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

Ofrit- It completely changed. I went from a driven musician that cared for her career and success as a performer to a full time mom who was a bit scared and shocked. Though it took a while to get used to motherhood, it truly taught me what the meaning of life is really about. It wasn't instant but when I felt that intense love that only another mom can truly understand I could not believe how much I could actually love someone and how it can get stronger each day. My son's arrival was also a blessing because it gave me purpose and drive to start teaching a small music class for moms and babies in a little basement in a gym in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  At first I had two families signed up and it is pretty amazing that today I have almost 100 families signed up and locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

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

Ofrit- My most memorable moment as a mom was the day Yahli was born. Though there are memorable moments daily, like the first time he walked or said "I love you mommy" the one I remember most was the excitement I felt to see him for the first time and to try and be the best mom that I could from the first moment. I would not let him out of my sight and loved that first connection struggling to get the hang of breastfeeding him and loving that new bond. It bring tears to my eyes thinking of it now.

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

Ofrit- The biggest challenge in motherhood was getting used to and accepting  the new role of Mom. I felt that the person I became was so different than what I knew for so many years. I suddenly had no time to see friends or even answer the phone, I was worried constantly if he was eating enough or why he didn't sleep through the night. I also found the first year of motherhood came with a certain isolation because at that time I decided to stay at home with him and work part time. Mommy groups were very helpful because life felt lonely at times. It took me about a year to get used to everything and really enjoy my little angel. My advice to new moms is to give themselves time to accept this challenging and amazing

change and reach out to people, join mom groups and baby classes and enjoy the wonderful activities and support groups Big City Moms has to offer. If you are feeling that initial struggle with motherhood, connecting with other moms will truly change everything for you. 

BCM- Congrats on the success of Rug Bug!  What was the inspiration behind starting your company?

Ofrit- The inspiration behind Rug Bug was conversations and playdates with my talented friend Natalie Cronin who is also the former Early Childhood Program Director for Kidville. Together we created The Unplugged on a Rug Educational Philosophy which strives to inspire families everywhere to create a healthy and green lifestyle as well as give back to their communities.  I then decided to start my company Rug Bug based on this philosophy. Rug Bug's environmental music program Rug Bug Music has really grown recently. We released our first CD in the fall and are releasing a new CD in a few weeks. We also created a movement program for Infants called Rug Bug Play and are in the process of creating several other programs, writing a theatrical experience for tots and our most exciting news is the creation of our very own Rug Bug Eco musical instrument line for the little ones which will be ready at the end of this year.

BCM - How do you manage your work/life balance?

Ofrit - My son goes to a great daycare which helps a lot. I trust them and love their daily activities and feel comfortable focusing on my business and trusting that he is having a great time. I have to also give an enormous amount of credit to my husband who is my biggest fan, supporter and such an involved dad. I am currently 37 weeks pregnant. Running my own business, being pregnant and a mom to a very active 2.5 year old proves to be challenging at times but also very fulfilling. It is pretty amazing how creative my company makes me feel and also the people I have working for me and with me like Paulie Z from The Z Brothers Band who has co written and produced both of the company’s CDs and is an amazing talent.

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

Ofrit- I love taking my son to the city museums and recently kids concerts and the theatre. I grew up in a very artistic family and my dad loved taking us to performances and I always cherished that and am so glad I can share that with my child as well. I love watching him light up when the actors or musicians go onstage. He loves dancing in the aisles and playing his air guitar just like mommy plays her real guitar. The museums have been a great getaway on winter weekends, we've  visited them all and I always get inspired by the different exhibits and unique ideas.

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

Ofrit- My favorite Big City Moms event was the first time I went to The Biggest Baby Shower Ever before my son was born. I could not believe how informative it was and was blown away by the wonderful gifts we received at the end. As a first time mom I did not know there were so many options and it really opened my eyes to this world. Of course I went again this time around awaiting the birth of my daughter and told all my pregnant friends about it.

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FUN FACTS:   

I’m totally obsessed with…

Ofrit- NYC and what it has to offer and now the best part is I get to share it with my husband and son and soon with my daughter.

My biggest influence is…

Ofrit-my mother who passed away 6 years ago from Breast Cancer. She was an amazing and strong woman who changed a piece of the world in her own way and has inspired me to want to do so as well.

My favorite drugstore buy is...

Ofrit-California Baby shampoo and body wash for my son. I love their products and how natural they are. I feel confident about using them with my child and will as well with my new baby.

Products I can’t live without... 

Ofrit- My iPad, I just love it. It goes everywhere with me, great for business meetings and I can multitask and get so much done when I am out and about.

My guilty pleasure is...

Ofrit- staying in bed for a little longer while my husband gets up in the mornings to make my son breakfast. How great is that?

Favorite restaurant…

Ofrit- anywhere that has great oysters. I can't wait till I give birth and I can eat them again.