Category Archives: Interviews

A mom who isn’t afraid of anything!

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Mani Pedi Cutie in Hermosa Beach is one of those places you have to visit in order to appreciate. When I walked in, I was both impressed and curious. At first I thought MPC was just a gorgeous salon. Then, I noticed an area designed with young girls in mind and learned that the salon uses non-toxic beauty products. When I heard the proprietor was I mom of two kids, I knew that I had to interview her for my website.

Fearless, intelligent, determined are just a few adjectives that I would use to describe Ally Conley, the owner of Mani Pedi Cutie. With two children ages 3 and 6 she created an upscale nail salon that is both eco-friendly and child friendly. When you read her story, you will understand why I chose the adjectives above to describe her. Continue reading →

“No matter what you do, there will be critics.”

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Don’t be afraid to pursue your own dreams based on what others say when you share your idea. Use criticism to strengthen your resolve and refine your goals.

If you are brave enough to share your vision with others you might hear some popular and expected responses. Of all the moms that I have met and interviewed each one has had their critics. Statements such as, “it has already been done”, “how will you find the time” or “what happens if you fail?” Instead of allowing any doubts to stop your pursuit, use the criticism to refine your focus.

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Three moms join forces to establish Baby2Baby.

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If you have young children, you likely have gear. Clothing, toys, highchairs, strollers, swings; all of which are items we feel fortunate to have as our babies morph into toddlers and children.  Eventually, the day arrives when those items are no longer of use to our families, yet the question presents itself: what can I do with all of this wonderful clothing and equipment that looks practically new? A couple of years ago three inspiring moms confronted this issue over dinner and came up with a plan to put their baby gear and clothing to good use.

Friends for several years, Karis Jagger, Marnie Owens and Lee Michel began to research how best to execute their mission. Familiar with “Baby Buggy,” an established organization in New York that collects gently used baby gear and clothing and redistributes it to local charities, the friends decided to model their own organization with similar goals in Los Angeles. Thus, in 2006 Baby2Baby was born as a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished families with children ages 0-4 years.  Their inaugural drive was an appeal to local friends that resulted in three garages full of baby gear and clothing. After cleaning and taking inventory, they loaded the items into their own cars and drove them to three local organizations: Beyond Shelter, 1736 Family Crisis Center and St. Anne’s. Continue reading →

She did it! The amazing Beth Armstrong.

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This past Sunday, Beth Armstrong completed the Ironman in 14 hours.  She swam for 1hr 37min, she biked for 7hr 10min and ran for 4hr 49min.  The 14 hours included transitions- that is why the time doesn’t exactly add up.  I was thinking about Beth when I rolled out of bed at 6:30am.  She was getting ready to start her swim.  When I was ready to head off to bed at 9:30 she had just finished.  Beth, you are a great inspiration!

My interview with Beth is posted to the right if you want to read more.

Carmina Coello- incredible spirit and remarkable energy.

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There are certain people who send positive vibes through you from the minute you start a conversation with them.  I just spent an hour talking to one of those people: Carmina Coello.  From the beginning of our conversation, I felt positive energy building up inside of me.  When we finished our conversation, I immediately started typing- hoping to capture some of her spirit to share with you.

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