Here at Belly Bandit HQ, a women-owned and operated company, we believe in celebrating the success of all women in business! Our “Moms Who Made It” series is our way of honoring Mompreneurs who inspire us every day.
This week we're thrilled to be featuring Arleene Taylor, founder of Mama & Little – the “original on-trend teething jewelry.” After the birth of her son in 2014, Arleene realized that none of the teething jewelry on the market fit her style aesthetic. So she went to work creating her own brand of unique, stylish and baby-safe jewelry that’s perfect for the modern mom!
Describe your business philosophy in 5 words:
Enhancing mom’s style in motherhood!
What inspired you to start your business?
I launched Mama & Little in January of 2014 after our son was born, I was looking for a line of modern and fashionable silicone teething jewelry in colors and styles that I'd enjoy wearing whether I was around my baby or not! There was nothing available that fit my style so I took on designing my own line as a way to feed my creative side. I had so much fun designing my collection! Mama & Little is the original on-trend teething jewelry line, that includes unique bead shapes, interesting color palettes, and simple but effective features that make it the most functional jewelry a mom can wear!
When did you know you, “made it?”
I would say a year after the launch of my business when my husband quit his job to join Mama & Little full-time. That changed our lives and was more than I thought would have happened when I first set out to start a business. It helped bring in a more stable income for our family, which has been so rewarding.
Who is your mentor?
I don’t have a set person that I feel is my mentor but instead a lifeline of mompreneur friends that I constantly reach out to and communicate with. They’re a great community that has helped me form my business, make important adjustments, and most importantly are an amazing support system!
What's your #1 tip for moms interested in starting their own business
I would say my tip for moms interested in or are setting out to start their own business is to have your main priority very clearly set. I started this business as a way to be able to work from home and be with my son full- time. I never imagined that little business would grow to what it has become for us, let alone the amount it grew in just the first year! Being a mom has always been my #1 priority, that has meant having to make adjustments to my work schedule, prioritize my to-do lists, and try really hard to find a balance that works for me between work and family life. My family always comes first; being a mom is my calling, above being CEO!
What does “me” time mean to you?
Oh, me time—my favorite! I’ve come to realize that I shouldn’t at all feel guilty for making “me” time. I’m better for it, it’s my favorite. Me time usually means Mom’s Night Off/Out once a week, even if I don’t make plans with girlfriends to have dinner or see a movie, I will take the off time and treat myself to a mani or pedi, soak in the tub, wander Target by myself, or just head to Starbucks for some piece and quiet with a pastry.
What‘s on your bedside table?
I am not currently reading a book, actually! But when I do it’s an audio book- mostly crime thrillers, like Gone Girl or Big Little Lies. I love that I can hear the book while multi-tasking! It allows me to do dishes, laundry, cook dinner, while being able to dive into the book. I just don’t have the time to sit and read, the old-school way, haha.
Words to live by - Share you favorite quote!
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible!” – Audrey Hepburn
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To learn more about Arleene, this amazing Mom Who Made It, head to: www.mamaandlittle.com
