BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom?

Ariane - The moment Charlie was born I felt grounded. Looking at this new life we created was a turning point where it wasn't about us anymore, but what we can do to make her life as colorful and meaningful as possible.

BCM - What has been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom? Ariane - Charlie's smiles are etched in my mind. Each morning when I go in to get her, she is smiling and full of life, sitting in her crib playing quietly on her own. No matter how I'm feeling that day, her smile brightens me up and reminds me how much opportunity there is how children's minds are blank canvases filled with hope.

BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood. Any advice for new moms?

Ariane - The greatest challenge thus far is balancing work and motherhood and managing any feelings of guilt that I'm not with her all day when at work. However, I love to work and create things and in truth I feel like I'll be a role model for her when she grows up to know that she can do anything she sets her mind to. My advice would be to allow yourself to be who you are and allow yourself to love what you do. If our children see us living our dreams, they'll learn things they can't learn in school.

BCM - Congratulations on the success of Hatch by Two Birds. What was the inspiration behind starting the company?

Ariane - Thank you! When I was pregnant with Charlie I looked and looked for pieces to buy that made me feel chic and beautiful as my body was changing. Everything out there was either disposable and cheaply made or unflattering and matronly looking. I had no options and didn't want to go to maternity stores so I created HATCH so women like me don't have to scour department stores for the one dress that might work. HATCH consists of 14 key pieces that do work, before during and after pregnancy so finally we can invest in pieces, pregnant or not, that we can wear again and again.

BCM - Can you share 3 style tips for moms and expectant moms?
Ariane -

1. Dresses are the easiest! A one-stop move where you can throw something on and be done with it!
2. It's OK to still shop. There are pieces that you can invest in while you're body is changing and you can wear again. Have faith!
3. Wear heals, girlfriend! Just bc you're growing, doesn't mean you can't strut your new self ;) Pregnancy is beautiful!

BCM - How do you manage your work life balance?

Ariane - I t's a tough one but I moved my offices to be closer to her so we can spend a few hours together during the day. When you own your own company you don't exactly "shut down" at 5pm so I am sure to be home by 5:30 to spend time with her and then do some more work once she's gone to bed. Her lunchtime visits are key as well :)

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/ your daughter?
Ariane - We love bathtime together. We sing and play with her toys and have the best time together. I also love to put her on me and walk on the beach. She loves coming to my office she runs straight to the boxes of fabric and takes them out and plays with them. I wonder if she'll want to design and be in the industry or just be obsessed with fashion like her mama!

BCM - What has been your favorite Big City Moms event?

Ariane - I thought the shower was a great display of vendors and a really nice way to educate women on the products out there..
-----------

FUN FACTS:

I’m totally obsessed with…

Ariane - Vintage Van Cleef Butterflies

My biggest influence is…

Ariane - Real women

My favorite drugstore buy is..

Ariane - Salon Selectives shampoo and conditioner

Products I can’t live without..

Ariane - Rodin's olio lusso for my face, Issey Miyake parfum, Vaseline

My guilty pleasure is...

Ariane - Baked ziti

Favorite NYC restaurant…

Ariane - Balthazar