BCM - How and Why did you start Look Out World?
LOW - The inspiration for our company is actually expressed really well in our brand's name, Look Out World. It came both from our love of travel and when we became moms, a desire for our children to know their world. And why stop with just our kids? It's about introducing all little global citizens to the wonder of the world around them. Allowing them to experience the real sights, sounds and cultures that make each place special. The first city we chose, was of course, New York. How could it not be?
BCM - Tell us more about Look Out World? Where can you purchase the DVD and book?
LOW - Look Out World is an award-winning city adventure series that follows characters Otto, Blink and Casey on their amazing adventures in the world’s greatest cities. We love how the combination of real, live action footage with hand drawn animation helps to bring the cities to life through the eyes of a child. The response we’ve gotten from some of our favorite stores has been so exciting. You can now find us in over 50+ retailers including Kidville, Appleseeds, FAO Schwarz, MOMA and Uncommon Goods, just to name a few. Of course you can get it on our website too at www.lookoutworldhereicome.com. We are so excited that the Chicago and San Francisco DVDs are coming out in early 2011 as well as a really fun “travel tracks” CD. Oh, and our new plush Otto toy makes a great holiday travel companion!
BCM -Together you have a work dynamic. How did you team up? Why do you think you work so well together?
LOW - We met while working at the ArnoldNYC advertising agency where we created campaigns for Hershey’s. In our many discussions about travel, work/life balance and our kids, we decided to create our own brand that we could pour our hearts and souls into. We each have very distinct roles at Look Out World and our skill-sets and personalities really compliment each other. We also are very respectful of each others' families, personal lives and the challenges of being working mothers and entrepreneurs. Our hours are crazy (9pm conference calls), we don’t have a central office (unless Kate’s apartment counts), but that’s the only way to make us feel fulfilled as mothers and be equally productive. Oh, and we love what we do!
BCM - What advice do you have for other moms who are thinking about starting businesses?
LOW - Pick something you’re passionate about. Have a plan. Immerse yourself in the industry. Try and align yourself with people who know more about your industry than you do. Be super-resourceful. Use social media (it’s free and amazing!). Don’t be scared to learn a new skill or reinvent yourself. Have goals. Celebrate when you reach them-then set more. Share your business with your family. The best part of our jobs is that our kids and husbands love Otto & his travels as much as we do!
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All please answer
BCM - What has been your most memorable moment(s) as a mom?
LF: Watching my kids play together in the bath is the best. I love to see them entertain each other. My son teaches my daughter the silliest new words and my daughter just knows how to do anything for a good laugh!
KW: Introducing my daughter to my mother, who flew in from Australia to meet her.
KM: Bringing my son home from the hospital to meet his older sister. They have been best friends, and sometime sparring partners ever since. As they’ve gotten older, I I’ve loved watching them make friends, find what they like and don’t like and just be who they are.
BCM - What types of activities do you like to do with your kids?
LF: Make-your-own play dough, turning delivery boxes into spaceships, kitchen science projects, etc. But when it’s nice out, we love the beach and heading over the bridge to NYC to visit the museums and Central Park!
KW: We go to Madison Square Park. Chloe could be on the swings all day long!
KM: I love reading with them. They’re at the stage where they’re learning to read and it’s so fun to watch them understand and love stories. They also love to sing and dance and put on shows. We have lots of dress up stuff around the house so you never know what crazy outfit is up next.
BCM - If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?
LF: Don’t give up your own identity. It’s important to still have your own interests, hobbies and life. It makes you a better mom and wife.
KW: Don’t read all the baby books…they can make you crazy. Follow your instincts.
KM: I guess it would be talking to your kids, they understand so much from a really early age. We’ve always talked to our kids a lot, explained things, even little things like why taking a nap is so important, and how what you eat affects how you feel.
BCM- what has been your favorite BCM event to date.
LF: Going to the Harvey Karp’s “Happiest Baby on the Block” event was absolutely LIFE CHANGING. He is the baby-whisperer and those tools were invaluable when both my kids were babies. I also loved the expectant mom dinners before I had my first son. And any event with Little Maestros!
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FUN FACTS
I'm totally obsessed with...
LF:: my MacBook
KW:Lifebooker.com (love a bargain!)
KM: IKEA
My biggest influence is....
LF:my family
KW: my husband
KM: my husband and kids
My favorite drugstore buy…
LF: Body Fantasies Vanilla Body Cream…best vanilla fragrance ever!
KW: Ponds Cold Cream (a beauty tip from my mum)
KM: tinted moisturizer, especially in the middle of winter
Product I can't live without ......
LF: Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment
KW: La Mer
KM: Clinique 3-step skincare.
My guilty pleasure is...
LF: Gossip Girl
KW: Anything by Chloe (it’s my daughter’s name)
KM: Vanity Fair
Favorite Restaurant....
LF: Totonno’s Pizza
KW: Ino (or anywhere that serves bread)
KM: Otto, NYC (olive oil gelato, delicious, really!)
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