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

Wendy: My life changed completely, and for the better! My son absolutely rocks my world. He makes me laugh harder, live fuller and pulls at my heartstrings like no one else ever has.

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

Wendy: I think it’s the little, funny things about motherhood that absolutely no one tells you about and that you never could have imagined when you were single and carefree (i.e. breast feeding in strange places, diaper duty in swank restaurants, projectile barfing…ha ha). Some are crazy, some are wonderful, but they all stay etched in your memory and remind you that you are blessed to be a mom and certainly deserve a little pat on the back. But, my absolute favorite moment is my Nightly Snuggle. No one says “I love you” more sweetly than my son Ben.

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

Wendy: The biggest challenge for me is multi-tasking. We say we are “good” at it, but the truth is that no mother is prepared for this balancing act. I’ve learned that I can’t be great at it all (I still try, though!) and when I’ve got everyone tugging at my arms saying “me first”, I’ve got to prioritize. It is challenging, but it helps me to not burn out.

BCM - What inspired you to start your company STRIDE Everyday? 

Wendy: Running, jumping, coughing and laughing are all things that I did before motherhood, but they took on new meaning once I became a mom! 

After the birth of my son, Ben, I started running more because it allowed me 45 minutes to myself - forget the exercise, the alone time was what I desperately needed. I did a lot more “hopping around” because, well, no new mom ever sits down for even a minute. I coughed more because with each new play date or daycare came another new set of germs that inevitably got passed on to me. And most of all, I laughed a whole lot more because despite my world turning totally upside down, my son brought me unimaginable happiness and laughter.

What shocked me, though, was that I started to leak with every “achoo” or “ahem” and I wanted to find a solution for me…and for other women. So this led to the birth of STRIDE Everyday.  

BCM - Please tell us about more about STRIDE Femme?   Where can moms purchase the underwear?

Wendy: STRIDE Femme panties are what I like to call “sexy with benefits”. Who says dealing with light leaks can’t be sexy, comfortable, eco-wallet-friendly and convenient all in one? Not me. And that’s exactly what they are. They give women the all-day protection and confidence to make it through their busy lives…one STRIDE (or strut) at a time.

What’s especially exciting is we’ve partnered with Duane Reade to launch exclusively in New York and are on shelves in the feminine hygiene and new moms aisles. We are also at USA Drug in the mid-south, and have plans to expand from coast to coast soon! You can also get STRIDE Femme panties on our website at StrideEveryday.com

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

Wendy: I have a husband and son who are truly supportive and we’ve all learned to not sweat the small stuff, and instead appreciate the small stuff. My house is not always in “perfect” condition, but my husband is a great cook, so that works for me. Ben’s starting to become more independent, which can be daunting, but ultimately it makes me proud of him. Learn to let go, let others shine through…and bite your tongue…sometimes that’s all you need to move forward.

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

Wendy: Having a child is the greatest thing in the world, but it is not always easy, so take a deep breath and commit to doing something every day for yourself. That’s right…be selfish (gasp) about it and it will make you a better mom, wife, partner and friend. Being a multi-tasking mom always includes a little Wendy Time for me – even if it’s just for ten minutes...sigh.

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

Wendy: We love the outdoors and spending time together skiing, snow shoeing and biking. We also share the same curiosity to discover new places and adventures  - whether a new place to eat in our neighborhood or strolling in Paris.

BCM - What was your favorite Big City Moms event?

Wendy: The Biggest Baby Shower 2010. Wow. Things have changed a lot since I had my son. The new mom and baby products today are super stylish and functional – almost makes me want to do it again. I said almost!