Founder & CEO, Zoe organics
BCM: If you could describe motherhood in one word, what would it be?
HH: Love
BCM: What’s one moment in your motherhood journey that has made you proud?
HH: We’ve had so much demand for Zoe Organics Insect Repellent this summer and were on a really tight deadline to restock it. I had to go into work yesterday, (Sunday) and expected it to take all day. When my kids heard what I was doing, all 3 of them really wanted to help. So, they all came to work with me and helped package and box up a ton of Insect Repellent. We had a little assembly line going. It was amazing to see their motivation and then joy when we accomplished our task in record time. As an entrepreneur, of course I’m proud to see them work hard, but I’m also proud that they saw a need and wanted to help.
BCM: What is one piece of advice you want to pass along to your children?
HH: There is always hope. Be kind and be willing to do hard things – you have the ability to positively impact the world.
BCM: CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SUCCESS OF ZOE ORGANICS! YOUR STORY IS SO BEAUTIFUL. CAN YOU TELL OUR READERS MORE ABOUT YOUR INSPIRATION IN STARTING THE BRAND?
HH: Health and Wellness have always been a passion. As many mothers discover, during that first pregnancy, I became keenly aware of everything I was putting into and on my body and was so very protective of this little life growing inside of me. That mama bear instinct only grew and so did my drive to create better, safer options and a lifestyle that would allow me more freedom and flexibility to be with my kids. So, creating Zoe Organics was also about creating a better life for my own family and for the families we serve.
BCM: WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR PARENTS THAT ARE TRYING TO FIND THE RIGHT SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR THEIR FAMILY. WHAT TYPES OF PRODUCTS SHOULD THEY BE LOOKING FOR, FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR BABY IN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS?
HH: I’m a firm believer in a wholesome approach to skincare, much like diet. Just as there is so much junk in the food aisles (that you could hardly consider to be food), there is so much of the same in the skincare aisles. Your skin absorb so much of what you put on it – make sure it’s safe and make it count. Your skincare products should moisturize, soothe, protect – make a positive difference. Choose organic, which means the ingredients in your products have been grown without harmful chemicals and pesticides. Children are particularly vulnerable to their environments during development – which is why we believe that the cleaner the products, the better.
BCM: What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms?
HH: Be kind and compassionate to your fellow moms. We are all part of this dynamic, powerful and emotional “club” and we really do need each other. You may never know how much a kind word of encouragement or advice will mean to another mom and you never know when you will desperately need the same.
BCM: How do you tackle work/life balance?
HH: I really don’t always handle it well. I think it’s really important to learn to set boundaries and when you are running a business, that is incredibly hard – especially when you love your work. I’m learning to delegate more and be better about scheduling my time. I just can’t do it all and I’m learning to be ok with that. This past year, I felt like my personal health was suffering because I just wasn’t taking care of myself. Self-care is critical! We also made the decision for my husband to stay home with our 4 year old daughter and take care of the kids and household. It has been an adjustment, but it has been an incredible blessing having his support and knowing the kids are so happy.
BCM: What was the last book you read?
HH: Currently reading Woman Code by Alisa Vitti.
BCM: If you could hand off one chore to someone else each day, what would it be?
HH: Preparing healthy, home cooked meals! (my husband is still learning 😉
BCM: What is the best white lie that you’ve told your child?
HH: Hmmm…probably leading them to believe all the “elf on the shelf” shenanigans.
BCM: What is your best parenting hack?
HH: Zoe Organics Everything Balm can handle about anything.
***MORE FUN FACTS***
FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCT:
I can’t choose just one! I’m a huge fan of multi-purpose products that make my life simpler and make me look and feel “fresh”.
FAVORITE FORM OF EXCERCISE:
Yoga, closely followed by running and cycling
FAVORITE KIDS STORE:
Sprout San Francisco
FAVORITE APP:
Ha! I’m afraid I’m really boring. I love anything that makes life easier. My Amazon app gets a lot of use. 😉
What is on your DVR?
I’m more inclined to get lost in a good netflix series! Superheroes, detectives, love stories…