Find out how these OC mompreneurs have adjusted and adapted throughout 2020.
Jasmine Roth
Age: 36
Family: Husband, Brett; daughter, Hazel, 5.5 months
City: Huntington Beach
Star of: HGTV’s “Help! I Wrecked My House”; previously on “Hidden Potential”
How did your passion for home construction and design begin?
“By accident! I started building a house for my husband and I, and it sorta snowballed into a career. Whoops! That said, it’s been a lot of hard work and dedication to get into this space and leave my mark. I still feel like an outsider and I’m constantly trying to prove that I have what it takes. The passion is there though, that’s undeniable.”
How long have you owned your business?
“I started Built Custom Homes in 2012. I left my corporate job and decided to build houses full time. I also started taking clients, but didn’t charge them at first. They were friends and family that didn’t mind being my guinea pigs.”
How did you end up on TV?
“I wanted the projects I was completing to be seen by people that would really appreciate them. I started a blog and started posting videos on social media. It wasn’t long before a production company that makes shows for HGTV found me and sent an email. I thought the email was a scam! Obviously I was wrong. Ha! In 2016 I made two sizzles and then a pilot for HGTV. The rest is history!”
What has it been like building a business, starting a family, having a TV show … oh and through a pandemic?
“Unprecedented is a word that’s been on the tip of my tongue lately. I never expected 2020 to be like this. Our daughter was born one month after my show wrapped and we all went into quarantine. Almost as clearly as I remember Hazel’s 4/21/20 birthday, I remember 3/18/20 as the day we all went home for good. It was such a strange time to have a baby.
“The pandemic has been scary, it’s been a strain on my husband and my relationship, and it’s been especially hard to run a business during. Luckily we had both planned to take some time off when Hazel was born and that gave us a chance to figure out how to be a happy little family and it also gave us a chance to move. Why not add one more thing to the mix right?! But there have been silver linings. Hazel has been able to spend so much time with us and her immediate family — time we never would have been able to have without such a strange year. So I guess the easiest way to say it is #weirdtimes, at least that’s what I’ve been using on my social.”
Is it harder in our “new normal” to be a mom who runs her own business?
“Anyone that’s running a business right now knows how hard it is. It’s not just all the things you worried about before, but there’s this added layer of ‘safety’ and making sure I’m not exposing my baby to anything. I’m usually like a tornado. I get up and literally attack every single day. I can’t say I still don’t do my best, but this ‘new normal’ has slowed me down exponentially.
“I can’t make the in-person connections that are the cornerstone of my business and it’s hard. I miss my crews, I miss my projects, and I miss a time when I could run to 15 stores and wrap up a project in a weekend. I’m just not comfortable doing that right now. That said, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with people in other ways and I don’t take that for granted. My blog (www.jasmine-roth.com) has been a great outlet for creativity and I love the feedback I get. I’ve also been able to connect with people all over the world on social media, which has been such a blessing.”
What advice do you have for mompreneurs living through this unique moment in time?
“The mantra that my husband and I’ve adapted through this transition in our lives and also during these trying times in general, is ‘do less.’ This goes against everything I stand for (I value productivity at the highest level) and usually I would scoff at the idea. But for us, right now, it’s working. We aren’t over-scheduling ourselves, we aren’t biting off more than we can chew, and we are trying really hard to be content with what we have. So I challenge other entrepreneurs to ‘do less’ and see how it goes.”
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Manna Kadar
Age: 40
Family: Husband, Sohrab Tavakoli; daughter, Shaelyn Tavakoli, 4; son, Mason Tavakoli, 3; fur child, Dougie the Doodle, 5
City: Irvine
Owner of: Manna Kadar Cosmetics, including Manna Kadar Beauty, Goddess by Manna Kadar, Beauty and the Bump, Haute Dog luxury pet products, Mason Man Skincare and Manna Kadar Luxe Bath and Body
How did your passion for beauty and wellness begin?
“I really wanted to design a line to simplify the process of getting ready. Feeling beautiful and beautifying your space can be so impactful. I’ve found that by really listening to the product issues men and women experience, it’s possible to create high-quality, luxury options capable of changing a person’s entire outlook. I’m here to help empower customers to be the best version of themselves, whatever that looks like for them.”
How long have you owned your business?
“Born in Paris, France, then raised in Lincoln Heights, California, I’ve learned to define beauty — and life — for myself. Some say I was born to be an entrepreneur as I’ve always been very driven and a multitasker, from juggling, owning and growing my own business at the age of 16, while at the same time earning a degree in Finance and Distribution Management from USC there was really no stopping me. I really gained power through education, and today I strive to empower and educate my customers to create beauty efficiently and effectively all while raising a family and growing six brands into globally recognized names.”
What has it been like owning a business and having a family through a pandemic?
“Like many, we had to re-evaluate, restructure our work and home lives. It was challenging and different [at] first but my team is extraordinary, though we are all juggling so much, the business is not skipping a beat. As a business owner, it’s your job to ensure your team still has a work culture and full communication, pandemic or not. We do a book club with the staff every month and virtually meet to discuss the ‘take away’ from the reading. It really makes a difference to build morale and a trusted, educated staff.”
How has your family adapted?
“My kids are young, it’s been difficult having to work and manage both lives but we’re making it work. It’s crazy, stressful, but also, after a long day you think to yourself, ‘We did all that, and we’re still smiling.’”
How has this impacted you as a business owner and mom?
“We lost millions of dollars of business and went from a robust pipeline to very little business remaining. This forced me to evaluate all areas of the business, from operations to product development, and focus on strategy for the company. As a mom, I truly appreciate all the precious moments I have with the kids. I used to travel almost every week, and now I am home to make dinner and spend the weekends [with] my family. The time I have been given is priceless.”
How have things changed for your business?
“I have new lines of business developed such as my new antibacterial line that would not have existed previously. We have also streamlined the business to be highly efficient and we are expanding the team to meet the increased demand for products.”
As we’ve all seen the world change, have you seen a change in the needs of your clients?
“Everything has changed, including the ‘face of beauty.’ We are now focused on creating Beauty Simplified routines for our customers and more mask-friendly makeup routines that we’re able to record and showcase via Zoom.”
What advice do you have for mompreneurs living through this unique moment in time?
“Get up, get dressed and get ready. When you look good, you feel good. Every mom needs a boost of confidence and so much as a little makeup can give you a much needed glow inside and out to get you through the day. Do the best you can. Do not get down on yourself for not feeling or being perfect, there’s no such thing. Every parent is different, every child is different, and every family is different. Everyone is trying to do their best, and that’s really all you can do right now. Be sure to still touch base/vent to friends and family, don’t keep all the stress in. You’ll be surprised — once you voice your frustrations, you really do not feel so alone in your emotions.”
Antoinette Naddour Balta
Age: 38
Family: Husband, Elyas; son, Pierre, 13; son, George, 12; niece, Delanee, 25 (has lived with family for 12 years); fur child, Duke, 3 (Irish soft-coated wheaten terrier)
City: Orange
Co-founder and executive director of: Veterans Legal Institute in Santa Ana
What inspired you to co-found the Veterans Legal Institute?
“I am appreciative of the sacrifices that our military service members and their families make for the benefit of our great country. In light and honor of the freedoms I enjoy, I was inspired to use my law degree to pay it forward to those who returned from combat differently than how they went in — those with visible or invisible wounds of war that need a warm hand up. Oftentimes legal barriers prevent veterans from accessing the resources they need to be successful, and for that reason, Veterans Legal Institute assists pro bono with complex veteran benefit appeals, discharge upgrades for survivors of military sexual trauma and those with mental health issues, estate planning for older adult and terminally ill veterans, landlord-tenant issues in conjunction with Volunteers of America Los Angeles to keep veterans and their families safely housed by working hand-in-hand with landlords, consumer law and more.”
What are some other ways you’ve tried to help?
“I enjoyed a six-year tenure with the California State Guard, first as a JAG officer and then as a marketing officer, where I was able to contribute to the safety and welfare of our state. As I transitioned out, I joined the board of the California State Guard Foundation to ensure to help protect and support those who protect and support us.
“I also have the opportunity to be a board/legal advisor to multiple organizations including the OC Black Chamber of Commerce and the California Veterans Chamber of Commerce. I feel strongly about providing competent legal support to organizations paying it forward to our greater community.”
How has your family adapted to the pandemic?
“Like other families, we have used the pandemic to rethink what is important to us and how we want to spend our time together. We have found many silver linings during these novel times, including returning to the traditional nightly family dinner where everyone chips in with cooking, setup and cleanup. Since I had to work through the summer and camps were closed, my sons spent their time learning how to cook dishes from around the world and building their own vegetable garden. Until now, we are enjoying the fruits of their labor in the form of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, kale and other vegetable varieties. It has also sparked an interest in their love for nature.
“Working from home with a heavy case and management load while assisting the children with virtual learning has been challenging and we have found it helpful to remain mindful of our blessings, including good health and the opportunity to maintain work and education even in times of crisis. We continue to adapt, finding we are resilient and rediscovering that keeping a positive attitude makes the most challenging times more pleasant to navigate together.”
How has this impacted your business?
“Running a nonprofit that provides valuable, highly skilled legal services at no charge to our clients is exciting work, but a nonprofit is still a business and has the pressures of overhead and payroll. Relying on the goodwill of patriots who find value in supporting veterans in need is a struggle when philanthropy nationally is down because many people are struggling financially or are weary of their future income. As a result, the development team at Veterans Legal Institute has been creative in setting up virtual events and engaging donors one-on-one to be able to continue its high-impact work. Veterans Legal Institute is actively seeking champions for its cause in the form of those who would like to share their time, talent and treasure.”
What advice do you have for mompreneurs living through this unique moment in time?
“I would encourage everyone to spend time with those that are important to you and, despite COVID and the polarized political climate, take time to step back and enjoy the small moments. Spend time without guilt and allow yourself to enjoy the simple things in life like a cup of coffee, evening walk or even popcorn with the kids while watching Netflix. Most importantly, always make time for your physical and mental health — a strong mom makes a strong family and business.”
Brianne Blythe Dudley
Age: 40
Family: Husband, Ryan; twin sons, Wyatt and Beckett, 7
City: Brea
Owner of: The Cellar Restaurant and Hidalgo’s in Fullerton
The Cellar and Hidalgo’s have a long history. When and why did you decide to purchase them?
“My husband purchased The Cellar Restaurant in 2004 when we were dating. … Sixteen years later, to say it’s been a roller-coaster ride is an understatement. We were in the middle of the recession, lost our house and just moved into a family member’s home when we found out I was pregnant with twins. That was the light that kept us going. And thanks to family and friends we narrowly escaped bankruptcy. When we thankfully made it through that, and The Cellar was bigger than it had ever been in its 50-year history, we made the decision over a bottle of wine to make the move to purchase Hidalgo’s.”
Restaurants have been hit hard during the pandemic. How have you adjusted with two restaurants?
“It’s crazy to say, but the adjustments are constant so it’s a bit hard to really have a steadfast plan. But you just have to roll with it and make adjustments as you go. Things will literally change from one minute to the next without any warning. We find out on TV just like everyone else what the next step is. One minute we’re closed, the next we’re open. Then we just run and make it happen. This is a true testament to The Cellar and Hidalgo’s crew. They can really be there at the drop of a hat to make it work.”
Not only have you had to deal with the stresses of the restaurant business during a pandemic, but education has also been deeply impacted. And you have twins! How has your family adapted?
“I’m home working at my kitchen table, keeping the house in order — or at least attempting to — teaching, and with the boys 99 percent of the time. My husband constantly grinds keeping the restaurants going, the part that nobody sees … and it truly is endless. We’ve always made a good team, and now more than ever we understand our individual roles and what needs to be done. I do what I can at home while making sure the boys are taken care of. Like every parent out there right now, it’s incredibly trying. While it’s difficult for us in many ways, I truly feel grateful we are in the position we are in where I can be home with them.”
What keeps you motivated?
“When the closures happened, I remember speaking with other restaurant owners and we all had this haze over our eyes. It was just unbelievable for every single one of us. The next step was unknown, but we were all there for each other. Another testament to the strength and bond of the restaurant industry, and that’s the thing that motivates me. I don’t want to be a restaurant closure statistic. We refuse to not fight every second of every day. We want our employees to have a paycheck. I want my family, as well as theirs, taken care of. And I don’t want to lose two restaurants that my husband and I love so deeply. The Cellar is more than just brick and mortar to us, we have had some life-changing moments there. The Cellar is 50 years old and she deserves someone to fight for her. Hidalgo’s was just getting off the ground and seeing huge growth. Hidalgo’s holds a place in our hearts for entirely different reasons. Despite Hidalgo’s being 22 years old, as new owners, we were just beginning to see our vision come to life with 1 ½ years under our belt. We put tireless hours into Hidalgo’s getting her off the ground and she was just hitting her stride … then had to close the doors. These places are an extension of us, and we will continue to fight for them.”
What advice do you have for mompreneurs living through this unique moment in time?
“Really the same thing I’d say to any parent. It’s a bit of an overused statement, but hang in there. One thing I learned during the recession, when it seemed there was no light at the end of the tunnel, is you will get through it. Ask for help when you can, do whatever it takes, but hang in there. It may not turn out how we wish it would, but we will all get through this.”
Mika Leah
Age: 43
Family: Husband, Garvey; son, Liam, 11; daughter, Mila, 10
City: Irvine
Owner and founder of: Buxxomly in Irvine
How did you go from marketing at Sony PlayStation and Conde Nast to founder of an innovative women’s undergarment company?
“Like many great ideas, the inspiration for Buxxomly came to me out of frustration. The love of my life had convinced me to get married and my best friend gifted me a gorgeous backless dress from a London designer that made me a princess bride. Having birthed two kids, my tummy wasn’t tight, and at almost 40 years old, gravity wasn’t kind to me either. Therefore, I went on the hunt for the perfect wedding undergarments that could hold up my tatas, smooth my belly bumps and allowed me to wee without having to completely undress in the washroom. I found nothing to be supportive, comfortable and sexy. … Ultimately, Buxxomly was created.”
What happened with your health?
“Three weeks after my 33rd birthday, I was rushed into emergency heart surgery, and that was the moment that changed my life. Surgery revealed that my left main artery was blocked at 98 percent. What many experts call the ‘widow-maker.’ Doctors told me that I was lucky to be alive, no CPR or AED would have saved me. Four procedures and five heart stents later, I call this my bonus life. I take risks. I take chances. I have one life to live and I want to live it to its fullest, leaving the world a better place with a legacy that makes my family proud.”
What has it been like owning a business and having a family through a pandemic?
“It has been a roller coaster, and I know it always will be — with the slow chug and excitement of climbing to the top, the drop that is terrifying, and the twists and turns that keep you guessing. So I find it is best to throw my hands up, scream, giggle and enjoy the ride.”
How has your family adapted to the pandemic?
“We have learned to work as a team, asking for help when we need it, and enjoying more family [time] together.”
How has this impacted you as a business owner and mom?
“I just own the fact that my kids are home when I am on conference calls, and I try not to schedule meetings between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. when my son is practicing the baritone sax in band class.”
Have things changed for your business as well?
“Businesses everywhere have had to pivot, and we have too. We are now taking everything slow with the knowledge that everything always works out in the end.”
As we’ve all seen the world change, have you seen a change in the needs of your clients?
“Opportunities to dress up for a night on the town or special event are rare, and we are seeing women now getting dolled up for night in. Buxxomly is a crossover piece designed to uplift, support and actually be comfortable — all while being sexy enough to skip clothes entirely.”
What keeps you motivated?
“Being a mom who runs a business is just as challenging as being a mom who runs a household. This ‘new normal’ is challenging for all moms. What keeps me motivated is finding the joy in the little moments throughout the day, whether it is with the family or with the business.”
How are you balancing all the changes with your mom and business owner duties?
“I wake up really early to squeeze in a morning walk and meditation. My husband handles all morning duties from waking up the kids to making breakfast, while I start work early. Hubby and I take turns checking homework in the afternoon around 3 p.m./4 p.m. I stop working between 5 p.m./6 p.m., and the rest of the evening is for family time.”
What’s your favorite thing about your work?
“The amazing women on my team, the people that I work with, that every day is different and that I am always learning something new.”
What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
“The love and pride that I feel for my kids, and the joy I have watching them grow into the people they are.”
What advice do you have for mompreneurs living through this unique moment in time?
“Be ambitious. Anything is possible if you believe it is. Believe in yourself. When you get to the top, reach down and lift up other women.”
Mom-spiration
We asked some other OC mompreneurs for advice on living through 2020.
Adriene Madden
Owns: Adventures In The Schoolhouse in Tustin, and also children’s picture book author of “The Magic Maple Tree”
Family: Husband, Mike; Jake, 26, Angelina, 16, Helena, 16, Micah, 15
City: Tustin
Website: www.adventuresintheschoolhouse.com
What advice do you have for other mompreneurs?
“This too will pass! This is simply just a season in all of our lives. The pandemic has had a way of fueling fear in people and becoming all-encompassing. My advice for other moms living through this unique moment in time is to take time to pause, reflect and find the good. There are so many blessings that can be found during this season at home with our children … make time to celebrate the little things, try new things that our normally over-packed schedules wouldn’t allow for, have faith and choose joy.”
Natalie Garcia
Owns: Savory Treatz, offering healthy shakes and treats through curbside pick-up and delivery
Family: Husband, Reynel; Madison, 6, Aaron, 4
City: Anaheim
Instagram: @savorytreatzz
What advice do you have for other mompreneurs?
“A few things that I can pass down to other moms is you can do anything! You can be present for your babies and have a business(s). During this time, positivity and self-care goes a long way. Give yourself time to do something you love and recharge. Trust your vision, make a goal, do not fear — be fearless. The road may not be easy but trust the process, work hard, believe in yourself. We are all capable of bringing out the greater vision within us.”
Reshma Block
Owns: Compass Consulting, LLC, offering IT consulting
Family: Husband, Ryan; Bela, 12, Kiran, 10; shih tzu-poodle, Coco, 2.5
City: Aliso Viejo
Website: www.projectsbycompass.com
What advice do you have for other mompreneurs?
“If you want to come out better personally and professionally after this pandemic, make a checklist of what you want by end of 2021 and start checking off the list. Don’t wait for the perfect time or having enough money — now is the time to make the time and invest. It sounds counter-intuitive to take risks in a recession and during a global emergency, as the natural instinct for some might be to hunker down and save every penny. However, I strongly believe that businesses don’t recover from a recession by saving their way through it. They end up winning and thriving after a recession by investing their way through it. This holds true for mompreneurs also in my view. So I see this time as an opportunity that we won’t get again — an opportunity to reinvent ourselves.”
Katie Webb Brundige
Owns: Intertwined Events and nonprofit RAD Camp in Irvine
Family: Husband, Tim; Alexander, 15 months
City: Orange
Website: www.intertwinedevents.com
What advice do you have for other mompreneurs?
“It’s OK not to be OK. It’s also OK to say no. I have really had to focus on prioritizing what is good for myself and my family during these tough times. If I needed to take a half day and spend time with Alex and his therapies vs. answering emails, I did that. At the same time, if I felt my clients really needed something, I worked closely with my husband to figure out who could tackle Alex’s schedule and how we could both get in a day’s work. Communication has been key for us as a couple, as well as compromise.”
Maryanne Hibner
Owns: Hibner Design Group and No. 15 Studio in Irvine
Family: Husband, Mike; Mason, 11, Emma, 9
City: San Clemente
Website: www.hibnerdesigngroup.com
What advice do you have for other mompreneurs?
“This pandemic has been the biggest challenge for all of us as a nation and worldwide. It was extremely tough at the beginning, especially when the kids went into distant learning. I called it an emotional roller-coaster ride. In an instant, I added homeschooling to my daily role all while I was trying to keep myself from falling apart.
“Hang in there and continue to believe in yourself and your ‘why’! This is the best advice I can give other mompreneurs. We started businesses/companies for a reason and remember that reason. We got this.”
By Jessica Peralta
(Opening photo courtesy of Mike Radford)
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