FIRST THOUGHT: The Plight of Moms
I recently read an article about how kids need more independence; that we moms are all a little too helicopter and need to just chill. It wasn’t particularly noteworthy, but one comment made it all worth it. A woman said: “I’ve always called my parenting style ‘Are your legs broken?’” It made me seriously chuckle because I can’t remember how many times I asked for something or wouldn’t do something just because I didn’t feel like doing it myself.
Today, whether at work or at home, motivate yourself by using this parenting style. Should you go to the gym? Well, your legs aren’t broken. Should you go to that networking event? Girl, your legs aren’t broken.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 1 in 4
Us former latchkey kids (which is like every late millennial, right?) had plenty of independence, so much, in fact, that in 2019, you wouldn’t dare let your child walk down to the 7-11 for a Slurpee and a bag of Warheads. The truth is that being super attentive as a parent has its pros and cons – and many mothers raise children on their own. 1 in 4, in fact. That means, sometimes, the oldest kid has to crack open the Chef Boyardee so his mama can work to afford said Chef Boyardee.
WOMAN TO WATCH: Sandra Makarem, Founder & CEO of The Collective Child
We’ve shared stories of plenty of mompreneurs out there, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite kind of stories to tell. Sandra Makarem is a working mama who might just convince you to ditch your 9–5 and venture out on your own.
Sandra is one of those rare breeds who followed the career she set out in college: fashion. During her time at fashion school, she had an internship at Condé Nast. Six months later, she landed her first big job at Bloomingdale’s. She started as a merchant assistant, which essentially means she was responsible for procuring merchandise to be sold.
During her second year in the position, Sandra participated in Bloomingdale’s Buying Executive Development Program. It was a smart move, as it propelled her into a bevy of future positions, from assistant buyer to her last role as omni buyer.
Now, she’s launched a company called The Collective Child, a brand that’s all about luxury and personalization. It’s a monthly subscription aimed at busy moms. Sandra made plenty of connections during her tenure at Bloomingdale’s, so when The Collective Child launched, more than a thousand people wanted to subscribe, creating a 2-year waitlist.
This modern-day boutique offers sizes for newborns to six-year-olds. One of the most instrumental facets of The Collective Child is also the most unique. Sandra and her co-founder’s curation of each piece is evident. When you receive your box of handpicked items, you can choose to keep what you like and return the rest.
Most items are from luxury brands and can go up to $300. This isn’t your big box retailer, ladies. Customers praise The Collective Child for brand discovery, meaning they find a new favorite brand for their kiddos.
Sandra has figured out a way to combine her professional expertise—fashion—into this new season of her life as a mother. It’s messy and complicated and hard, but it’s also beautiful - especially if you’re wearing the right outfit.
QUITE THE QUOTE
The Coco Chanel said:
"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud."