baby safe while you drive and when you arrive.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.CYBEX-ONLINE.COM/US
KEEP IT SAFE A N D N AT U R A L
TREE HUGGERS
WITH THESE PICKS!
These plant-based kids products all tout a love of Mother Earth that their non-green counterparts wish they had.
6
1
1. R U N N Y N O S E
4
Bamboo Baby Spoons
($14.99; amazon. com) BPA free and made with a Moso Bamboo base.
5. E C O D I A P E R S Hello Bello Plant-Derived Diaper Bundle
2. M I N I M A K E R S
($65; hellobello.com) Get these plantbased diapers delivered in a bundle!
Eco-Dough Natural Sculpting Dough
($15.99; crateandbarrel.com) Colored with non-toxic dyes from fruits and veggies!
6. AU NATURALE Natursutten Rounded Pacifier
($11.99; thetot. com) Non-toxic, natural pacifier with pure rubber from the Hevea brasiliensi tree.
5
3. M I N I W A R E Miniware 1-2-3 Sip!
3
($14; miniware. com) Minis can go from straw to spout to a real drinking cup! 4. G R E E N C L E A N Pipette Baby Wipes
42
M I N I f a l l ‘19
($4; pipette.com) 100% plant-based fibers gently cleanse while plant-based emollients bring moisture. 2
Joolz Tailor collection customize your ride
find out more and customize your stroller at joolz.com
learn more meetlalo.com follow us @lalo
on the
E V E R Y PA R E N T NEEDS NOW
THE STROLLER S AV I N G YO U SERIOUS CASH!
Scene
MOCKINGBIRD B U G A B O O LY N X B A BY Z E N YOYO +
◀
B A BY G E A R
HELLO MOCKINGBIRD
New direct-to-consumer baby brand Mockingbird aims to provide exceptional products to new parents at an affordable price. The brand debuted with a full-size stroller and companion accessories, offering free delivery on all products and a 30-day customer guarantee to ensure the gear fits their lifestyle. The single-seat Mockingbird stroller is a fraction of the price of other quality strollers, at just $350! —hellomockingbird.com
M I N I f a l l ‘19
T H E LY N X
Bugaboo’s lightest full-size stroller yet, the Lynx is made with high-grade aerospace aluminum and surprisingly weighs just 20.7 pounds! PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BUGABOO E A S I LY L I F T S IN/OUT OF THE CAR AND UP/ D O W N S TA I R S !
EASY CLOSE One-piece fold PERFECT PAIR Bugaboo Turtle
Integrated adapters on the Bugaboo Turtle car seat pair seamlessly with the Bugaboo Lynx!
Enjoy a compact, self-standing fold without having to take off the seat!
DURABILITY Holds it all
46
M I N I f a l l ‘19
The Lynx is designed to hold up to 50 pounds in the seat and 22 pounds in the underseat basket, yet drives like a dream!
Meet the all-new Bugaboo Lynx our lightest full-size stroller
sway on Sway left. Then right. Then left again. Relaxing—right? That same calming motion can now be a continuous one, thanks to the newest member of our Nuna family the LEAF wind. Creating a soft, steady breeze as it connects with just a click to your LEAF or LEAF curv*, with 6 speed settings sure to soothe your little one straight on into newborn dreamland. Here’s to swaying on...and on. *compatible with models SE-10-xxx & SE-30-xxx
learn all about it at nuna.eu
THE
+ YOYO
The Yoyo+ stroller from Babyzen is ideal for busy parents on the go! Modern features make it perfect for everything from neighborhood walks to airplane travel. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BABYZEN
CO N S I S T E N T LY RANKED A TO P S T R O L L E R BY PA R E N T S !
TRAVEL BUDDY Small footprint
This stroller can be taken as cabin luggage on an airplane!
FROM BIRTH Grows with baby
COMPATIBLE Works with car seats
Use the BABYZEN iZi Go ModularTM by BeSafe® to click your car seat onto the stroller!
Use Yoyo from birth in parent-facing position and well after 6 months!
ONE HANDED Smooth operator
ON THE GO Carry as a bag
Yoyo can be easily driven with one hand, parents!
With its travel strap, Yoyo can be carried as a bag when on the go!
M I N I f a l l ‘19
Bagels (especially pregnant— carbs!). GUILTY PLEASURE
A parenting book and a business book (that hardly get read!).
ON MY NIGHSTAND
BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD
Become so used to the smell of urine.
MORGAN SMITH MINI SPENT TEN MINUTES with the soon-to-be mama of
three behind popular children’s swimwear brand minnow, covering every base from managing the mom chaos to favorite local restaurant (since her family just relocated from California to Charleston, South Carolina!) to her maternity must-haves as she preps for a new little one.
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT
Bear Flag in Newport Beach and Husk in Charleston— we just moved to South Carolina. IN MY FRIDGE YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND
water.
Coconut
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY
Riding bikes and jumping off Lido Bridge into the harbor in the summer in Newport Beach, Thanksgivings in Palm Springs with all of my 25+ cousins.
ON THE CLOCK MATERNITY WARDROBE MUST-HAVE TYPICAL COFFEE ORDER
A soft robe from Lake Pajamas.
I’m a Kombucha person. FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE
Sing.
Becoming by Michelle Obama.
LAST BOOK I READ
IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS
Join a tennis group, get more into cooking, have a garden. IN THE DAY, I WOULD
CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO
Leon Bridges. Dresses with loafers or tennis shoes. It’s still so hot here in Charleston.
What Would You Do with an Idea?
FALL FASHION STAPLE
SHOWS I’M WATCHING RIGHT
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP
I haven’t watched a show since binging through the Stranger Things seasons. It takes a really good show to hold my attention, otherwise I waste time online browsing.
Dolphin trainer (Ha! When I was really little), but from high school on it was fashion focused, I wanted to own my own boutique.
FAVORITE KIDS BOOK
NOW
52
M I N I f a l l ‘19
Newport Beach.
SIGNATURE SCENT
lotion.
Kai body
Bike ride and outdoor patio dinner.
IDEAL DATE NIGHT
Juxtaposition in
GROWING UP, I WANTED TO BE A
Cranberry juice with ice and ginger beer (helped with nausea). PREGNANCY CRAVINGS
LUNCHBOX HERO Avoid getting into a lunchbox rut with these delicious, nutritious recipes any Mini would be delighted to eat! Legendary lunch maker and Weelicious founder Catherine McCord shares three of her afternoon hits to fuel your school year creativity.
CHEESY TURKEY MEATLOAF BITES INGREDIENTS MAKES 24 MINI BITES 1 zucchini, chopped 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 cup baby carrots (about 8), chopped 1 large egg 1 garlic clove 1 tablespoon worsteshire sauce 1 teaspoon Italian herbs 1/2 cup bread crumbs (whole wheat preferably) 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1 pound lean ground turkey 1 teaspoon kosher salt
54
M I N I f a l l ‘19
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WEELICIOUS
INSTRUCTIONS 1 Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 2 Spray a nonstick mini muffin tin with vegetable oil cooking spray or grease with oil. 3 Place the zucchini, onions, bell peppers, carrots, and garlic clove into the food processor and pulse until everything is in tiny pieces. 4 Add the egg, worchestershire sauce, herbs, bread crumbs, cheese, and turkey. Pulse until everything is combined. 5 Place about a tablespoon of the meatloaf mixture in the muffin pans and pack down with a spoon. bake for 20-25 minutes. 6 Bake until the mini turkey loaves are cooked through or an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165 degrees F, about 20 minutes. This recipe can also be baked in a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan and baked for 50 minutes. T O F R E E Z E : After baking, let bites come to room temperature, place in a ziploc bag, label and freeze up to 3 months. When ready, defrost over night in the fridge and place in a 300 degree oven for 5 minutes to reheat.
CUCUMBER CREAM CHEESE SAMMIES INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
SERVES 2
1/4 cup cream cheese 1 thinly sliced cucumber (any variety of cucumber will work, but I like the Persians for this) 4 slices whole wheat bread C L I C K TO BROWSE MORE WEELICIOUS LU N C H I D E A S !
1 Spread 1 tbsp of cream cheese on one piece of the bread and top with thin slices of half of the cucumber. 2 On another slice of bread, spread another tbsp of cream cheese and then sandwich the two slices together. 3 Continue to make the second sammie. 4 Cut in half or quarters and serve.
SANDWICH KABOBS 6 WAY S THE CAPRESE
Just like the Italian classic dish, this sandwich kabob is made by alternating salami, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. T H E B LT
Who doesn’t love bacon? The BLT is exactly how it sounds: Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato with your favorite sandwich bread. T H E C LU B
Take the BLT from above, add some fresh avocado and deli turkey. Now you have yourself a club sandwich kabob. T H E LU N C H B OX C L A S S I C
Ham and cheese, need we say more? Your favorite sandwich bread, too. THE PEPPERONI PIZZA
Put these favorite flavors on a stick and into the lunchbox! Alternate pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and pita bread. T H E FA N C Y B R U N C H
Smoked salmon, everything bagel, cream cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. If this isn’t the fanciest (and completely delicious) school lunch sandwich then I don’t know what is!
BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I W O U L D. . . N A P.
58
M I N I f a l l ‘19
Making a
Mama
DIY craft queen and founder of P.S.—I Made This, Erica Domesek has a knack for making something out of nothing. The new LA-via-NYC mom opens up about raising son Wylie, the postpartum issue people aren’t talking about enough, and learning that you actually can’t do everything on your own. photography by EMMA FEIL
ly in the best possible way. What has surprised you most about motherhood thus far?
MINI |
I didn’t have the easiest time adjusting in the beginning, as I was struggling with postpartum anxiety and depression. I think I was just surprised with the lack of conversation around this. It’s really such an issue with new moms and not enough people talk openly about it. I am now in a place where checking in on new moms is so important to me, as I needed this in the beginning. ERICA DOMESEK |
What have you found to be the hardest aspect of motherhood?
MINI |
Time management has always been something I have struggled with. Getting us out of the house for the day or even a meal is a dance. From getting myself and a baby ready and being on time and not forgetting all of the things he requires to bring along is truly a full operation. But the biggest thing I would say is all about accepting and learning about this new role and life of being a mother. Everything changes and you can’t understand that until you actually go through it. Learning about how you want to step into this new identity and delve into self-love has been a real eye-opener. As someone who lived a full 37 years until having a baby, learning how to be more selfless is where I am at. I love that I am at a place where I have truly felt a shift of how I am evolving. ERICA DOMESEK |
You’re a new mom to baby Wylie! What were your first thoughts when you learned you were pregnant?
MINI |
I was shocked. It’s a moment I will never forget. I took a test early in the morning before work to make sure I wasn’t pregnant, because I was sure it was just in my head. I left the test on the counter instead of waiting for results and I went to take a shower. Coming back into the room and seeing a “+” left me speechless and frozen for about ten seconds until I walked in the kitchen and showed Michael. We had always talked about having kids, but this happy surprise came unexpectedERICA DOMESEK |
Let’s talk about that evolution! Where have you seen the biggest changes in your life since becoming a mom?
MINI |
My level of empathy towards others has grown dramatically. As someone who had a lot of struggles during my pregnancy and postpartum, being able to listen and share while being open-minded and supportive of friends and others has been a real beautiful gift. ERICA DOMESEK |
What is most important to you in raising your son?
MINI |
I want to be there for him no matter what and teach him early on that opening up and talking about important ERICA DOMESEK |
fears and struggles is so important. Understanding vulnerability within a family is such a beautiful thing, especially when it comes to raising boys. It’s so important to raise a child who knows how to respect other people’s feelings and leads with kindness. What is your greatest parenting worry or fear?
MINI |
Since both of us come from having divorced parents, I am very fearful of fighting and/or talking poorly to each other in front of Wylie. Even though he’s young now, it’s only a matter of time when he will be able to pick up on words and tones. Being kind to everyone so your kids can learn from that is key. ERICA DOMESEK |
FAV O R I T E LO C A L R E S TAU R A N T. . . G J U S TA .
FA S T FA C T S ON MY NIGHTSTAND Four sleep masks. I sleep with a different one every night! IDEAL DATE NIGHT Sushi at our favorite spot and lots of Sake. FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE The Little Mermaid. ALWAYS IN MY FRIDGE So much cheese! MY COFFEE ORDER Hot or iced coffee with coconut creamer. FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP Parachute.
Is there anything from your own childhood you hope to share with him?
MINI |
I grew up celebrating holidays in a major way! Birthdays, Hanukkah, Christmas and Easter— it was such a fun part of my childhood. Being able to celebrate in festive ways brings people together in an amazing way. From art projects to handwritten cards, and so much more, passing on the tradition of creativity to decorate and celebrate is near and dear to my heart. ERICA DOMESEK |
Tell us how you decided on Wylie’s name.
MINI |
My best friend and I were out to dinner and we just started naming boys names, because I didn’t like any and needed some inspiration. At this point, I didn’t even know he was going to be a boy, but I already had a girls name picked out and was struggling with a boys name I loved. When she said, “I think a friend’s son is named Wylie”, it just hit me in a way no other name did. And in my heart, I always knew that was it! ERICA DOMESEK |
What are you looking forward to most about raising your son in California?
MINI |
I love that we have access to so many amazing activities and places. Being able to visit the beach, ocean, mountains, desert, and so many interesting spots is one of California’s bonuses. ERICA DOMESEK |
It’s so easy to either walk a few blocks or hop in the car and in two hours, you can be somewhere magical! Since you recently relocated from NYC to LA— What are you loving most about living in LA and missing about NYC?
MINI |
I love the weather! I know that sounds obvious, but waking up and being surrounded by sunshine is just a great way to start each day. I also love grocery stores. I probably walk or drive to a grocery store at least four times a week. When I lived in NYC, I never really went ERICA DOMESEK |
grocery shopping. In fact, I never cooked in NYC because my kitchen was so small. Cooking is a massive part of my life and being able to cook in my kitchen brings me so much joy.
focus on other areas is key. Tell us what a typical work day looks like for you right now.
MINI |
Wake up, play with Wylie, and give him breakfast. Our nanny arrives and I start to get ready for work. Some days I am in my studio, others having meetings. Some days I am shooting content, and other days, working on pitch decks. No day is the same. After work, Wylie has dinner which I usually throw together from things I have prepped in the fridge. It’s then bath, bottle for him, which Michael usually does so I can start cooking dinner (if we are both home). When he’s down, we eat, and not too long after that, I am in bed! ERICA DOMESEK |
Let’s talk about P.S.— I Made This. What has been the greatest business lesson you’ve learned in your years of running the brand?
MINI |
It’s not groundbreaking news, but contrary to popular belief, you can’t do it all yourself! Having other trusted team members and support is essential. Learning how to delegate is one of the hardest things, but being able to focus on what you’re best at, and having other people ERICA DOMESEK |
Has your personal style changed at all since becoming a mom?
MINI |
I am still trying to fit into some of my pre-pregnancy clothes, which has been difficult. I have learned that opting for dresses that are loose and flowy don’t necessarily work anymore, as I need to hug my curves and flaunt them! I have been into long dresses with bold arms, and am always on the hunt for the perfect jumpsuit. While I know it hasn’t been a full year since Wylie was born and my body is not at the place where I’m feeling good, being confident in a pair of jeans and a body suit is just fine by me!
shop too. For everyday pieces for me, I love a mix of Staud, Madewell, Doen, And Other Stories, and always find some gems at Zara. I live in flats and slides, so I must own over 15 pairs. You can find me wearing Gucci slides or Birkenstocks on the regular.
ERICA DOMESEK |
Where are your favorite places to shop for yourself and your son?
MINI |
Primary, H+M, and Zara have great everyday basics baby clothes. Ralph Lauren for more traditional pieces; Pehr; and we love our local Burro kids ERICA DOMESEK |
If you could give your son one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
Embrace who you are to the fullest! I don’t know exactly what his likes and passions will be, but I will do everything to help nurture and foster them and show him that leaning into who you are and celebrating what you love to do will only help to gain confidence and ultimately, shape who he will grow up to be! Whether he’s a silly boy, into math, computers, or loves baseball and art… I don’t care what makes him happy, I hope he learns to embrace it and we will always do the same. ERICA DOMESEK |
FAV O R I T E KIDS BOOK... M I N E WA S E LO I S E , W Y L I E ’ S I S “ P E E K- A WHO?”
A B A BY G I R L JOINS THE B O S S FA M I LY T H I S FA L L !
Like A Boss Dancing duo Allison Holker and Stephen “tWitch” Boss share on each other’s parenting styles and their excitement for growing their family.
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY G R E TC H E N E A S TO N | P H OTO G R A P H Y A S S I S TA N T A B BY H A L L H A I R A N D M A K E U P BY A N D R E A M A R T I N
66
M I N I f a l l ‘19
“We are quite literally the yin and yang. One’s struggle is the other’s strength.” What do you love most about fatherhood?
MINI |
kind, driven, yet autonomous person. What surprised you most about fatherhood?
MINI |
I love seeing life through my kids eyes. The perspective. The discoveries. The excitement about life is so infectious. Also, I love being there to be a father for my kids. My kids already have a different household than I had when I was their age.
STEPHEN BOSS |
What do you think is the greatest challenge of parenting?
MINI |
The kids and the world are both ever evolving and, more often than not, on their own individual trajectories. So the challenge becomes how do we create a respectful
STEPHEN BOSS |
How it seems that I had built in paternal instincts. Before becoming a parent, I worried how I will know which cry is which, how I will know how to protect my kids, how to find a regular sleep pattern again... but the moment I held them, all of those worries went away.
STEPHEN BOSS |
MINI |
What is your greatest parenting worry?
My greatest worry is making decisions that push [our] kids away from us.
STEPHEN BOSS |
I guess that’s one of the greatest challenges of parenting as well is finding the balance of letting your kids know that you are their number one fan, supporter, and friend, but at the same time, we still need to establish structure and boundaries. MINI |
What makes Allison a great mom?
Allison is an incredible mother! I know that because there is never a time where she is not willing and able to do anything to make sure that our kids are prepared for life, happy, and driven to succeed. As the kids needs and lives develop and evolve, Allison‘s motherly love only continues to multiply exponentially.
STEPHEN BOSS |
What traits do you hope your kids inherit from Allison?
MINI |
Aside from her stunning beauty, her drive and tenacity. There is not a problem to date that Allison could not solve.
STEPHEN BOSS |
What is most important to you in raising your kids?
MINI |
It’s important to me that they feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Growing up can have extremely challenging times, but I think having those three tools can help tremendously.
STEPHEN BOSS |
What were your first thoughts when you learned you were expecting a baby girl?
MINI |
Sheer joy and elation. Then the reality set in that I need to learn to do hair! Haha everyday ponytail for the win.
STEPHEN BOSS |
What makes you two a great team when it comes to parenting?
MINI |
We are quite literally the yin and yang. The ebb and flow. One’s struggle is the other’s strength. And having the trust in each other to know that we always have the family’s best interest at heart.
STEPHEN BOSS |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
Be you to the 100th percentile. There are so many things in ads trying to convince us that we are lacking something, but you aren’t. You are complete. You are whole. You are amazing just as you are. I mean, come on, your mom is a super hero for goodness sake. Always remember that!
STEPHEN BOSS |
What do you love most about motherhood?
MINI |
challenge of motherhood? I think for any parent the hardest thing to find is balance of time. I absolutely adore my career, I absolutely adore my husband and I adore my children, while I [also] enjoy having time to myself once in a while. But in just 24 hours a day, trying to figure out how to fit all that in is hard, so both my husband and I try to keep open communication with each other and make sure that we’re doing our best to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle for ourselves and every single person in our family. With that being said, it’s also very important to remind yourself that, as parents, we’re doing everything we can and that is more than anyone could ever ask for.
ALLISON HOLKER |
Seeing the growth in my children each and every single day. There are so many incredible moments that make you so proud as a mother: my baby learning to walk, when my son put on his pants by himself for the first time, the first time my daughter brought home her report card from school and she had all high marks; she was so proud of herself. Those are the things that make parenting so rewarding. Plus, all the times that we just get to laugh or giggle together and enjoy the simple joys of life like smiling and looking at the sun.
ALLISON HOLKER |
MINI |
What do you think is the greatest
always wanted to accomplish while being a parent is making sure that my kids have all the knowledge and keys that they need to find their very own success. I have always wanted my kids to know that if they dream big enough and work hard enough that dream can become their reality. I want them to be as prepared as they can be to succeed in their own adult lives while maintaining a creative, fun love of living their best life. How has this pregnancy been different from your previous two?
MINI |
It’s definitely busier when you’re pregnant with two other children, running around with all of their activities and school. But this pregnancy has also felt different because I get to share the experience with my kids. They are very active in asking questions about the baby, trying to help me around the house, and checking in on my health. Seeing the care and concern from my children has warmed my heart.
ALLISON HOLKER |
MINI |
What surprised you most about motherhood?
What surprised me most about motherhood is what I’ve always heard from my own mother: that there is almost a sixth sense a mother has. You can sense and feel so much from your children, that we know how they are feeling without them having to say anything. It’s an incredible feeling to be that connected.
ALLISON HOLKER |
MINI |
What is your greatest parenting worry?
I’m not sure I would call it worry that I have as a parent but something that I’ve
ALLISON HOLKER |
What were your first thoughts when you learned you were expecting a baby girl?
MINI |
So happy! I have always just wanted to have a healthy baby, but after finding out that it was a baby girl, I have to admit, I was very excited to add another little girl to our family.
ALLISON HOLKER |
What have you loved about watching Stephen become a dad?
MINI |
He takes every obstacle on headfirst with so much love and light and has found a beautiful way of encouraging and teaching our kids responsibility, sincerity, and dedication, all in one. He is an incredible father. I couldn’t be more grateful for him. He is a true example of a great family man.
ALLISON HOLKER |
What traits do you hope your kids inherit from Stephen?
MINI |
There are so many traits to pick from: his love, his genuine kindness, and his dedication to his craft and family. Stephen has a way of brightening up every room he walks into and it’s his genuine love and open heart that make people feel so warm and safe when they are with him. That is a rare gift.
ALLISON HOLKER |
What makes you two a great team when it comes to parenting?
MINI |
We balance each other, yet we always have each other’s back. If Stephen says something to our children, I one hundred percent stand at his side and vice versa. We are together in this thing called parenting and our children can feel that we are a team.
ALLISON HOLKER |
If you could give your kids one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
Never settle. You are destined for greatness. Live your best life, with a grateful, happy, and humble heart!
ALLISON HOLKER |
STEPHEN S AY S
CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO The “Fatherhood Fraternity” podcast. FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE A Goofy Movie. BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD Know the words to every song on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse by heart. GROWING UP, I WANTED TO BE A Scientist. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD Read more.
ALLISON S AY S CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO Beyoncé Love on Top. FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE Easy! Harry Potter, all of them. BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD Be so proud of someone pooping in the toilet. GROWING UP, I WANTED TO BE A Dancer, always. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD Read and sleep.
FA S H I O N FA M I LY As the former Fashion Director at luxury women’s retailer Intermix (Sloane’s husband is also Intermix co-founder Haro Keledjian) and now founder of casual California boutique The Westside and one-stop kids and teens shop Everafter, it seems Sari Sloane simply has fashion in her DNA. We met with the NYC entrepreneur (and daughters Lila, Violet, and Kiki) at her bold, playful, Bohemian home to talk evolving style, raising kids in the city, and the most important business lessons she’s learned thus far. photography by
ANA GAMBUTO
yet my gigantic Mah Jong sofa is bohemian, colorful, and playful. What are some of your favorite elements in your home?
MINI |
Our massive pieces of contemporary art throughout our home are exploding with color which makes the perfect contrast to its surroundings. Everything we buy has ethnic influences, from art to books to plants, always inspired by our travel destinations. SARI SLOANE |
We are so inspired by your two fashion ventures— Everafter and The Westside! Can you tell us how the two came to be?
MINI |
We found the market lacking a fresh approach to kids clothing, where you could source everything in one place that was enjoyable for both kids and parents. The Westside, which is my personal passion project, focuses on my love for a relaxed, yet stylish wardrobe that’s comfortable, casual, and chic. SARI SLOANE |
Thank you for inviting us into your home! Tell us about the place! How would you describe your home?
MINI |
Our home is a perfect reflection of my style. It’s all about comfort, neutrality, minimalism, and lack of clutter. I love all things neutral with a mix of unexpected color and texture. SARI SLOANE |
MINI |
Do you have a favorite room?
My living room best reflects my personal style and taste. It’s understated and neutral,
SARI SLOANE |
How have the two brands grown since their beginnings?
MINI |
Our growth has been very fluid. As we’ve scaled, opened new stores, and launched e-commerce, we’ve taken our learnings and made each one better than the SARI SLOANE |
next. With scaling our businesses, it is very important to us that we remain authentic. Our customers treat us and our sales associates like we are an extension of them. Even with growth, we maintain a neighborhood vibe. What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned in business thus far?
It is incredibly important for me to stay balanced in all aspects of my life. I’m a very spiritual person and yoga is my everyday me time. SARI SLOANE |
What do you think about the idea of “having it all?”
MINI |
MINI |
To be patient, it takes time to grow and develop a sound business. And to surround yourself with like-minded people with the same short and long-term goals, but who also have unique skill sets. SARI SLOANE |
What do you think is the greatest challenge of being a working mom?
MINI |
I don’t think having it all is possible or something anyone should strive for. Be happy and confident with what you have in life. SARI SLOANE |
Let’s talk motherhood! What has surprised you most about motherhood?
MINI |
Being an only child, growing up, I always wanted sisters. It surprised me SARI SLOANE |
that now having three girls, that they would fight, bicker, or have forms of sibling rivalry! I would’ve thought that they would always be happy together. That being said, despite some bickering here and there, all three girls have very close bonds. What is your greatest parenting worry or fear?
MINI |
The impact of social media. It’s everywhere, starting at a really young age. From TikTok videos to YouTube, it’s overwhelming to try and manage what your kids get exposed to. As much as there’s fun and engaging content for kids, there’s still a lot of bad out there that I want to protect my kids from. SARI SLOANE |
What is most important to you in raising your girls?
MINI |
We are always seeking to inspire our kids, while letting each of them be their own independent selves, through their personality, interests, sense of style. There’s no dull moment in our household with three girls and three dogs! SARI SLOANE |
Where have you seen the biggest changes in your life since becoming a mom?
MINI |
There have been so many positive changes since becoming a mom of three, but specifically, pertaining to work, it has helped me become a better SARI SLOANE |
leader for my companies. Tell us how you decided on your daughters’ names.
MINI |
My daughters are named after my grandparents. I always had a very close bond and relationship with them. My girls’ names are all various iterations of my grandparents’ names and it’s the perfect way to remember them. SARI SLOANE |
What are you looking forward to about raising your daughters in NYC?
MINI |
Our daughters are involved in so many aspects of the business, and we love their passion and investment. They feel that it’s as much their own as it is ours. Most of their afternoons, or weekends, they ask to spend in the stores merchandising new product, participating in photoshoots, or even attending market at the Javits Center, where they take photos of their favorite styles. We love giving them so much exposure to the overall business! SARI SLOANE |
How would you describe your personal style?
MINI |
I’m super natural in every way. My sense of style is bohemian, comfortable, SARI SLOANE |
and effortless. I love redefining casual in a chic way. Has your style changed at all since becoming a mom?
MINI |
Definitely. I spent my 20s into my 30s in heels, dressed up in the latest trends and designers, and now I’m dressing in a more practical and laid-back way for my lifestyle. How I dress now is all about comfort and ease, hence why we launched The Westside! I hate being overdressed or overdone. SARI SLOANE |
If you could give your girls one piece of advice, what would it be?
MINI |
FA S T FA C T S MY COFFEE ORDER Turmeric Golden Latte. BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD Have a career in the kids business. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD Do yoga at Lyons Den Power Yoga or travel on a yoga retreat. ALWAYS IN MY FRIDGE Oat milk. IDEAL DATE NIGHT If there’s a sushi restaurant nearby, that’s always my first choice. FAVORITE KIDS BOOK The Hungry Caterpillar and Goodnight Moon. CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO The latest hits on our Alexa in the living room. FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE The Sound of Music. ON MY NIGHTSTAND Stack of books and a water bottle. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT Nobu.
Don’t take anything too seriously. Focus on what you know and do best and continue on at it. SARI SLOANE |
Favorite places to visit in NYC with kids, GO!
MINI |
Sushi, always, especially Nobu. Sant Ambroeus for brunch, The Elk for coffee and their peanut butter cookie, TenOverTen for a mani/pedi and the Javits Center for market. The kids love coming with me so much! SARI SLOANE |
Getting a company off the ground—especially in the parenting space—is a feat in itself, but in a short amount of time, Fawn Design has taken the diaper bag world by storm. 27-year-old founder and mom of two (to daughters Georgia and June) Jenny Wecker has been at the helm of it all, expanding the brand into accessories and moving into a new Salt Lake City office.
Mom IN CHIEF photography by
LIZZYOGR APHY LIZZY WILLIAMS
Thank you for inviting us into Fawn Design HQ! Tell us about the place! What are your favorite parts?
MINI |
We moved into this office about seven months ago, and it truly feels like my home away from home. It was pretty surreal to me that I had to get a space of this size to accommodate my growing team! My absolute favorite part of our office is all the windows and natural light. My personal office is right on the corner, so it is always so bright and I love it. I have a really cool piece of music memorabilia artwork hanging in my office that I got on a trip up in Whistler, Canada. It is one of my most prized things I own, and I love being able to look at it every day!
JENNY WECKER |
We are such big fans of Fawn Design! How has the brand evolved since its early days?
MINI |
Fawn Design has changed so much since I started it almost six years ago! I love that the core of who we are is still the same. At Fawn, we are all about women embracing every stage of womanhood, especially motherhood. That is what I think about and focus on every day. The biggest change for sure has been the team! For a while it was just a couple of us, and now we are close to a team of 20— and growing! It’s been such a privilege to work alongside some of the best in the business. Another change I am proud of is our product offering. For a long time, we just had our original bag in a few colors. Now we
JENNY WECKER |
have a whole variety of bags in multiple colors, and we are constantly adding to it. Where do you see the brand going in the future?
MINI |
I am so excited for where the brand is headed! We plan to add more bags and accessories of course, but we also have some really cool collaborations in the works. We are going to continue focusing on our campaign that we call, We Are We Can. This campaign is all about focusing on women all over, sharing their stories, which in turn helps others not feel so alone in their struggles. I’m
JENNY WECKER |
hoping we can continue to make an impact.
MINI |
What would you say is the greatest challenge of being a working mom?
What do you love about being based in Salt Lake City, in terms of both work and life?
JENNY WECKER |
MINI |
I am such a lover of Salt Lake City! I love that you can be in the city and within 15 minutes, you can be up in the beautiful mountains. I love the outdoors, so Utah is the perfect spot for me. It’s been such a great place to work because we have such a large community of entrepreneurs here. It’s nice to be able to connect with people who understand the ups and downs of owning your own business. Especially being a woman and mom CEO, it’s nice to have people who can relate.
JENNY WECKER |
Finding a good balance between work and family. Every work opportunity can seem like its important, which at the end of the day, is not the case. You have to be hyper-focused on the things that are important, so it makes it easy to say yes or no. I try hard to remember I can’t be at everything for my kids and to be okay with that. I have my absolutes I won’t miss, so if something work related comes up, I know to turn it down, because my commitment to my family comes first. What helps you to juggle motherhood and career?
MINI |
FA S T FA C T S ON MY NIGHTSTAND So many books! And a lip mask. BEFORE KIDS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD Be so tired as a parent. IF THERE WERE MORE HOURS IN THE DAY, I WOULD Exercise and play with my kids. ALWAYS IN MY FRIDGE Sparkling water and string cheese. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT A Mediterranean place called Spitz. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Going to a concert! FAVORITE KIDS BOOK Where the Wild Things Are. FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP Harmons! It’s a grocery store and I love it! CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO Vampire Weekend’s newest album, Father of the Bride. FAVORITE KIDS MOVIE Alice in Wonderland.
I stick to a pretty strict schedule; that is what helps me try to “balance” motherhood and my career. I only work certain days and times and I don’t budge on that. I also really make sure I am taking time for self care. It seems a little backwards, but when I make time for me, I actually am less selfish and am able to focus better on family and work. I aslo think we think of self care as grand gestures, when really, it’s simple things like making sure you’re drinking enough water and eating three meals a day!
JENNY WECKER |
Tell us about that schedule. What does a typical day look like right now?
MINI |
My schedule is pretty hectic! When I am home, I typically like to get up around 6 a.m. I really love having me time first thing in the morning. I like to exercise and then get ready before my kids wake up. That doesn’t always happen, but that is the goal! I really love being with my girls in the
JENNY WECKER |
morning. Getting them ready and having breakfast as a family is one of the highlights of my day. Once I am at work, I am usually in meetings. When I am not in meetings, I am working in my office on new product designs. That is my main job at Fawn Design these days, which I love! What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned so far as a business owner?
MINI |
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that I am so much smarter than I think I am. I grew up really struggling in school and that hurt my self-esteem over the years. I’ve really had to realize that does not define how “smart” I am. I am constantly reflecting on how I’ve built a company out of nothing, completely self-funded, all while being a college dropout. I am a big advocate for education (and plan to finish one day), but that doesn’t define how smart you are and what you are capable of.
JENNY WECKER |
If you ever deal with mom guilt, how do you handle it?
MINI |
I try really hard to not even “go there” with mom guilt. Meaning, I keep my priorities clear, so when I’ve made a decision, I don’t feel guilty, because I was intentional about it. I do get homesick when I travel, but I also make sure my kids have plenty to do while I am away, so they don’t
JENNY WECKER |
usually miss me! When I am home, I put my phone down and make the most of my time with my family. What is most important to you in raising your children?
MINI |
I just want my kids to know that I love them, no matter what. I also want them to be nice people. I love that quote from the new Disney Cinderella movie, “we must have courage and be kind.” That’s what I hope for them.
JENNY WECKER |
MINI |
What is your greatest parenting fear?
Probably my kids not feeling like they can tell me anything. I really hope I can create an environment where they feel like nothing is off limits and I will always love them.
JENNY WECKER |
What do you think is the one thing about motherhood no one really warns you about?
MINI |
Just how many ups and downs there are! You can be feeling great and on top of the world, and a minute later, you can be so discouraged. It’s hard to even get it until you’re in that spot, but I wasn’t expecting all the mood swings.
JENNY WECKER |
Favorite places to visit in SLC with kids? Go!
MINI |
We love going up to Snowbird Ski Resort! It’s so fun to hike in the summer and ski in the winter. We also are pretty simple and love going to the parks and splash pads. We are lucky to have great ones for both in Utah!
JENNY WECKER |
BLUE MOON P H OTO G R A P H Y A N D S T Y L I N G G R E T C H E N E A S T O N | H A I R A N D M A K E U P M I C H A E L I N E @ 3 P L U S M A N A G E M E N T U S I N G M A C C O S M E T I C S | M O D E L AV E N L I E B L E U @ B E N S I M O N | M O D E L M A I S I E @ Z U R I M O D E L A N D TA L E N T
PREVIOUS PAGE Denim Shirt: Zara T-Shirt: Gucci Skirt: Kids Atelier Shoes: Naot LEFT Shirt: Zara Jumper: Carbon Soldier from Shan & Toad Socks: Zara Shoes: Zara RIGHT Jacket: Chloé Shirt: Carbon Soldier from Shan & Toad Skirt: Zara Shoes: Naot
LEFT Suit: Bonpoint Shirt: Zara Socks: Zara Shoes: Zara
LEFT Hat: Zara Sweater: Jacadi Vest: Moncler from Kids Atelier Shorts: Zara Tights: Zara Shoes: Naot
LEFT Denim Shirt: Zara T-Shirt: Gucci Skirt: Kids Atelier Shoes: Naot RIGHT Jumpsuit: Bardot Junior Shirt: Gucci
LEFT Headband: Zara Blouse: NORO Paris Jacket: Carbon Soldier from Shan & Toad Skirt: Jacadi Socks: Zara Shoes: Zara
