Mod Mom

Did you know that a babies like to play with scraps of fabric? Lisa Mims does. Mims is the co-founder, with her sister-in-law Nancy Mims, of the organic fabric line Mod Green Pod and the mother of an eighteen month old daughter. On a recent visit to her Boston studio, Mims pulled out a large pile of colorful fabric scraps for my eight month old daughter to play with. My daughter was immediately contented. I’d like to think this was because my daughter fully appreciated the beautifully designed patterns that are hand silk-screened on 100% organic cotton with water-based, non-toxic inks. But Mims knew better. “Sometimes babies just like something new,” she said.

And sometimes mothers do, too. In 2005, Mims and her sister-in-law joined forces to start something that was, at the time, an entirely new concept in textile design – a line of fabrics that combined swank design with environmentally sustainable materials. Mims’s had a business background and her sister-in-law had a design background. Both women were looking for a creative work outlet that they could control and feel good about.

Three years, two babies, and one toddler later, Mod Green Pod is a huge success. Mims’s credits part of the success to good timing. “The time was ripe for environmentally responsible products,” she said. That’s certainly true and the company has had impressive press coverage, but both women also put in a lot of hard work. Mims’s works at night and is constantly checking her studio’s voicemail. Like any mother, Mims’s worries about the effect this has on her daughter. “One of my daughter’s favorite toys is her phone,” she said. “Sometimes I wonder if that’s because she always sees me on mine.” Her advice to other mothers who are considering starting their own businesses is to know that it can be taxing on the entire family. “Be ready to dedicate a lot of time,” said Mims.

With this enormous effort comes the benefit of control. All Mod Green Pod products are produced in U.S.A., a decision that was made for value reasons but also has the added benefit of minimizing international travel. Mims can also personally ensure that all her products meet her high environmental and labor standards.

And let’s not forget that the line is so very stylish. The Butterfly Jubilee (shown above), Ticking Stripe, and Atticus patterns are particularly popular for children’s rooms. A less expensive line of children’s patterns (named Cloud Nine, Enchanted Forrest, and Tickled Pink) can be found at Near Sea Naturals. Next on the agenda? A line of Vans shoes based on Mod Green Pod prints.

If you’re craving a little Mod Green Pod but are not in the market for a full nursery overhaul, the fabric makes great wall. Just staple a piece of your favorite fabric to a wooden frame and you're all set. After all, you never know where something new can lead.

Smock Flock

You know how sometimes you're browsing in a children's store and you suddenly see something so darn cute that you find yourself lovingly petting and cooing at an inanimate object? Well, I'm having one of those moments right now. Laying in front of me is the newest line of baby stationary from Smock. So yes, I'm petting paper. But let me tell you, I've never petted paper so soft and pretty before.

I'll start with the soft. Smock is the only print shop in America that prints on bamboo paper. The bamboo paper is thick, slightly textured, and truly soft. Smock uses antique cast iron letterpresses and vegetable-oil based low-VOC inks. All their wrapping paper and shipping products are made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials. And just in case you were wondering, yes, the bamboo used in Smock's paper comes from "Panda Safe" varieties of bamboo.

Now to the pretty. Smock's children's line, also called their "play" line, offers five prints - a giraffe, a duck, a horse, an elephant, and a lion. The colors are beautifully muted and every detail, from the lining of the matching envelopes to the waves that the little duckie is swimming on, were clearly chosen with care. As of now, Smock cannot personalize their stationary with names.

In keeping with their eco-friendly focus, Smock has offered a Triple Trees checkout special for all MomElement readers. Just mention MomElement at checkout and Smock will plant three additional trees if you buy a tree for one dollar.

Smart Mom, Smart Business

If I were to build the perfect mother, she would be compassionate, giving, creative, intelligent, a role model to her children, and an asset to her community. Phew, I’m exhausted just imaging her day. If I were to build the perfect company, I would take all of those characteristics, add a positive profit margin, and hope for the opportunity to get in on an early IPO.

After speaking with Amy Maurer Creel, the co-founder with Kendra LaDuca of Smart Mom Jewelry, I was pleased to learn that I’m just an IPO away from finding my perfect investment opportunity. Smart Mom Jewelry produces jewelry that is safe for curious little munchkin hands and mouths. It’s a fabulous idea and my daughter’s a huge fan, but what struck me most after speaking with Amy was that the company is run like many families, with a lot of love and some sparks of creativity.

Amy and Kendra first discussed the idea of creating a teething friendly line of jewelry several years ago, but it took them a few years and some life changing tragedies to move from concept to company. First, Kendra’s newborn daughter was diagnosed with cancer (she’s doing well now). Then, Amy’s sister-in-law, Maria, died from a rare heart condition only a few days after giving birth to her daughter. “Kendra and I both had life changing experiences that made us more willing to take risks,” says Amy. “Maria’s death made me think, what do I want to do that I’m not doing.”

Ultimately, what both women wanted to do was redefine the way they worked and do something that would teach and inspire their young daughters. So, in the face of many obstacles – a lack of product specific business experience, a lack of funds, and obligations to their families – they set off to do things their own way.

Today, six years after they first discussed the idea, Amy and Kendra employ seven people, all of whom are all mothers. All employees create their own schedules based on their own needs. If a child is napping during a scheduled meeting, that mother can call in. If a mother doesn’t have childcare, there is a large playroom attached to the workspace area where she can bring her child. “This is seriously family first,” says Amy. “There are so many talented women who sometimes can’t find an opportunity for work if they don’t want to work in a more traditional way. We’ve found that when we allow them to be with their families and they’re not torn, they are very productive and very motivated.”

As are Amy and Kendra. Amy warns that your starting your own business is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of work and, while the idea of working from home may sound attractive, it can be difficult to create any kind of boundary between work life and home life. Nonetheless, Amy recommends that any mother who has an idea that she wants to pursue should go for it. “It’s not as hard as someone might think,” says Amy. “We figured it out and we didn’t have any experience.” If you’re still wary, Amy’s happy to act as resource for any other mother who is thinking of starting her own business. Just send her an email via her website.

With 125 retailers in thirty states and a dozen countries, Smart Mom Jewelry has taken off in a way that neither Amy nor Kendra predicted. They’re about ready to introduce a new line of metallic jewelry just in time for the Olympics as well as a camouflage pattern that comes in four different colors. Their products are non-toxic, phthalate/BPA/PVC free, federally approved, and dishwasher safe. For a store near you, click here.

Home Sweet New Home

I once equated having a baby with settling down. That was before I knew how much stuff babies require and how much space that stuff needs. Now it comes as no surprise when a friend with a baby (or two) announces that she's moving to a bigger space, yet again.

I was thrilled to find these "Home" cards at Bombus's Etsy store. The cards are handmade from vintage map scraps so each one is a unique piece of art. They come with a colorful map envelope and can be personalized. Bombus also sells a great "Dad" card made of vintage maps. I know it's too late for Father's day but it could be a perfect birthday card for a dad who does a lot traveling but always look forward to finding his way home.

P.S. Just had to share that the Bombus logo is "Saving the world through decoupage!" That's quite a mission!

I'm Off!

I know we were just getting started here, but I'm off for a long planned and much needed vacation. Be sure to check back in the week after next. I'll have an interview with Amy Maurer, one of the founders of Smart Mom Jewelry, a review of the first line of children's stationary to be printed on environmentally friendly bamboo paper, some suggested summer reading, a great Etsy find, and much more. See you then!

(Photo by Omnia via Flickr)

High Fashion Meets Food

It's exciting when high fashion comes to H&M, but it's even more exciting when it comes to children's bibs. Marimekko, a Finnish company, is known for strong and colorful graphic prints. The fashion house was most popular in the 1960's and 1970's, due in no small part to Jacqueline Kennedy's purchase of eight Marimekko dresses during her husband's 1960 Presidential campaign.

When I saw these Marimekko bibs in the Boston home store Bliss, I was immediately attracted to the flowery print. Upon further inspection, my attraction deepened into.... Never mind, you know what I mean. These bibs are lightweight while still providing an effective barrier against watery food. They are machine washable and generously cut to cover shoulders and bellies.

If your high chair is in need of some high fashion a la Jackie O, click here.

(Photo from FinnStyle)

Beyond Sweet Potatoes

Before I actually became a mother, I decided that there were many types of mother that I was not going to be. I was not going to be the type of mother who sang loudly to her child in public and I was certainly not going to be the type of mother who spent hours cooking homemade baby food. Well, to the pre-baby me, all I can say is, it was nice knowing you.

Not only do I sing loudly (and poorly) to my daughter as we stroll down the street, I found that I actually enjoy making her food. What I do not enjoy is the mound of dishes that follow. So I was excited to learn that a French baby food maker that was previously sold only in Europe has finally made it's way to America (via Williams-Sonoma). It's called the Baeba Babycook and I have no idea what took so long for it to hit our shores! The beauty of the Beaba is that you can steam, blend, warm, and defrost food all in the same bowl. And we all know what that means - fewer dishes. The Beaba's $139.95 price tag made me hesitant to buy, but after weeks of deliberation, my only regret is not buying it sooner. The steam function works very well, although it takes a bit longer than the instruction manual claims (roughly 20 minutes for vegetables and 10 minutes for fruit) and it's easy to control the consistency of the food. There are only two cooking pieces, a strainer for steaming and a main bowl for blending, and both are dishwasher safe. My only word of caution is to make sure that the bottom black plastic bolt is securely tightened after washing. Otherwise, you may end up with strawberry juice flowing into the crevices of your wood cabinets like I did.

Oh wait, one more word of caution - just because it's easy to prepare the food does not mean that your baby will actually eat what you've made. Sorry.

If the Beaba is two extra dishes too many but you still crave homemade baby food, I'm pleased to announce that after my previous ravings about the California company Pomme Bebe, the owner has offered a discount to all MomElement readers. To get 10% any order of $45 or more, just enter "ABT8XY" when checking out.

(Photo from Williams-Sonoma)