Perseverance: NYC Mom Moguls Discuss Life as Working Mothers

By Sara Anne Fingerman, Arts and Entertainment Writer, Sara@gemmagazineli.com

Balancing motherhood and marriage, social life and the school play, a female–owned business and finger painting doesn’t have to be a struggle.  It can be achieved with a little patience, organization, and ease, while still looking and feeling fabulous.

Designer Rebecca Minkoff, Gilt Groupe’s Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, celeb stylist June Ambrose, jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher and style and beauty expert, Mary Alice Stephenson, actress and fashion icon Veronica Webb were among the panelists at the May 7 First Annual Mom Mogul Breakfast hosted by Divamoms.com founder Lyss Stern and More Magazine’s Sabine Feldman at Restaurant Bond 45 in Midtown Manhattan.

Panelists helped share their secret to success.  Here are a few that stood out:

Best known for her handbags, Rebecca Minkoff wanted a fancy designer dress when she was a little girl. Her mother gave her a needle and thread and encouraged her to sew one herself.  Rebecca’s mother offered her the gift of independence, which resulted in a successful brand. Minkoff told attendees to “take time to stop and smell the roses and everything will come into place”.

If you are a working mom struggling to get the kids out on time, celebrity stylist June Ambrose suggests meditation. “Wake before the Quake”, wake up an hour before your children (and have some time on your own!).  Not only will you feel wonderful, but also your children will see a more relaxed, ready–to–go mom.

Stern asked panelists what advice they would give to moms who are aspiring to launch their own businesses. Jennifer Fisher, jewelry designer said, “ Just do it, you never know how it’s going to go unless you try. Who cares if you make mistakes? Just try!” Fisher started her business out of her bedroom selling jewelry and turned her side business into an empire. Her jewelry has been worn in many feature films and hit television shows and movies.

Model and actress Veronica Webb told attendees to take time to do nothing. Cuddle time with your children is important. They need to feel loved and you need to bond with your children as well.

Long Island Hospitality Ball 2013: Great Food, Great People, and Great Fashion!

The 2013 Long Island Hospitality Ball at Crest Hollow was a spectacular event with great food, great drinks, and was very well-attended! Some of the delicious restaurants featured at the gala included Mio Posto, Nisen, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Rare650 and many, many more. Guests danced to great music at the VIP party, where an awesome disco band stole the show! An array of beautiful fireworks were set off to add to the beautiful atmosphere at the Crest Hollow Country Club. Upon entering the event, guests were lined up down the street in their cars, and even parked all the way up the block to make sure they made it in to this wonderful evening. Unfortunately, the parking situation was not as great as the food and music, but everyone made the most of it! Of course, it can’t be a fabulous evening without some fabulous fashion, so we made sure to capture the best dressed guests of the night and featured them here for you to see — enjoy!

Alanna Carcich wore a fabulous navy blue jumpsuit by BCBG and topped it off with a bright red bag and great nude pumps.

Edana Brady looked amazing in this black and white classic, knee-length dress that she purchased online at boohoo.com.

Krystie Buccellato looked stunning in this glamorous dress by Naeem Khan that draped in all the right places. Krystie’s classic black pumps were the perfect addition to this great piece.

This beautiful white and black lace dress by BCBG was worn perfectly by Jennifer Petrocelli, matched up with a pair of BCBG black pumps.

K. Shneider, Paul Anthony and Joan Macri were just three of the many fabulous guests of the evening.

Jody Felicetti of Felicetti Brother’s Pizza in Lindenhurst rocking a pair of Gazelle glasses!

Here’s Terry Vogel from Event Kings NY rocking a leopard dress and leopard heels!