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

Jodi - Before kids, my life moved quickly. I could never just “be”—since having my kids I have learned to be present and to enjoy the moment. I was surprised how easily I transitioned from my life to mom life. My children and being a mom has changed me for the better.

BCM - What has been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom?
Jodi - Just recently I had one of those “moments” with my kids. We were playing UNO (Ryder was an observer) and listening/bopping to Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac and my daughter says, “this is a cool song, I love it. Actually mom, tonight is a cool night, good music, good laughs, and you.” At that moment I realized I was creating an environment for my family that’s filled with fun, laughter, LOVE and great music.

BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?
Jodi - My son was born 5 ½ weeks premature. With Georgi, being a new mom came with ease, I was confident and carefree. Ryder’s early arrival changed me. I became a scared mom, questioning my actions, and my ability to care for such a small baby. Everything I thought I knew about caring for a baby was foreign. With the support of my family, friends, and Ryder’s big blue eyes I got the strength to get back to me. Georgi excelled in everything first, Ryder’s journey has been different, and understanding that each child brings completely different experiences is hard to recognize. Today, Ryder is the happiest boy, and he’s working really hard to catch up to his big sister.

BCM - Any advice for new moms?
Jodi - Respect & observe your children. My husband read a book called, Loving Every Child when I was pregnant with Georgi. It’s a journal published after World War II by a doctor who watched over a group of orphaned children. To simply respect and observe your children is a gift. Kids need and thrive attention from their parents. We found that just being present and giving them respect has helped create 2 really good kids. So when your multi-tasking, checking emails and watching your daughter twirl, think twice, the email can wait, watching her is the most important thing in that moment.

BCM - How do you manage your work life balance?

Jodi - Manage, hmmm. I work hard to create balance. I take each day as it comes, and have boundaries. Obviously it doesn’t always work, unexpected events surface. I juggle the best I can—believe me, I’ve missed scheduled doctor appointments and have arrived the wrong day, and time for a birthday party. I try to laugh it off, and most importantly I try to be better the next time.

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/ your kids?
Jodi - Our family loves lazy days at home and playing in park. We are known to dance in our PJ’s, paint, cook and build block towers. We love exploring Central Park. I swear I still find places in the Park that I didn’t know existed. We all love to finish the day with a really good dinner.  

BCM – Congratulations on the launch of Baby Cargo. Tell us about it.
Jodi - Baby Cargo is my third baby. My entire career I’ve worked for design agencies. After my maternity leave with Georgi I went back to work and had a new client who manufactured baby gear. I was a new mom, and I was frustrated with the selection of baby gear in the market. I couldn’t find products that fit my design aesthetic without a high price tag. With that, I quit my job, and my client and I co-created Baby Cargo. I set out on a mission to create baby gear that’s great design, good quality, safe, functional and affordable. We just launched our line of contemporary ultra lightweight umbrella strollers. It’s a new twist on a classic—stylish, comfortable, and chic. In the next couple of months our stroller accessory line is launching and shortly after our High Chair, Full-service Stroller and Play Yard.

BCM – We know you were very involved in the design aspect of the strollers – what was your inspiration?
Jodi - Interior design, textiles, wallpaper, and companies like West Elm inspired me. I believe great design is in the details. West Elm has created a category where style & design is present in all there products. Our creative team thinks out everything, thread, button, rivet, colors, shapes and textiles. I wanted mothers to feel the same excitement when they purchase baby gear as if it was a couch or a good pair of jeans—style matters.

BCM – Where can Baby Cargo products be purchased?

Jodi - Amazon and Wayfair have us listed—however we just launched and were adding new retailers everyday. We'll be updating our website as more stores join the team.

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FUN FACTS:

I’m totally obsessed with…

Jodi - Interior Design, Oysters, Beaches, Sons of Anarchy and my kids!

My favorite drugstore buy is...

Jodi - lip balm

My guilty pleasure is.....

Jodi - 10-minute massages

Favorite NYC Restaurant...

Jodi - The Palm