How has being a mom inspired your Dannijo creations?
As a mom, I'm always on the go and don't have as much time as before so I want pieces that I can throw on with everything. For that reason, I'm now inspired to design more classic styles.
What is it like managing a large jewelry brand, a family, and pregnancy? What is most challenging?
It's challenging to find time for myself while juggling being a mother and running a company and I find myself exhausted at the end of the day.
How do you handle the stress that comes along with being a full-time mom and business woman? What outlets do you have and find most helpful?
It's important for me to find time to exercise. I love Pilates and Boxing to release stress. I also love getting a manicure and pedicure when I can find the time. We have a house in CT that we go to every weekend and it has helped me relax, slow down and recharge for the week ahead.
How did you bring your dream of the Dannijo brand to fruition? Is it easy working with your sister? Do you enjoy a family business?
It's amazing to work with my sister. Danielle and I have been making jewelry together since we were kids when we taught ourselves how to do wirework with our father's medical tools. We decided early on we wanted to have a jewelry company and launched DANNIJO after getting fired from our jobs in 2008. We made a capsule collection to raise money for a non-profit my sister had co-founded and Natalie Portman mentioned our collection as the 'gift to give' that year in NY mag. We started getting inquiries on the collection and launched with Bergdorf Goodman in 2008.
It was the heart of the recession and people thought we were crazy to launch a jewelry company but it was actually a great time-- instead of buying a new wardrobe every season, women saw our jewelry as a means to individualize their looks with their go-to jeans and little black dresses. Beyonce purchased one of our statement necklaces and wore it all over the world on tour. We started getting a lot of press because of it and have organically grown the brand over the last eight years.
It's the best working with my sister. We both constantly push each other and we're able to split responsibilities since we both have different strengths.
How do you carve out "me" time?
I schedule date nights with my husband and dinners with friends.
Where are your favorite shops for both baby and toddler?
Bonpoint, Bonton, Yoya, Stella Mccartney, Zara, shopminikin.com and I love the hidden kids store in Plaza M where I get manicures and pedicures. They have the best leggings and cutest things from Korean brands.
What is your favorite aspect of owning your own company?
I love the creative process and the storytelling that goes into having our own brand
What was your favorite family vacation destination to date?
Harbour Island and the south of France
What are your favorite kid-friendly NYC restaurants?
We love to take Margaux to brunch at Maman Tribeca, Gotan and Cafe Cluny
Do you have any secret NYC spots to go as a family on weekends that you can share ?
Playgarden in Tribeca is great when it's cold. We love going to friends' houses or walking around and exploring the city