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

Kim - Becoming a mother adds another facet to your life; something that both requires your attention and energy as well as provides a new source of fulfillment and satisfaction.  For me, it was like having a whole new sense with which to experience the world – with, for and through my child.  Everything, every moment became so important, such an opportunity – it was blissful and overwhelming.   All of my passions – especially for the health of our planet – were renewed. Naturally, as you get into your groove as a mom, you learn that it is important to relax and prioritize “down time.”  But becoming a mother gave me sense of purpose that I had never experienced before.

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

Kim -When I read this question I had a really surprising reaction.  I wish my most memorable mom moment was something sweet and smooshy, but that wouldn’t be the truth.  The fact is my then 2 year old having a febrile seizure still stands out as that pinnacle parenting experience – to date. His temperature skyrocketed and his body just freaked out.  I had taken CPR and first aid classes, so I could easily handle the instruction from the 911 operator while we waited for the ambulance. I’ve never been so scared in all my life, but I was incredibly proud of all of us for being in the moment and taking care of each other.  Ever since I have strongly advocated for every parent to take first aid and CPR courses.

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

Kim -The best piece of advice I ever received was: Establish limits for your children, but keep the rules to a minimum. I believe that children raised in a respectful, cooperative environment become confident and caring adults.

BCM- Congratulations on the success of Episencial!  What was the inspiration behind starting your own skincare line?

Kim -After having my children I went shopping for skincare for them and was devastated by what I found – or more to the point, what I didn’t find. After 15 years of experience in the lab of Epicuren I developed a deep understanding of how to use natural, plant-based ingredients to safely and effectively treat the skin. What I found on the market for children was either filled with toxic ingredients, or natural products for natural’s sake, without actually taking care of skin. In short, there was a problem and I had the know-how and motivation to fix the problem. As a skin care clinician, mother, environmental advocate and serial entrepreneur, I was compelled to start Episencial.

BCM- Can you share 5 skincare tips for children?

Kim - First: Young skin is fundamentally different than adult skin – we call it “developing skin”. It doesn’t produce enough oil or melanin (natural hydration and sun protection), and is five times thinner than our skin. With that basic knowledge, it is easy to see that skincare for babies and kids is more than about beauty, it’s about health.

Second: The skin is an integral part of the immune system. It stores cells that are essential components of the immune system (interleukin and interferon) and produces antibodies. If the skin is in a weak condition (dry or damaged) the immune system can be compromised.

Third: Much of what is put on the skin is absorbed into the body – making skin both a health risk and a health opportunity, depending upon how you treat it.  At Episencial, we are committed to reducing unnecessary and potentially harmful exposure to chemicals through personal care products.  Read labels – you may be shocked by what you find in products that are marketed for babies and kids…even newborns.  Look for all natural formulas, organic when possible.

Fourth:  The skincare habits that we instill in our children early in life (the first five years) will stay with them for life and translate into other healthy habits like eating right, getting enough rest. By understanding their skin, children learn to pay attention to their bodies and the signals that tell them what they need to stay healthy. 

Fifth: The good news is that skincare for kids doesn’t have to be complicated – we think simple is better: bathe, nourish and protect.  Keeping skin clean without stripping, hydrated from within by drinking lots of fluids and applying moisturizing products and, importantly, treating irritated skin and protecting it from sun damage. 

BCM - How do you manage your work life balance? 

Kim -The balance between work and motherhood is a challenge, no doubt and I am constantly looking for ways to be both a good mother and effective worker.  I take solace in the innate strength we women possess. We are natural-born multi-taskers! I’m devoted to my iPhone, lists and other organization tools to make the most of the time I have. The biggest asset I have is actually my friends and co-workers.  We support each other emotionally and I believe that you (I) can do anything when coming from an emotionally balanced place. All I can do is my best and I do what I can to succeed at both working and mothering all the time, every day, and every night. I give 100%. For the times when I’m not giving my kids all the attention they want, I know that at least they see me working really hard to make my dreams a reality.  I think it is important to set an example to children on what it means to work hard and make sacrifices sometimes. But my first priority is motherhood - when my kids are feeling particularly vulnerable (e.g., scared, ill) I stop what I’m doing and focus on them completely. Another tool I use to keep involved is participating at their school, volunteering in ways that keep me present and give me extra opportunities to show my love for them.

An interesting fact: Becoming a parent has made me a better business woman.  Over the past five years of raising my two boys I have honed my skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, patience, understanding the needs of others – all critical for success in business and life.

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

Kim - Traveling. I love to see the wonder in their eyes when they see new things and meet new people. When we can’t go somewhere far-away and different, I like to take them to the park.

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

Kim -The Expectant Moms Dinner in February was fantastic!

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FUN FACTS:   

I’m totally obsessed with….

Kim -The exponential growth in the technologies that connect us.  I love to connect with people, it is a big part of who I am.  Those moments of sharing and engaging mean everything to me.  Today, there are so many opportunities to develop deep, meaningful and productive relationships.  Its awe-inspiring.

My biggest influence is…  

Kim -The women in my life

My favorite drugstore buy is..

Kim -Oh, I’m a sucker for packaging! And, not surprisingly, I am a skincare junkie.  I’m always on the hunt for products that are multipurpose – like our Soothing Cream – we designed it to treat irritated skin on babies and kids, but it is an awesome hand cream, aftershave lotion and helps with sunburn too!

Products I can’t live without...

Kim -My iPhone and iPad.

Favorite restaurant….

Kim -Any great neighborhood Indian restaurant!