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

Chloe - Going to sleep early is a lot cooler than it used to be.

BCM - What has been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom?

Chloe -Ava was in the throes of overnight potty training. In her mind, she had graduated from student to expert in the field. She had it under control during the day and through the night. One very early morning, she scrambled into our bedroom, overcome by pure horror and confusion gasping, “Mommy, someone peed in my underwear!”

Her sincerity was so authentic, even I was ready to hunt down the perpetrator.

More generally, my most favorite moments are those when I see the kids looking out for and including each other and just enjoying one another.

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

Chloe -Being consistent is quite the challenge. You want the best for your children. You know your values and priorities and what you want to instill in them so they become good, happy, successful individuals. Imparting these beliefs is a challenge. You really have to trust yourself and be consistent no matter how difficult it may be.

BCM - Congratulations on The Soft Serve Fruit Company!   What was the inspiration?

Chloe -An obsession with health and sweets inspired the creation of The Soft Serve Fruit Company. My partners and I were looking for something that could satiate the desire for healthy yet fun eating. I have always been calorie conscious. Once pregnancy, breast feeding and children entered the equation I became more concerned with the actual ingredients. We yearned for something in the soft serve genre that EVERYONE could enjoy truly guilt-free. The result of our experiments was something creamy, fruity and yummy. Our allergen-free soft serve fruit speaks to anyone who wants the best for themselves. We have made fruit fun and the response has been tremendous!

BCM - Can you share some health benefits?

Chloe -By using only three ingredients; fruit, purified water and a touch of organic cane sugar, we introduced a product that is dairy-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free and most importantly, delicious! In addition to making frozen treats accessible to anyone with allergies, our product is guilt-free for the adults treating themselves and their kids alike. Its health benefits vary.  As every fruit has distinct attributes, so does our soft serve fruit. For example, pears are an excellent source of water-soluble fiber.  They contain vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, folic acid and niacin. They are also rich in copper, phosphorus and potassium. Our soft serve is fruit in a different form, so you get all the benefits of the fruit with the fun of digging in with a spoon, sipping it as a smoothie or enjoying it in a pretzel cone.

BCM - How do you manage your work life balance?

Chloe -I constantly fight the guilt. It still seeps in more than occasionally but whether you are working instead of “playdating” or spending time with one child and not the others, there is always a sense of “am I in the right place?” I am getting better at feeling good about how I allot my time. Fortunately, thanks to the nature of my business and the team around me, I am able to escape and participate in parts of everyone’s day. It is exhausting and hectic but one thing fuels the next. Taking my daughter to ballet puts the spring in my step for my next meeting and the excitement of a great work event energizes me for the challenge of dinner and bath time.

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/ your kids?

Chloe -Nothing can beat a good ride on the carousel. They all like different aspects of the experience and lose some fear with each visit. It is amazing to watch.  However, our evening theater program takes top billing for me in the activities category. It has gone through many transformations over the years. With Ava, we focused on Dance Party, disco ball and all. Once Charlie and Oliver were added to the cast, the breadth of forms of expression really grew. Now, the little performers have incorporated expressive dance, singing, mime and acting. Showtime is getting more sophisticated and involves props, costumes and audience members must be seated quietly in their chairs. There is nothing I look forward to more than a night at the theater in my apartment. It is my opportunity to return to the stage as well. Tickets available online…

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

Chloe -When I introduced The Soft Serve Fruit Company (formerly Simply Peeled) at the Expectant Mom’s Dinner, of course.  I was excited for my brand, but, more so, for the guests. There is nothing like the anticipation of having your first baby.

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FUN FACTS:   

I’m totally obsessed with….

Chloe - Working out. I always have been. Now I am obsessed with mixing it up: going to the gym, running outside, spinning classes, core classes, etc. It keeps me sane and energized.

My biggest influence is…

Chloe - My husband, Jason. He has the balancing act down. He works hard, plays hard and “daddys” even harder, always with the best disposition. I am competitive so I have to do it just as well…or better!

My favorite drugstore buy is...

Chloe -Shout stain remover!

Products I can’t live without...

Chloe -Sugarless gum, low fat cottage cheese- my entire house is addicted.

Vani-cream for the kids.

My guilty pleasure is...

Chloe -Beverly Hills 90210 (the new one - shhh)

Favorite restaurant…

Chloe -Minetta Tavern, Whole Foods with the kids. Something for everyone and you can squeeze in a pre-lunch shop.