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Rosie Pope talks with Santa Monica Macaroni Kid

Work, Kids, Social Media, Wine & How She Does It All.

By Courtney Lewis September 18, 2014

Ever wonder how the fabulous Rosie Pope does it all? She is an author, business owner, fashion designer, TV star, oh, and a mom to four kids under five; just writing that makes me tired and stressed out.

I chatted with Rosie about her quickly growing family and business and she shared some of her tips for bridging the home/work lifestyle.

SMMK- In the last few years you have created one of the most trusted and beloved family lifestyle brands. You have helped thousands of families with your book, TV show and shops. What is your favorite part about the company that you have created?

I really love meeting the Moms (and Dads) and making them feel better and less tense. I like letting them know that it is ok to laugh and have fun and enjoy these moments. We all know that it can be scary and stressful but it helps to be prepared.

SMMK- I think one of the reasons we love and trust you so much is because you are real and show us that life can be messy and fun. I know a lot of people feel like they know you - my girlfriends and I think you would fit right in with us. Was it hard to keep your home life separate from your work life?

I do struggle a lot with sharing on social media. It is hard to find the right balance and it can feel like it’s all or nothing. I just try to go with what feels right at the moment, some of it is messy life. SMMK- I think Rosie has one of the best Instagrams.(@rosiepope) Her posts always make me smile.

SMMK-

Your husband plays a big role in your company, is it hard to work together and go from business to family and back again?

We are both really good at different parts of the job.  We fight sometimes because he comes from a business side and I’m creative, but we work well together and inspire each other. We also know when to turn off work and just be a family and enjoy.

SMMK-Speaking of trying to balance family and business life, do you have any tips when you are juggling the kids and work?

I try to keep positive, I want them to know that I love my job and that working is important. When I’m at home and need to switch to work mode for a call. I try to set them up with an activity at the table, maybe the iPad and some snacks. I really try to keep to a time schedule. I try and let them know just how long it will be before I’m able to come play again. I schedule time to help define the day better; planning one-on-one time works for us and makes everyone feel special. I also take my free minutes when I can get them. Going for a quick run, having a glass of wine, just sitting down, I savor these moments as they refresh and recharge me.

SMMK- Being a successful entrepreneur is a lot like motherhood. It is one of the most challenging and reward jobs you can have. What would you say are the biggest pluses and minus of being your own boss and what advice would you give to moms trying to launch their own businesses?

The biggest plus is being able to make my own schedule. I do a lot of work late at night , which is also the biggest minus because I do work all the time. My advice is to be patient. Know that it does not happen overnight and give yourself enough time.

SMMK- Any apps you love for keeping organized ?

I use the reminders feature on my iPhone all the time and I love post -it notes too. I can jot down all the thoughts and ideas and then move forward.

SMMK- We adore your shop on Montana Ave. Any chance you will be expanding the baby line to include older kids’ clothes?

Yes, the kids want me to make clothes for them as they get bigger so it is something we are thinking about and working on

As for National Baby Safety Month, below are a few of Rosie's top tips:

No outerwear in car seats as fall approaches (specs not made for this so compression in accident can cause car seat ejection)

 No accessories on a car seat (injury and again car seats not designed to be safe with accessories - testing done with out) - many gadgets to entertain or for comfort are on the market for sale

 No snacking while cars are in motion (choking) and difficult to pull over to perform CPR

 No bumpers on cribs (suffocation)

No laying on a changing table with out using security strap (falling injury)

Rubber bands and balloons are some of the worst things to choke on as almost impossible to get up - be sure never to leave lying around of let little ones try and blow up balloons for parties - plus remove from all mail in your mailbox as often rubber banded together

No walking/running with a toothbrush - get your kids to sit down to brush eg kitchen table or lie on the bed

Do get a nozzle cover for your bath as kids usually at head height and can fall back or hit when playing

Never put your baby in he bath without checking temperature on sensitive part of your body eg underside if wrist - your toe or finger is too tough

Don't bathe or shower your kids in a lightening storm

 

Inspect and replace bike helmets after crash or when foam is crushed. Regular inspection needed as kids may have not realized they hit it - same goes for throwing helmets

You can learn more about Rosie Pope on her website www.rosiepope.com, or stop by the shop at 1528 Montana Ave. You might just see Rosie there she told me she loves the Santa Monica shop and coming to visit.