Inspiration from the Women's Conference

I have just returned from two incredible days at the Women's Conference in California. While it was difficult to be gone from my family for three days, it was great to be able to take the time to focus and learn from so many incredible women and their stories. Robin Roberts from "Good Morning America" talked about the decisions she had to make once she was diagnosed with breast cancer, including whether to go public or not, and she recalled her parent's words, "Make your mess your message," which helped guide her. What a wonderful way to look at difficult situations. Rather than hide from them, turn them around. Maria Shriver spoke beautifully and candidly about her extreme pain and grief since the passing of her mother. She also participated in a panel on grief with Elizabeth Edwards, Susan St. James and Lisa Niemi, and their pain was palpable. It was an incredibly brave conversation, especially to have it in front of 15,000 others, but one to which everyone in that room and beyond could relate.

The two days were also a wonderful opportunity to focus on nomie baby, where it is, where it's going and where it's been. Talking to hundreds of women about the car seat covers, and soon to be introduced new products, was a terrific opportunity to hear fresh, honest feed back. It was so rewarding to hear what I had suspected, which is that I am not the first parent to be frustrated by the hassle of cleaning up after all the mess, and the wrestling that it takes, and how relieved and pleased they were to learn that there was a solution to their problem. Julia Paige, the Executive Producer of the Women's Conference said, "It's my favorite gift to give all my mommy friends, and they write the nicest and appreciative thank you notes!" Again, getting the reinforcement means so much, because sometimes being in the middle of everything, and being so close to every aspect skews my perspective.

The entire Conference was capped off with the Minerva Awards, which were given to 4 incredible women, Agnes Stevens, Helen Waukazoo, Dr. Kathy Hull and Dr. Jane Goodall, who are doing outstanding work in their communities. Once again they highlighted the importance of reaching out and giving back. In walking around the Women's Conference it was remarkable to notice how many organizations were each making a difference through giving back as part of their every day business practices. This has always been something that is very important to me, and since the Mt. Sinai NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) was there for our youngest daughter when she was born 2 months early, I have made sure that giving back to them is build in to the nomie baby business. It adds, not only a completely difference perspective, but also makes my desire for success that much greater, since I know what a difference it would make to thousands of the tiniest babies.

All in all, while I am exhausted from the red-eye trip home, I am also reinvigorated, committed and inspired to make nomie baby the success, not only I hope it can be, but that other's believe it will be.