Leslie Smith and Jeanne Roth
A Mother- Daughter team talk accessories!
Website(s):
http://www.momsonthemove.com/my_page_public.asp?website_id=C63A4656
A Mother- Daughter team who know best when it comes to keeping your kids and yourself safe from messy meals and more, Leslie Smith and her mom Jeanne Roth have the coolest most practical accessories on the market!
From products like their famous Bib-A-Roo and the Burpee Cloth, to the Kidz ApronAll and Nurse Purse, Leslie and Jeanne Roth are revolutionizing the “Mommy experience” for both moms and kids!
Leslie teamed up with her own mother Jeanne to start L’il Darlins! Leslie is an energetic mother of 2 twin girls (4 years old) and one 6 year old. “Those are the l’il darlins,” she says. L’il Darlin is a unique boutique that provides practical and stylish accessories to not only moms and children, but also for older children/ young adults with special as well as teen and mommy essentials.
“Their creations cover your every gift need for that perfect newborn baby gift, that unique baby shower gift, children and teen birthday presents, bridesmaid thank you gifts, and pampering mom with that special welcome home from the baby hospital with that fashionable gift that holds her breastfeeding essentials.”
Leslie, a resident of Downingtown, PA, originally started teaching middle school (7th and 8th grade) reading, and then moved on to a part- time position as a specialist for 1st and 2nd grade reading. Jeanne previously owned a luggage store and a bakery. After years of logging 50-70 hours a week, Jeanne retired, but not for long! Thankfully Leslie pulled her back and together they created the widely popular L’il Darlins Boutique.
The Boutique was born two years ago, but the idea came after Leslie had her first daughter. She, as most moms do, loved to buy her daughter nice clothes, but every time they went out to eat, the little one always managed to accumulate more food on her clothes than in her mouth, resulting in unfortunate stains. One day, while they were out shopping for a full length bib, they couldn’t find anything… that’s when the light bulb went off!
Leslie excitedly pitched the idea to Jeanne who is a master sewer, and she agreed to create a prototype for Leslie’s oldest daughter. Everywhere they went, their stylish one-of-a-kind bib, was getting compliments left, right, and center.
When Leslie had her twin girls, she had to make a decision to either continue teaching, or take a risk and start the company with her mom. It was one day at the beach that the universe intervened and gave these two incredible women a sign. As Leslie’s kids played in the sand, Jeanne looked at them and called them her “Lil Darlins’” Jeanne and Leslie looked at each other and knew that the business was the path to take, and L’il Darlins was born!
From that point on, the sky was the limit! The business started out very strong with numerous features in the Philadelphia Inquirer, various magazines, and their very own new, fully functioning website.
“We had a lot of fun with this product,” Leslie says enthusiastically. They experimented with fun fabrics and new product designs such as the hooded bath towels, cozy blankets, and more.
The business is booming just 2 years later with customers ranging from Tori Spelling to Denise Richards, to Rebecca Romijn Stamos. That’s right, Lil’ Darlins’ doesn’t only cater to moms around the country, they also have a star studded following who can’t get enough of the unique designs.
Celebrities were introduced to the Mother-Daughter Team at a Pre-Golden Globe Baby Swag Event. “The event was great and has helped tremendously! Many celebrities took home our accessories,” says Leslie. Rebecca Romijn took home the Nurse Purse and Tori Spelling had her Bib-A-Roo’s monogrammed and featured on her hit Reality Show.
Even with a shaky economy, Lil’ Darlins is standing strong and lucky for them, moms always need a little help when it comes to keeping their lives manageable and their kids clean- two major benefits from L’il Darlins accessories.
“One of our clients had triplets and ended buying $700.00 worth of Bib-A-Roo’s, she loved them so much,” Leslie exclaimed.
“It’s amazing to actually think of an idea, and then have it put into your hands just as you dreamed of it,” Leslie, Vice President of Design, says.
So how do Jeanne and Leslie keep their business growing with 3 little ones and a big family?
“Well, the business is mainly website-based, but we have boutiques in the area, so everyday is different.” Leslie explains.
“In the beginning it was hard as we were designing products and marketing them, but basically I work best in the morning. “ Leslie gets up at 6 am before the kids get up and heads straight to the computer to answer emails, fill orders, and manage press dates.
She likes working in the morning because she can “fire off emails right before people get into the office.” Her kids are in preschool and kindergarten so the mornings and evenings are the best times for her to focus.
As for working with her mom, Leslie really enjoys it! “We compliment each other well,” she says. “I think I have the creative gene and she has a lot of energy.” Although, after speaking with them, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree- they are both creative and energetic!
Although it can be an amazing experience working with your mother or your daughter, “ we do butt heads on fabric design from time to time- I like younger and trendy designs, while she likes “zoo print” types.” Yet, they always come to a middle ground and compromise!
When it comes to product ideas, they are completely on the same page. “The only down side is when we are together, we tend to talk about business, even after hours, so it is important for us to be conscious of enjoying each other without talking about business,” she explains.
Their incredible relationship is what keeps Lil Darlins’ moving, especially now! “Our products are the perfect solution for this time. We have a bib- for- baby on a budget!”
You are getting 2- in- 1 with the Bib-A-Roo- saving time on laundry and not ruining clothes that you spent money on! “Saving clothes, time, and money.” There’s nothing better than that!
Leslie and Jeanne are two Amazing Moms who not only know style, but also how to preserve it! Not only have they envisioned a dream and manifested it into reality, but they are also making lives easier all over the globe with their affordable, stylish accessories for moms, kids, and teens!
To learn more about Leslie and Lil Darlin’s , visit Leslie’s MomSpace.
Tips
 |
advertisement |
 |