Describe your job and work schedule:

As founder and CEO of Lolly Wolly Doodle, a social-shopping startup, which designs, manufactures and sells adorable, affordable custom clothing for kids and their moms, I am always working. Sometimes at the soccer field, sometimes in our factory in Lexington, North Carolina and sometimes in the middle of the night. As an entrepreneur of a fast-growing company it's really important to me to be there for my children and for our 170 employees, to whom I feel responsible.

How do you handle child care?

My husband does most of our carpooling, afterschool care and general ‘schedule’ maintenance of the kids and I feel so blessed to have his help. When Lolly Wolly Doodle started growing and we realized that the business could be way more than the hobby it initially was, he and I had a heart to heart. He was in the heavy equipment / construction business and had suffered a downturn. We decided that it made sense for me to focus on growing the company and he'd pick up child care arrangements. We also have a lot of help from our parents, who thankfully live nearby.

What was your first real job?

I was in high school and I worked in a local movie theater selling tickets and working the concession stand.

What is your favorite thing your husband does to help lighten your load?

Just knowing that he is taking care of the kids makes a world of difference.  The heavy heart I feel sometimes for not always being there is enormous but knowing that he is gives me comfort. The thing that makes my evenings seem a little easier is coming home to a wonderful dinner.J 

How do you and your husband fit marriage into the balance?

We're a partnership, and our marriage is stronger for it. We try to squeeze in time together when we can and love to take family vacations.  We don’t always work in ‘date night’ like we would dream of, but we both see our kids as being young only once and know we have many days ahead that will be endless date nights to make up for it (and I’m sure will desperately miss the loud and busy house!).

When have you been most daring in your personal life?

I think the most daring thing I've done is to take Lolly Wolly Doodle to a place I never dreamed. We have support from our investors, a commitment to building a business locally and providing jobs in our town, and we've been able to give to local charities and to moms who are our customers through our "Moms in a Jam" program.

What do your children dream of being when they grow up?

My step-son works for Lolly Wolly Doodle in our Social Commerce department and he's a part of our company team. My teenage son is just starting college and exploring his way and wants to someday joining the LWD team, as well.  My daughters both have fashion flair, my 13 year old has designed some tween dresses for us and it's so exciting to see her talent blossom. My youngest daughter goes between becoming a cosmetologist to being a seamstress at Lolly Wolly Doodle!

What is your working mom mantra?

Make time for your family and show them the value of your work. I think it's important to empower boys and girls to feel proud of what they do, inside and outside of the home.

If you could describe your life in one word, what would it be?

Thrilling

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