Meet our December Mommy of the Month Amy!
Here are some awesome Q & A's from Amy:
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What was the thing that surprised you most when you became a mom?
I think the thing that was most surprising was how different my son and daughter are. We parented them in a similar way, and sent them to the same schools and they had the same caretakers - but somehow they are polar opposites. It’s fun to see how different they were early on, and how they have such different interests and ways of interacting.
- What do you wish someone else had told you about parenting so you would be better prepared?
One of my good friends warned me to go to brunch and see movies as much as possible before the baby came. I was convinced that I would be a mom who was able to fit those things in. However, I feel like she was totally right... I constantly try to explain brunch to my kids - but they think the idea is crazy! They can’t imagine why you would ever wait for a meal when you could just eat right when you get up! Movies have been hard to fit in, too - it’s a special luxury to even know what movies are in theaters.
- What is your biggest accomplishment you are most proud of? (does not have to be about your kids!)
Launching my new clothing line, Voloshin, has been a great experience. It was always a dream of mine to have a clothing line ever since I was very young - I knew it was something that I wanted to do. It was hard to know when to start, sometimes when you’ve had a dream for so long, it can be daunting to dive in. I decided as soon as both kids were sleeping through the night that I was going to start. So, once Mila turned 3, I started on the line.
Voloshin, has evolved into a clothing line that is very casual and easy for busy moms to wear. It’s made from lightweight natural fibers, you can launder it on the delicates cycle, and it’s hand block printed by artisans in India. It’s for a woman who is causal, has effortless style, and is conscious of where, how, and who is making their clothing. We’ve started off small, and have grown from starting fall with 5 stores, to now beeing in 20 stores nationwide and online. I love working on the collection, and I’ve got a really great team supporting me. It hasn’t been easy, there were lots of hiccups along the way, but I’d have to say that it’s been one of my biggest accomplishments. You can see more on Instagram and shop online on our Voloshin website.
- What are your must have items in your diaper bag?
Luckily my kids are potty trained now, so I’ve moved back to just carrying a purse. But, my purse is jam-packed with my Moonphase Printfresh pocket notebook, Zulu Shorty Kids water bottles since they don’t leak, gloves, goldfish, chapstick, tissues, more rocks and pebbles than anyone should ever have in a purse, and drawings the kids made at school.
- If you had a day kid free to do anything you want, what would you do?
Shopping in Old City at Vagabond, Omoi Zakka Shop, 36 Craven, coffee at Menagerie, pop over to the Fabric Workshop to get inspired, and then a pedicure at Coco Blue Nail & Spa. Then, if I had time I’d putter around the house and just do whatever random task I feel like in no particular order. My work and home life is typically very scheduled and organized, so I really prize being able to take an hour or two to just do what I feel like and be in the moment.
6. Any advice for first time moms?
Accept the help that family, friends, and strangers offer! It’s so easy to think that you have it all under control, but being open to accepting of help is something I’m still working to get better at! Accept the seat on the subway someone offers up, get a massage, take an hour or two to yourself. You’ll feel more recharged - which is best for everyone in your family.
