BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom?
GRACE - EVERYTHING changed when I became a mom--for the better! Having children enriched my life completely.

BCM - What has been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom?
GRACE -There are just too many to list here but I have to say, the second each of my 4 babies were born, the realization of giving birth and bringing a child into the world was/ is the most amazing experience anyone can have.

BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?
GRACE -My biggest challenge is thinking I can do it all...and doing it right!

BCM - Any advice for new moms?
GRACE -Keep it simple and be flexible and do what works best for you and your family. Don't be afraid to ask for help and expect the unexpected. Be true to yourself, take care of yourself, and more importantly, have fun, treasure each and every moment, and LAUGH as much as you can!

BCM -Congrats on the success of Patemm Pad!! We have seen tremendous growth over the past 7 years!!!  What was the inspiration behind the pad?

GRACE -Thank you for the kind words! The patemm pad was invented by me in 2004 and we really have seen tremendous growth over the years. I was inspired while changing the diaper of my very squirmy 2nd child Emma-who was rolling on and off one of those small rectangular pads-while having a business conversation with my eldest sister. My sister had been suggesting that a good business solves a problem. In the time it took to change Emma's diaper, I found my business venture: a round diaper changing system.

BCM -Tell us about the benefits of the pad?
GRACE - What makes the patemm pad so unique is its patented, award-winning circular design with inside pockets which means you can place your baby on the pad in any direction. The inside pockets allow you to store diapers, wipes and even an extra set of clothes so everything is in one place. Another unique feature is the way the pad folds: it folds into a compact carrier without the use of ties, Velcro, buttons, or snaps. It is a stylish mommy/daddy must-have and an 'on-the-go' baby accessory that is proudly made in the USA! The patemm pad truly makes diaper changes so much easier...

Where can you purchase them?
GRACE - You can purchase our signature line at: www.patemm.com. We offer an exclusive line at giggle stores nationwide and at giggle.com. We also offer another patemm pad print at select retailers across the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

BCM- What's new at patemm?
GRACE - We recently launched our exclusive, limited edition patemm pad prints and we also just launched our new product: our multi-purpose zip top pouches. Our new exclusive prints and pouches are only available on patemm's Facebook page. So, please LIKE our page: www.facebook.com/patemmpad and check out what's new at patemm!

BCM - Can you share some tips for moms who want to start their own business?
GRACE - If you want to start your own business, GO FOR IT! Just remember, starting a business doesn't happen overnight--it takes time, hard work, guts, passion, and perseverance. Ask lots of questions and don't expect to know the answers for everything. As a business owner, I am always learning and I'm always thinking of ways/opportunities to grow the business. In business, there will be failures but there will also be successes. So, accept the failures, learn from them, and move on. Cherish your successes and try to build on them. Take chances and never give up on your dream.

BCM - How do you manage your work life balance?
GRACE - Be flexible as much as possible. Don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the time you spend with your children. I love the quote by Anna Quindlen: "When in doubt, choose the kids. There will be plenty of time later to choose work."

More importantly, I am so blessed to have an amazing support system--my husband Marty! We run our business together and we share and value the most important thing in our lives: raising our 4 kids. They are our top priority and since we work from home, we are always there for them. Family comes first, then business.

Also, our children play a huge part in balancing our work lives, too. Our older kids, patRICK and emmA (the combination of their names form "patemm") understand that we have a big family and we run a family business so they chip in as much as possible to help us out with the younger ones--Jack and Lucie! As a family of 6, we are TEAM WELCH/patemm!

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/ your kids?
GRACE - Just about EVERYTHING--from hanging out at home, to doing chores, to watching sporting events/activities, making dinner, going to the movies, etc.

BCM - What has been your favorite Big City Moms event?
GRACE -By far, the Biggest Baby Shower Events and the Expectant Moms Dinners! Every time I attend these events, I want to have another baby!

-----------

FUN FACTS:   
I’m totally obsessed with…

GRACE - l osselliani jewelry and everything by Norma Kamali

My biggest influence is… 

GRACE -my mom and dad

My favorite drugstore buy is.. 

GRACE -Cetaphil skin cleanser

Products I can’t live without..

GRACE -1. iPhone

2. eye cream

3. lip balm

4. blue jeans

5. a fabulous handbag/tote

My guilty pleasure is...

GRACE - mani/pedi

Favorite NYC restaurant…

GRACE -Blue Ribbon Sushi and Balthazar