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

Michele - For some reason, when i became a mom, I gained the one part of my confidence that was missing. I found I had a purpose in taking care of my son. Obviously, when you become a mom, you have much less free time for yourself, so you learn to appreciate the time you have with yourself and your husband.

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

Michele - Being in the hospital when Jaden was just born. I couldn't focus on the recovery pain because I was so enamored with him. Adam and I kept saying "he's perfect" probably every 5 minutes. But more recently, it was bringing my second son, Nate, home and seeing the boys together for the first time.

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

Michele - Not losing yourself completely as a person. I found for the first 6 months I had nothing to talk about except Jaden, so when I started designing again, I loved talking to clients and getting out there, and it gave me a purpose to my time not spent with my kids. However, being a full-time mom and working a lot of hours doesn't leave much time for yourself.

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

Michele - It's so cliché, but I've adopted the saying "this too shall pass." I believe this is true in life, but it especially pertains to parenting. Just when I thought my kids wouldn't sleep through the night, they did. And when I thought a tantrum would never end, it did.

BCM - Why did you get involved in graphic design?

Michele - I was originally going to be a doctor, but my head wasn't in it in college, so I turned to art. I've worked for a few different companies and on projects ranging from Fortune 500 companies to the Boutique around the corner. I love the variety working on your own brings.

BCM - What inspired you to start your company Michele Zipper Design?

Michele - I'm lucky because I can do what I do from home, and I was never one who liked restrictions. I like to be able to do work when I feel inspired, not because I have to be at the office. So working for myself made a lot of sense. I really enjoy getting inspired about a project and seeing it through to the end.

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

Michele - It's definitely difficult, I can't say I've mastered it yet, especially now that I have a newborn at home. I would say make sure you have the right support system in place to help you.

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

Michele - Honestly, the most fun we have is at home where we can be as silly as we want. We dance, we sing, we pretend we are robots – and we laugh. Laughing is important. When we go out, we like to explore different parks, museums and concerts – we definitely take advantage of all NYC has to offer. Why live here otherwise?

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

Michele - Enjoy every second with your kids and try to live in the moment. When you're playing together, be "with" them – it's much more enjoyable for you and they know the difference. Put down the blackberry, forget about what to make for dinner and be with your child. I'd also try to make sure you make time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it. You are just as important as anyone else.

BCM - What was your favorite Big City Moms event?

Michele - At each of the different phases as a mom, I've enjoyed different events. I loved the expectant mom events when I was pregnant because it gave me a sense of community and the knowledge that there was something out there for me. I loved the new mom lunches when Jaden was an infant because I got to meet a bunch of new people who I'm still friends with to this day. But my favorite event was the Biggest Baby Shower, I learned so much and the energy in the room is fantastic!