Leslie Hudson:
Hi, welcome to Life After Baby. I’m your host, Leslie Hudson. From bottles to books, diapers to dorms and everything in between, each week, I interview parenting experts to help me navigate life as a new mom. August 21 is World Entrepreneurs’ Day. Between that and everyone trying to figure out the new work/home life balance, I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring in two fabulous moms and entrepreneurs. My guest host is Julianne Tettamanti, co-owner of Gemelli Gelato and mom to 1-year-old Mateo. Today’s guest is Melanie Thomas-Cook, who is a mom of three, Momager Boss Boutique owner, and manages The Momager Blog. Her goal is to help moms manage motherhood creatively.
So thanks, Melanie, for joining us. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Thank you so much for having me. I’m excited. I am a mom of three, I have two little toddlers and I have a little teeny bopper that I love dearly. And, yeah, I created The Momager Blog and also the Momager Boss Boutique to help empower moms and just, you know, kind of help them manage motherhood as creatively as possible. We’re always juggling many things. We wear a lot of hats. And so I kind of wanted to help aid in that. And that’s how The Momager Blog started. And of course, I know we’ll get into more of that soon.
Leslie Hudson:
Absolutely. Julianne and I are both new moms. My daughter is 15 months. So we definitely understand that territory. We kept saying the other day, like you know, there’s people telling you what to expect. And then it’s completely different.
Julianne Tettamanti:
Absolutely, you cannot prepare.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
No, you can’t. No matter how much you try, and I know we’ve all really tried, but
Leslie Hudson:
So, what in your mind is a momager?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
To me, I felt like God was moved in my ear, I always say this. I came up with this concept after I had a pretty bad bout with postpartum depression. And there was like a rainbow after all of the, you know, challenges that were there. I began booking commercials and print ads with my newborn baby and people were calling me a momager. And I was saying, you know, okay, yeah, but then something kind of clicked for me. And I was in my kitchen and I was cooking up stuff. And I said, you know, we actually are all momagers, I think that we need to redefine the word.
You know, a lot of times when you think about it, you kind of see if you Google it, you’ll see Kris Jenner. So there’s that concept that you know, we kind of think like a mom was cracking the whip. She’s got her kids and either they’re acting or modeling or You know, maybe they’re in sports and that is true, but when you get to the core of these moms, I think you will realize that we all have something in common with them. And that is that we truly do want our kids to be the best that they can be. And we want them to reach greatness. So I see that and then also, I think that all of these moms are juggling, cooking and you know, going on Pinterest and trying to be like a chef in the kitchen, but then also managing their own endeavors. And then you know, trying to get their kids to where they want to be. So to me, it’s, it’s who we really already are. We’re juggling lots of things and trying to be the best that we can be for our kids. That is what my point of view on.
Julianne Tettamanti:
I love this and I cannot even agree more. Yes, especially just having a one year old that you’re just never prepared. And I think that you know that’s a perfect definition of what we’re doing because especially in the US society that we live in today. I think that it’s really tough being a mom, you know, not even just in a pandemic, jet right, you know, pre pandemic, and then this just adds a whole nother whole nother layer to it. So yeah, I love this. I love your definition. Thank you.
Leslie Hudson:
You know, we, I feel like we have so many different hats that we wear, like you said, and even just being the mom part of, okay, you know, what appointments, the keeping track of appointments and dinner and there’s just so many different you know, when we could go and play dates and have activities and on top of jobs and figuring out ourselves and definitely a lot to to balance. So it is. That’s fantastic that you have that resources for moms.
Julianne Tettamanti:
So how long have you been in business?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
I want to say about two years ago, when I first moved, I told you guys before the call that we relocated from the New York/New Jersey area to Georgia. Then, I knew that was my time to really hone in. And so yeah, so we’re new. We’re really new. That’s great.
Leslie Hudson:
Mm hmm. Did you start your boutique first or the blog?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
I started the boutique first, I was kind of learning the ins and outs of blogging, taking courses. And during that time, I was just kind of trying to figure out well, you know, what else could I do? And I’ve always been the type of person that if I want something since childhood, I’ve just like, let me just go do it. You know what I mean? Like, I’ll jump. And so I had always wanted an Etsy shop, so I kind of just incorporated merge, and I found this out later. A lot of people do this, but for me, at the time, I was like, Well, how else can I empower them and so I figured, why don’t I do it through wardrobe. I did not know that I was going to be good with graphic designing because I did not go to school for that. But I guess I do have some more time on your hands. And then you can kind of, you know, try things out, you’ll be surprised at what you can do. So, yeah, that is how the mama boss boutique started.
Julianne Tettamanti:
Well, let me give you a compliment because I went to school for graphic design. I love your graphic design and the whole look. Thank you.
Leslie Hudson:
That is, I feel like that’s really a nice thing nowadays is, you know, it’s a kind of a mix of you can definitely have formal training, go to school. And then there’s so many different things between, you know, Facebook groups and webinars and Skillshare. You can, you know, if you have the time and once you figure out carving out the time to sit down and there’s so much you can learn.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
I think that was one of the major things for me as far as why I wanted to do this is because I kind of wanted moms to know that there are options out there and sometimes we kind of don’t know if you’re used to doing the same type of job. You know, you might have dreams of doing something else, you may not think that you could. But there are options. There are ways to, you know, have your dreams and then of course, make sure that your kids have theirs too. So, yeah.
Julianne Tettamanti:
Wow, I really admire that. Especially kind of just like coming off of the first year. It’s so easy to get lost in your kids. Like, I mean, just being a mom like, yeah, that’s the only thing you focus on. You know, you’re kind of just so focused on your, your child and your child’s needs. So I really admire that, you know, you took the initiative and you knew to set a goal and you did something for yourself. Because I finally feel like my life is freeing up a little bit that I can start, you know, helping more in my husband and I’s business and also, you know, maybe doing some stuff for myself. Yeah,
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
It’s so true. And I think that’s my gift, maybe to be able to kind of help moms know what some of those options are and maybe how to do some of those things. You know, even if it pertains to you already having a business, maybe even having the tools to be able to push the business that you have online. So yeah, I agree. I totally agree with that.
Leslie Hudson:
That’s kind of part of the reason for starting this podcast is I feel like there’s so much great information in education from like when you’re pregnant until you deliver. And then it’s just completely up to how to care for the baby. And, you know, this past year, I’m sure Julianne knows that I’ve definitely, you know, there’s times where I’ve heard a lot of people that go through identity crisis and just kind of fig, you know, I had no idea how to take care of myself. And like you guys said that, you know, sometimes there’s just so much focus on them. And that’s great. But also, then you’re like, Wait a second, I’m still here. And yes, from this, too. So, I think, you know, being able to navigate and help moms kind of figure out what their path is and what they want is fantastic.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Mm hmm. Because I’ve been there and I mean, I think it’s through therapy and all that too. I think like, I love my therapist, and I’m a big advocate for you know, moms having that, like, if you feel like you, you feel like you’re overwhelmed, you feel like you’re doing so much and you’re kind of losing yourself. It’s good to kind of get another perspective on it. But through therapy, I’ve kind of figured that out, you know, because I’ve, I’ve, I have been there. And I think it’s a daily practice of like, you know, doing the little things that add up to the big things to make you feel like, you know, I am important, you know, and I do matter. You know, even though my kids of course do as well, you know.
Leslie Hudson:
Absolutely. Have you found any, when it comes to a work life balance, what things have worked really well for you?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
I’ve talked to a lot of moms about this too, and they kind of all just because, honestly, I think that everybody’s gonna have their own way of doing things when it comes to work, like you’ll have moms that are early risers and that works for them. I think it depends on your situation. As far as how you find that balance.
Some moms do better working on the weekends and then doing a little less during the week. I think every mom has to kind of figure out within their schedule. What will not drain them? And then how will they work efficiently? And so for me, my husband, his schedule is such that I have to work at night. So I’m still gauging it. I mean, there’s I have, like when I launched the website, I mean, I’d be up to like 6am. And so some people don’t want to do that. But it’s a matter of what works for you. What works for me may not work, you know, for you, but I do think there is a way it’s just a matter of just taking account of where you are and finding the best situation for you when it comes to that. Yeah, so I think we’re always gonna be juggling though.
Julianne Tettamanti:
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, for myself, my husband, with our business. I am not a morning person at all. Even though my baby likes to wake up, you know, early. But to get my responsibilities done in the business like I will stay up late like Absolutely, like I am a night owl. So I think that’s great information. Like you just have to really kind of tailor it for yourself.
Leslie Hudson:
Yes, because I do think that especially now, we have all these gurus, and you’ll hear people that are like, I wake up at 4am. And what are you doing at 4am? Hey, you gotta know, that may be that guy or that woman. Yes, that that doesn’t have to be you. And you don’t have to feel bad either. If that’s not what works for you. So, yeah, I love that.
Julianne Tettamanti:
My husband and I were just talking about that. Like, if I wake up at 4am you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to be like a zombie.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Yeah, you’ve got to do work and you can’t feel bad about that. Yeah.
Leslie Hudson:
I think it’s also kind of just juggling your expectations because I know, I worked in office for years and I was like, okay, at nine o’clock, I have to sit down and especially now I’m like, Well, you know, am I doubt that I have a baby. Am I productive at nine o’clock in the morning? You know, this is her naptime. So I think also, like you said, just kind of figuring out those times that not only work for the kids but work, you know, if you’re, if it’s 4am, and not a week, how productive Are you really going to be? So kind of just aligning it to yourself, I think is
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
I do think, and especially now, like she mentioned earlier about the pandemic. And that’s why I’ve been telling moms to give yourself grace, because this was not something that we planned for. And now you have moms that are doing virtual schooling, there are some a lot of moms that have now had to do that. And some moms have said, you know, I’m just going to homeschool. And I know about that, too. So in that type of situation, you know, what are you going to do? You have to homeschool your kids, you know what I mean? Or you have to be there for your kids during those virtual hours. So yes, of course. You have to be able to do what’s best for you in those moments.
Julianne Tettamanti:
I love that. Mm hmm. So, What tips do you have for moms who are thinking about starting their
business?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Well, one is what we talked about, which is just knowing that you can, that’s number one, because I do think a lot of us, especially if you have, you know, been consumed with your baby or your children for a while, you kind of start to wonder if it’s a possibility for you, you know what I mean? So, knowing that you can, starting to do the research, as far as like, trying to see other moms that are doing stuff that’s similar to you.
Or just, just kind of, there’s a YouTube and then there’s also Google, of course, is your best friend, finding moms that are in business period that you can just kind of get some inspiration from and then I would say definitely do courses if you can, if you’re able to, because it did move me along quicker. When we talked about graphic design that kind of came a little easier but blogging, I had no idea what I was doing so. So I did have to take courses. And I would say that I’m a big advocate for that. Because even in my acting career when I was in New York, and they were saying, you know, you’re the momager, that did not come easy, they can’t make their seven years of me, and being in classes and doing conservatories, and you know, doing all that stuff, and then now all of a sudden, reaping the benefits and a moment where I really, I didn’t know what’s going to pay off at that time. So that is important. And if you do have a tribe, I would say lean on them. And whether that’s your husband, if you have a husband, if it’s your girlfriend, you know, finding some sort of spirituality, you know, because you can’t do it by yourself. So those are those will be my tips. I have more but those are like I think some good ones to start with. Yeah.
Julianne Tettamanti:
I think that’s great. I think prior to being a mom, I didn’t know how much the phrase It takes a village actually really meant.
Leslie Hudson:
Especially one thing that, you know, you talk about your tribe and I think it’s also really important, like, you know, I have some local mom friends, but I’ve also found a lot of really good Facebook groups. That’s how we discovered each other. But there’s so much either, you know, I’m in a few just specifically for local moms, but then there’s also, you know, I found there’s like blogging, creating groups and they’re good for, you know, both business and for motherhood, there’s so much, you know, opportunities where people are saying, I’m having this problem, can you help me or I ran or share accomplishment. So, I think also, you know, thinking your tribe necessarily be in person or you have to know them.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
That’s so true. That is so true, because I’ve also seen where some moms lose some of their friends during this time. You know, people that don’t understand what it’s like to be a mom and so on in those types of situations, I do think Facebook is amazing. Even Instagram is becoming a little bit more friendly now So absolutely, yes.
Leslie Hudson:
We could probably talk about this all day. Yeah, I have to take a quick break from and restart that. So we are going to take a quick break and we will be right back after a word from our sponsor.
Welcome back to Life After Baby. I’m your host, Leslie Hudson. So I am here with two fantastic monitors. Julian Tedder, Monty and Melanie Thomas Cook and we are talking about motherhood building your tribe having a life with both equal sorry. So we are talking about all things motherhood, business, and trying to manage the two worlds. So, welcome back and thank you for joining us. Yeah, yeah.
Julianne Tettamanti:
To go back a little bit to how we were talking about you know, it takes a village. Do you have anybody on your team for the boutique or the blog, how do you kind of manage all that? Do you have any help?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
So this is what I will say that a lot of people know when you’re first starting out, some people may be able to have virtual assistants. I know that’s something that’s a little bit more attainable starting out. But then there are times when you are doing the work by yourself mostly you’re that person when it comes to pretty much every aspect of your business. When you can, I would say outsource and that you know that has been helpful for me so say, e-commerce, you know, is something that was new for me and I kind of talked about it even with the courses I look at as a way of outsourcing because you’re saving yourself time. When it comes to e-commerce I had to do the same thing I really wasn’t good with like the technical side of everything when it came to the website. So I outsource that. I kind of just outsource whatever it is that I can that will help me get forward a little quicker. But as far as having an assistant They’re on hand all the time. I’m not at that place yet. And I hopefully will be soon but as of now, I am the mom boss.
Julianne Tettamanti:
I love it. You are amazing.
Leslie Hudson:
You are. Yeah, it’s I’ve heard other guests say like, you know, not only those kind of things, but also if you can get your food delivered do that or have someone come in and clean the floors once a week do that doesn’t necessarily have to be business related tasks or anything but just take one thing off our plates.
Julianne Tettamanti:
Absolutely. Absolutely. I agree with that. My little boy came four weeks early, so we weren’t prepared for him. And as a gift, I hired someone to come and clean our like do a deep cleaning because I planned on doing that. You know, in my winding down weeks of pregnancy, I was like yeah, I feel great. I’m gonna scrub the floors and then surprise, he came. That was a little like a gift to myself and I love it and I don’t feel guilty for that.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
So no and you should not. I was gonna say that I just think about motherhood, period. First of all, that is a full time job. So whenever you can just even in motherhood, outside of business, outsource, Yeah, hello, fresh. You know what I mean? You have to sometimes get yourself a break, because that’s how you show up better as a mom. So yes, I’m with that 100%.
Julianne Tettamanti:
I couldn’t agree. Yeah, that was a great decision that I made.
Leslie Hudson:
Do you have any I know you said that, you know you’re trying to or no doubt when it comes to working. Do you have any systems that have worked really well for you? I know. I’ve heard a lot about things like batching tasks and, you know, having blocked time and I’m going to start implementing some of those?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Yeah, I mean, I feel like anyway that you can automate things, I’ve learned is very helpful. So even if it’s just automating your social media posts, utilizing those types of tools, and if you’re on Pinterest, use Tailwind, I think is really amazing because it saves you time. So when you can invest in any type of automation tool like that, that really helps. And I’ve, for me those things have kind of gotten me bored a little quicker. Like, if I had a late night and I was able to set my posts for you know, whatever time I needed it, I wouldn’t have to worry about getting up at that time if I didn’t want to. So, yeah, so that helps.
Leslie Hudson:
Absolutely, especially if there’s like Boomerang so you can, especially if you’re up at 2am and you’re like maybe this is a weird time to email someone you can set it to schedule out the next morning or Yes, or office times, like a few times. But it’s really nice how I feel There’s kind of those tools out there to really make everything easier. It’s just kind of a matter of figuring out what you need.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
So true. So true. That’s why I say it’s possible moms. It’s not. It’s not impossible. There are tools that can help us.
Leslie Hudson:
Exactly. Do you have suggestions for moms that are kind of trying to figure out their ways and try to figure out what they need?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
I love Pinterest, even outside of my business, I love Pinterest. I find new recipes. Yes, crafting ideas for my toddler. I mean, and so those things are there, utilize stuff like that and find a YouTube mom that you like. I love that too. You know, just using the stuff that we kind of overlook. We have those apps already on our phone and we just sometimes forget and kind of go in and search. I’m sure you’ll find information that will make you feel like oh, okay, because you can’t do it all by yourself. There’s some but there’s another mom out there, they’ve figured out a problem that you’re probably struggling with. And you’re like, Thank you like, I don’t know you, but thank you. She’s out there. You just got to go out there and search and use those resources.
Leslie Hudson:
I love that especially. We have so much to do and so little time. So why reinvent the wheel if we don’t have to, if you don’t have to? I know you talked a little bit about your boutique and your blog. Can you kind of tell us a little bit? What can we find in both of us places?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Okay, so the boutique is just a whole bunch of really, really cute merch. for moms as empowering us to kind of push you along and make you feel like yes, I am Mom, I am a warrior, I am a boss. All of that is there. And of course, you know, there’s cute matching outfits for your kids and your spouse that are in the boutique as well. As far as the blog, a lot of what we talked about is, is there so there’s tools for motherhood in different stages, you know, if you’re going through pregnancy, there’s different blog posts about that. And if you’re raising toddlers right now, we have some resources for moms who really don’t know how to gauge virtual schooling or homeschooling. And you know, some moms are having to go that direction. Also, I do throw things in there that I’ve learned if you know, because I do have moms that follow me that either kids are models or actors, and they’re interested in that. And then we’re constantly evolving. I’m going to be collaborating with other moms in the future, that have kids and bear activity. So I have a lot of things coming up in the pipeline that are going to be there. But basically, it’s just to make motherhood, your kids activities. And also, if you’re going into entrepreneurship and want to just have more time with your kids, but still make money, you know that those, that’s what this is for. And those resources are there. And of course, you can follow us on Instagram.
Julianne Tettamanti:
Oh, that’s so great. So when we talk about resources, we have to go to The Momager Blog and search. That’s where we’re gonna, that’s where I’m gonna head. How are some ways that you have involved your kids and your business? Do they help out for anything? You said that you do like modeling and stuff to you pictures or how’s your kids involved in your business?
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
This is and then this is where I got the whole content. That, and this is where it kind of dawned on me that you really can have it all. It’s gonna be challenging, but you can have it all, as you talked about modeling. So I will talk about that. You know, after I had that bad bout with depression, I saw an opportunity for Pampers. And I said, let’s go ahead, let me see if it will work. And so after booking that job, my son was, I want to say he was probably about three months. He was very young.
And he was already booked. And so we made a lot of money that day, and we only worked not even two hours, not even two hours. And so from there, we booked for a baby and then the whole family. And I’ve done for Sony and I did stuff for your department of health and just a lot of different things. And we’ve been on Google, one of the Google Apps and you know, so I’ve managed to be able to incorporate each one of the kids in that way, and then I plan on continuing to do that.
Even with the business, they are pretty involved like my daughter, she’s I said, She’s a tween, and she’s very opinionated. So I do incorporate her in that and whatever I learned, I teach my daughter as well as great. Be prepared for you know, when she’s older and she wants to have a business. I talked to her about motherhood and some of the challenges that come in that she can be prepared for. You know, if that’s something that she wants to do in the future. And so yeah, they help with, you know, different fonts. I say that that look good when you think about that.
That’s amazing. Yeah, my four year old, he’s like, Mommy, I want to wear this shirt. So they’re involved. Yep, they’re pretty involved.
Julianne Tettamanti:
That’s great. That also probably really helped, you know, like, build their confidence and make them feel, you know, like validated and that they matter even more. And that’s so special. What a special opportunity that you’re giving to your kids.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Thank you We can all do it and that’s the beautiful thing all we can all do it especially now with social media you see families making the best out of even Instagram platforms every single day there are so many opportunities to involve your kids especially now and still make an income you know, you just gotta keep working at it and eventually you’ll be making income and have more time with your family so then I know that’s the goal for most of us.
Leslie Hudson:
So yeah, I think that’s great advice trying to add them in when you can and so it’s it’s not like okay, mommy’s working you have to go over there for a little bit that I again letting them kind of look plans feel empowered, let them make decisions and then you know if you have to sit down and and test out new activities for the toddler for a little bit.
Julianne Tettamanti:
That’s that’s all about. I love that like I mentioned that My husband and I own a gelato shop, which is like a retail shop. Well, yeah, I always planned on having, you know, my son at the store, but because the pandemic hit, you know, we’re at home. But even at home, I kind of involve him. He’s 15 months.
I just involve him in ways of just like so if, if I have to, like take notes or write something down, I’m like, Oh, can you you know, bring mommy the pen or something. So, it could even be as simple as that. You know, so I’m really, I love how you involve your kids because I really want to like, involve my son and whatever future children we have to teach them also just practical, you know, life skills that you know, that aren’t taught in school, and hopefully, that can you know, just provide them with different resources and knowledge and, and it would just be great for for their well being.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Yes, yes. And you can do it. Yeah. I think that’s wonderful that you’re starting him early. I think it’s beautiful. Yeah.
Julianne Tettamanti:
Thank you.
Leslie Hudson:
So along the education front, I think we can all agree that there we have learned so much during our time with moms, and there’s so many things that we wish we could have known beforehand. So if you had a time machine and you could go back and tell your pregnant self and your postpartum self some advice, what would you tell yourself? Juliane, you can answer this one as well.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Okay, so, my pregnancy and postpartum itself, I would say, girl, the, the feeling of being uncomfortable is not going to last forever. So don’t, don’t stay in that moment. You know, still try to make the best out of the pregnancy experience because it goes by quicker than you think.
Julianne Tettamanti:
So for me, I think I’m going to separate my pregnancy self and my postpartum self because I feel like they’re different people. So my pregnancy self, I would tell myself, you don’t have all the time in the world to prepare because again, my little boy came four weeks early, and I did not have my hospital bag or anything packed. So I would just say, baby, just prepare a little earlier. And my postpartum self, I would tell myself, give yourself grace. You know, you don’t have to do it all and you don’t have to have it all together. Don’t have to know everything. So just give yourself grace. And all you need is love.
Leslie Hudson:
I don’t know about you guys, but I definitely feel the whole quarantine pandemic place. is very much similar to bringing a newborn back from the hospital. So kind of taking one day at a time. Yeah, the day, if all we did today is, you know, kept the kids happy and showered and then it was a successful day.
Melanie Thomas-Cook:
Absolutely. Absolutely. And I have been, because I’ve always been, you know, quite ambitious. And lately I’ve been having to kind of tell myself that like, it’s okay, if today all you did was jump on the trampoline with your kids and make sure that they’re well fed. That is actually a good day, you did what you were supposed to do. That’s, that’s our job after all, you know. So I agree with that. I love that you said that.
Leslie Hudson:
You know, not only does that give you a mental break from work, but you know, relaxes you and that helps feed into being able to do more as a mother and it’s all kind of
a circle.
Well, you have given us so much fantastic information. So where can people find out more about you? So if they want to find us on Instagram, you can follow us @momagerbossco and the website for the blog is the momagerblog.com, and our shop is on Etsy.
Thanks for tuning into “Life After Baby”. We’d like to thank Aditi of Raising World Children for joining us today. This show was produced, hosted, edited by Leslie Hudson with editing help by Kyle Hudson. It is a production of Crimson Planet Media. Our Theme song was created by Doug Keller.
Today’s episode was brought to you by A Taste of Olive. A Taste of Olive sells high-quality olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and gourmet goods from artisans around the world. Visit their website at www. A taste of olive dot com and enter the code “Family” to save 10 percent off your total. Happy Cooking!
When the kids are finally asleep, visit our new podcast network at keystonedigital.tv and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at lifeafterbabyshow. And, don’t forget to take care of yourself, so you can take better care of them.
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