Three Haute Mamas

Our first Holiday Giveaway... A children's book titled Basketball with Big Baby!

Hello mamas,

It was an hour and forty five minute drive on a tuesday night with four kids but my friend Jon Goode and Big Baby Davis were worth every... I'm hungry, are we there yet? When are we going to be there? Why is it sooo long mom to get there! I'm hungry!

I of course a proud Boston Sports Fan kinda gal and mom of four was all over this! The launch party we were attending at the Lowell Beer Works was to promote the book titled Basketball with Big Baby and  to raise money for a Charity called C2 Mission a charity that helps children affected by cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis.  

 

We made it and met Big Baby Davis! who by the way told us they WILL be bringing a Championship banner back to Boston this year!! Waaahoooo!!!!! 

I caught up with the author of the book Jon Goode and put him in "The Haute Seat" here is what he had to say.........

 

 How did the book come about? Theme?

The book idea came about as I wanted to do something different than my first one which was an actual story. As I contemplated different ideas I really liked the thought of spelling out the word "BASKETBALL" then using each letter as an adjective. I felt it was something kids and parents could relate too while also allowing fun illustrations.


 How did you get to collaborate with Big Baby Davis?

I first met and talked with Big Baby before a Lowell Spinners game where he was doing an appearance on a special Celtics Night throwing autographed mini-basketballs into the crowd fans and kids could win. I showed him my first book and really loved it. When I mentioned the idea of doing one with him he was all about it and has been great to work with right from that point. He is really excited about the childrens book and has been very supportive.


 What would you like our mom's to know about the books message to children?

There are many messages in the book, but my favorite messages are effort, setting goals and believing in yourself. I think those three all go hand in hand and are very important for kids to learn. It's important for kids to set goals and go after those goals, but the only way they will achieve those goals is by putting in the right effort and hard-work while believing you can achieve anything. 

 Why have you chosen the C2 Mission as your Charity?

The C2 Mission is a foundation I started a few years ago to benefit children and families affected by Cerebral Palsy and Cystic Fibrosis. It's important to me on a personal level as I have CP and because of my mom I now live a normal life where people cannot tell. 

When I was a baby and the time came for me to walk I had a lot of trouble walking. Finally my mom decided to take me to the doctors to find out what was wrong and I was diagnosed with having Cerebral Palsy.  The doctor told my mom I would never be able to walk. My mom is my hero as she took so much time out of her life to put me through physical therapy and is the reason why I can walk and live a normal life now. All I remember is running on the beach and to me that was fun. I never realized it was physical therapy. I have since gone on to attend college on a running scholarship and have run a marathon in under three hours (2:54 to be exact). Everyday I wake up so thankful I can do things on my own from taking a shower to brushing my teeth. Now I want to be able to give back to others because of how lucky I am. 

My niece Alison has Cystic Fibrosis so its a personally dream of mine that kids with CF can grow up to live a normal life like I have been able too.

         Pictured above is the Illustrator Rachel Gregorio, Glen Davis and Author Jon Goode

 

Writing children's books and my job with the Spinners has allowed me to do something that has become one of my favorite things, which is tour elementary schools speaking to all the kids talking about the messages each book delivers. I might not make a difference with every child, but even if its just one it's worth it. I am able to use the Spinners, Red Sox, Celtics and the players to capture the kids attention and when I have their attention deliver positive messages. I just have so much fun speaking with the kids and interacting with them. The questions they have can be a riot.

Thanks Jon! the world could use more positive role models like you for our children.  Mamas this book is fun and easy to read and really has a wonderful message about hard work, loving what you do and believing in yourself. Kate, Christina and I would highly recommend it as mom's and  Proud Celtics fans! You can order a copy of the book here and you are also making a contribution to a wonderful charity.  Makes a wonderful donation to your child's school or Public Library as well.

And now the Mamas would like to giveaway a copy of this book signed by the author and Big Baby Davis to one lucky fan of Three Haute Mamas. Just send us a comment on twitter, Facebook or our blog to enter . We will be choosing a winner on Monday the 20th! Good Luck!

XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina

 

 

 

 

In the Haute Seat, meet the mamas behind those Tiny Hineys

Um. Well, while I'm sure they have Tiny Hineys I am, of course, talking about their fabulous brand of baby and toddler clothing launched 7 months ago and the talk of the toy room.  Tiny Hiney was started by two moms with a "passion for fashion for little ones".  The line is super cute, super soft and a super idea for holiday gifts!  Buy in bulk and stuff those stockings.  New mama PSA-you can buy all the cute toys you want, but all your new born really needs..clothes, diapers and something to eat.  And that's where Tiny Hiney comes in.  We had a chance recently to "meet" the mamas by the grace of Gmail and put them in the Haute Seat.  So grab your beverage of choice and sit down while we get to know the mamas behind Tiny Hiney.

Hi Danya, 

First off have I mentioned my obsession with Jack Johnson? You had me at Jack.*

Ok tiny hiney moms....

First off: A little bio-your names, family info (children? Dog? Where abouts you call home?)

My name is Danya Minyan and my partner's name is Zipora McDougald. I have a four year old son, Eitan and a two year old son, Nadav. Zipora's son, Zachary, is also two. We both have cats and currently live in Portland, Oregon.

 

1.  How do the two of you know each other? Have you worked together before?

We met a Mommy & Me playgroup last year and had not worked together previously. 

2.  How did you get started in the garment industry? Is this a first time experience? 

This is the first time for both us. I was a sales rep for clothing lines years ago, but we're actually both event planners.

 

3.  I absolutely love your website.  I think first impressions say a lot, and you nailed it.  The music, the styling, the photography and obviously the garments are all top notch.  Wait.  That's not a question.  Moving on...

Thanks! :) We worked with several graphic designers, but ended up creating this one on our own.

4.  What has been the best part of Tiny Hiney? What has been the hardest?

The best part is seeing kids in our clothing and getting great feedback from people. The hardest part is making the best financial decisions, in terms of ordering inventory versus our sales.

  

5.  What advice would you give other moms starting their own business? 

I would say to go with your idea if you believe in it, but do not get in over your head. We have been very careful about not investing too much or getting in over our heads.

5 1/2. Tell me your absolute favorite part of Tiny Hiney

My favorite part is being creative and trying out our ideas. It is amazing to see our finished products all ready and wrapped up to ship out for orders!

6.  How do you balance it all? Or do you;)

It's tough balancing our families, I work part time as an event planner and our business. That's why it's great that we're partners and not doing it all on our own!

7.  Do you celebrate the holidays? If so which ones, and how (any special traditions)? 

We are both Jewish and celebrate the Jewish ones, as well as American holidays (Halloween, Valentine's Day, etc.). Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah so my family will light the menorah, eat traditoonal Hanukkah foods and open gifts. 

8.  Guilty pleasures (e.g. shoe shopping? Ice cream? Reality TV?)

We are both addicted to shopping and celebrity magazines. It helps that we have a ton in common!

9.  Name 3 songs on your iPod:

We both love Jack Johnson! I also love Tiesto (dance music), James Morrisson, Coldplay, etc...

 

Thanks so much and we look forward to reading your blog! Have a great day!

  

Danya

*This will become clear when you visit the darling site which you will because it is exceptionally well done and we all know you're shopping is not done;)  True fact.  I kept their site on one day for hours.  Just playing and playing...

Anyhow, thanks so much mamas for being a part of In the haute seat, and sharing with us! We love your line and we love you guys! Best of luck! 

xo Kate, Kimberly and Christina

 

In the Haute Seat, our Q+A with M.Mavi designer Michele Mavissakalian

 

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.  

Eleanor Roosevelt

Like a big sister or a best friend, Three Haute Mamas wants to support each and every woman out there.  The women business owners, non profit directors, even the everyday mama who's making a difference.  We are starting a series of sit downs called "In the Haute Seat", where we will tackle all kinds of pressing questions our readers want to know.  How they started their journey in business?  What's their secret? How they balance it all?  Glee or American Idol? You know..the good stuff.  Know someone who should be featured "In the Haute Seat"?  Then by all means, let us know.  

Today however, our first In the Haute Seat guest honor belongs to Michele Mavissakalian.  She wowed us with her jewelry line, and was generous enough to sit down and answer a few questions for the mamas.  If you missed our piece on her line, you can go back and read it here.  Michele followed her passion and created a line of jewels that is not only breath taking but also carries deep meaning in each piece.  So grab your beverage of choice, or in Michele and my case, cereal of choice, and enjoy. 

1. What prompted you to start your own business? 

I've always been a creative person, which has its pluses and minuses.  After breaking away from the arts trying to make my way as a writer and actress I fell into a corporate job as an agency recruiter here in NYC.  It was my first real corporate job and in a way, working as an agency recruiter was like running my own business within a business.  It was a commission based position which was quite rewarding in many ways and I think gave me the confidence to later do something on my own that I wouldn't have had if I had been in a salaried position.

2.  What inspires you?

Coming from the theatre, I'm very much inspired by words and poetry which is why I guess my first collection is named after Victorian writers.  But I'm also inspired by the reaction of making something that others find beautiful.  It's very satisfying to create something and then to have someone else enjoy it.  It has in a way become it's own form of performance for me.

3. Do you have favorite pieces, or is that like choosing a favorite child? 

Oh that's tough and yes a bit like choosing a favorite child.  When I started making jewelry as a hobby I made one of a kind semi-precious pieces and it was indeed hard to part with them but that makes it hard to run a business!  If I had to choose I'd pick the Emily Bronte 4 piece necklace.  It has a classic feel to it but it's also bold and you can wear it with just about anything for any occasion. 

4.  If you weren't designing jewelry, what would you be doing? 

I'd be decorating.  I took Interior Design classes in Paris for a semester when I was living there for a while.  But it's a lot more practical to design jewelry unless you have many different homes at your disposal.  If anyone out there is interested in a decorator though, I'm available!

5.  Do you have children, (how many? ages?) and if so, how do you balance it all? 

I don't have children but I'd love to someday.  I don't know how moms starting a business do it but I see them do it and admire that tremendously.  I hope I'll have children soon.

6.  What is the one piece of advice you would give to women starting their own business? 

 
Ah...I have a bit of advice but it's really simple.  Pick something you absolutely love, believe in yourself and give yourself permission to invest in yourself whether it's hiring a consultant or a part time assistant.  It's hard to do it all alone and investing in help will push you to work faster!

7.  Favorite guilty pleasure (ie shoe shopping, chocolate, reality tv)?

You name it!  I wouldn't be human if I didn't fall prey to just about all of them would I? Lately my guiltiest pleasure has to be spending more than my share of time in front of the TV streaming netflix, episode after episode when I should be doing other things.  24 and Dexter and high on my list.  Put some cereal in front of me and I'm set.  I know it's odd but I LOVE cereal and consequently never have it in stock because I could eat the whole box at once.

Thank you Michele, for sharing your advice, designing such lovely jewelry and also validating my cereal addiction (I'm a Multi-grain Cheerios type gal!).  

For more information please visit M.Mavi Jewelry