Saluting the Mom Bosses

Welcome to the baby issue, a segment of the industry that’s near and dear to me. It’s not just that my writing career started in the baby-products industry or becoming a mother myself has redefined and challenged me in countless ways–it’s the incredible fact that the more mothers I meet, the more I am awestruck.

The stories this month highlight a number of amazing professionals—who also happen to be mothers. You will read about the owner of Breck Kidz of Breckenridge, Colo., Michele Dubois, who opened her mecca of outdoor clothing and gear when she had two small babies in tow (page 14). You will get to know Jaime Windau, creator of clothing brand Love Bubby, and how her fighting spirit not only helped her beat breast cancer, but also got her company a coveted spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things (page 21). You will also see a snapshot of the mom behind the youngest CEO ever, Gabby Goodwin, who created her own line of non-slip barrettes—many a Mom Boss starts off as a Girl Boss (page 8).

Finally, the piece de resistance of this issue is our fashion story, Sweet Child of Mine. Award-winning photographer Zoe Adlersberg and Fashion Director Mariah Walker spent two days on a mini road trip in New York City, going house to house to take intimate portraits of several phenomenal mothers and their precious babies. We hope you are as inspired by the color and diversity as much as we were.We share the story behind this photo shoot in Behind The Scenes on page 6 and the fashion starts on page 22.

On a sad note, I would like to share that the former owner of Earnshaw’s, Thomas Hudson, Jr., has passed away. “Tommy,” as he was known to almost everyone, was an avid fisherman and a kind, mild-mannered soul who smiled easily. I worked for him from 1997 to 2003, as the Editor-in-Chief of Small World and Earnshaw’s.

One anecdote from 2001 has stayed with me. We had booked Bridgewaters at the South Street Seaport in NYC for the annual Earnie Awards. Then 9/11 happened. We were all traumatized and scared. Our event was in approximately six weeks and how could we possibly host a celebration, particularly in such close proximity to the fallen Twin Towers? Downtown Manhattan held that toxic stench, but as emcee of the event, I had to meet with the caterer and gauge the situation.

Inside Bridgewaters, there were scented candles, but I swear I could still smell what was outside. I told Tommy, “No one will want to come. It will be too upsetting for everyone.” He said, “We have to have it there. It’s important. We have to support downtown, and we have to honor our contract.” He wouldn’t discuss it any further. So, we planned the event and hoped for the best. To my tremendous surprise, there was a packed house for the 2001 Earnie Awards. Everyone was so overjoyed that we chose to celebrate rather than cancel. I remember guests thanking us and crying. I remember lots of hugging and happiness. It was all Tommy. And I was never so proud to be a part of his Earnshaw’s team.