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

Faryl:  I did a tremendous amount of living prior to the birth of my children, but I live a much more thoughtful life now. From the moment my daughter Olivia was born the world no longer revolved around me; it revolved around "us." Our world expanded when my son Ryder was born 12 months later. I think about how my behavior impacts both of them and the world that we live in and I take that responsibility very seriously. 

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

Faryl:   The morning after each of my children were born waking up with them in that tiny plastic bassinet in the hospital. I've never felt such overwhelming unconditional love before. It hit me like a tidal wave. I think my average body temperature has gone up 1 degree since they were born due to the constant warmth that I feel in my heart when I am with them.

BCM- What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?

Faryl:  Remembering that my children are individuals, with individual personalities, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. I work very hard to embrace who they are and who they are not. Olivia and Ryder are twelve months apart, and they have very different personalities, but keeping comparisons at bay in our home has been challenging because they are so close in age.  Making sure that our children are appreciated and respected as much for their differences as they are for their similarities is extremely important to me. 

BCM - What inspired you to start your business?

Faryl:  I've held every job imaginable in the footwear industry -- from store salesman to customer service rep!  After spending so many year in the industry, I realized there was a void in the market for affordable luxury footwear for women. Nobody was making comfortable, high-quality, designer shoes in the $190-$350 price range. Farylrobin is a design house.  We do not copy others designers work, instead we insulate ourselves from trend reports and like to create styles that we want to wear. Our leathers and all the shoe components that we use come from Europe and we take the trifecta of comfort, design and price very seriously

BCM - How do you manage your career while being a mother and a wife? Any advice for moms?

Faryl:  Being an entrepreneur affords me luxuries other working moms may not have in their worklife. I can manage my schedule to begin after I take my kids to school or I can work from home when my nanny is sick. On the flip side, I didn't get maternity leave, and I travel a lot to make appearances at stores around the country every season, and often on weekends.  Nobody manages their career and family "perfectly." The advice that I would offer all working moms is to manage your expectations.  It's impossible to be in all places at all times. Try to be in the right places at the right time, and when you are there be in the moment. Your children love you for your effort. Remember that the next time you are perfectly imperfect!

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

Faryl:   I live in NYC, so we have great children's museums, great children's theatre (check out little orchestra's) and great parks. My kids love Books of Wonder followed by a hot chocolate at City Bakery.

BCM- What are your favorite Mom Essentials and why?

Faryl: Crayons and coloring books. For a car ride or impromptu dinner out, my kids love to color and it is an individual, creative activity. 

BCM- If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?

Faryl: If you have questions, ask. If you need help, ask. Remember there is no universal one right way. Be good to yourself and relax.