They say that necessity is the mother of invention. And who has more moxie than moms? In honor of Mother’s Day, we polled some of our favorite “mompreneurs” for their mommy musts. These make-it-happen moms navigate the big A with tots in tow, and have built their own businesses to boot. Here’s to all Atlanta moms that are brining up their babes—like a boss! Cam Reynolds
As the co-owner of Gramercy Home in Buckhead, Cam Reynolds is all about keeping it chic, even amid chaos. As if running a stylish shop isn’t enough to keep her busy, Reynolds is also mother to three boys—Whit (age 5), Davis (age 3) and Hart (7 months).
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
The Fernbank Museum. My boys love the dinosaurs!
Must-have mom item?
A versatile bag that can serve as both a purse and diaper bag.
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
There are so many fun and cultural experiences to do as a family since we are in a big city, yet many areas of town still have a great neighborhood feel.
Agatha Achindu
Ranked as the #1 baby food by Martha Stewart Magazine, Atlanta-based Yummy Spoonfuls was founded on the principal that healthy babies are happy babies. The frozen organic food line began in the kitchen of founder and CYO (Chief Yummy Officer) Achindu who now travels the country to offer healthy eating seminars. The mom of boys Malcolm (age 16) and Jared-Zane (age 9) says that Atlanta reminds her of her childhood in Cameroon, West Africa. “I am a farmer’s daughter, so living in a city with rural benefits is one of the many advantages Atlanta provides,” she explains.
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
We love Piedmont Park, Marietta Square, skateboard spots and the Georgia Aquarium.
Must-have mom item?
My planner.
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
I love the cultural diversity. I love the green space—all the beautiful trees, parks and outdoor farmers’ markets make Atlanta an amazing place to bring up my boys. The fact that I can drive up to a local farm with my sons and get anything from fresh milk to eggs and vegetables is such an added bonus. It’s a wonderful community and it’s a beautiful city that still has it’s forest.
Cinda Boomershine
After sharpening her skills as an interior designer and a design expert for TBS’s Movie and a Makeover, Cinda Boomershine launched the cinda b brand in 2004. Proudly made in the USA, Boomershine’s bags combine modern prints with chic functionality. The mom to Belle (23 months) and Rex (1 month) makes it all happen with the help of friends and family—and, of course—a great bag!
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
Tanyard Creek Park has two great playgrounds and lots of space to run around. Plus, it is the park I went to as a child, so it is a sentimental favorite.
Must-have mom item?
My cinda b Neptune Beach Bag. I use this bag for toting everything all the time. It is huge with plenty of pockets to organize all my little ones’ toys, supplies and goodies. And like all cinda b bags, it is stain resistant, water resistant and machine washable—which is essential in a Mom bag.
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
The best part about being a mom her in Atlanta has to be all the friends and family that I have here. I am so blessed and lucky to have such a wonderful support network here. I couldn’t run my business and raise my kids without them.
Paige Perkins
As founder of Buckhead’s buzzy new blowdry bar, GlowDry, this brainy beauty is also mom to Mia (age 6) and Ella (age 3 and a half). We love Perkins for providing a spot for fellow moms to sneak in some much-needed “me” time—and score some seriously hot hair!
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
Nancy Creek Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta and SkyZone
Must-have mom item?
A helpful spouse. Having opened my first business last August while raising two young, active kids, I couldn’t have survived the last year without my husband. While he’s not an “item” per se, if I could package, market and sell him—I’d be a very successful woman!
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
There is always something fun to do, rain or shine. And, always an adventure to have with the kids. It’s easy to get around and we never have to plan our adventures too far in advance. I love waking up in the morning and asking the girls “do you want to go Strawberry Picking today?” or “should we go to the aquarium?” and just hopping in the car and going without a second thought.
Jackie Phillips
After struggling to find their proper preschool for her own peanut, the mom—to Rudd (age 5) and Holland (age 1 and a half)—founded beloved, Buckhead “boutique” educational program, The Little Nook. Encouraging creative and imaginative play (and sending home some pretty darn cute craft projects to boot), Phillips’ “Nook” also is a popular spot for picture-perfect birthday parties. Just check out her adorable blog for evidence.
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
My perfect day: Ice skating at Centennial, Children’s Museum then off to ride the Ferris Wheel, eat dinner at Vinny’s Pizza on 14th. They let kids play with the dough.
Must-have mom item?
Otter Box on my iPhone, Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets, Phil and Teds Lobster High Chair
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
I know it’s hard to think about while we are covered in thick yellow pollen, but I think we are so fortunate to have great weather in Atlanta and live in such close proximity to parks, trails, hunting, fishing and camping spots. My favorite place to be with my children is outside.
Ann Short
Mom to Caroline (age 6) and Lilly Grace (age 8), Short spent five years teaching moms with Stroller Strides and has now set out on her own with Ann Short Fitness. She specializes in pre and post-natal fitness and provides personal training sessions as well as classes. Her stroller-friendly boot-camp style class is geared specifically towards moms who need to get their workout on, but don’t have childcare. No excuses!
Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
We love the Georgia Aquarium! We like to go when the crowds are low in the late afternoon for a quick getaway to the “ocean.”
Must-have mom item?
A huge bag! I’ve tried carrying a small, cute purse, but I always end up with someone’s coat, snacks and art project in my purse—go figure!
What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
I love raising my girls in Atlanta because they learn manners and southern hospitality. There is a sense of decorum here that you don’t find outside of the South. Plus it is a beautiful city with lots of hidden gems to explore with the kids.
Who is your favorite Atlanta Mompreneur? Give them a shout out in the comments section below!
—Phebe Wahl
Photos courtesy of subjects and Kaylan Bradley of Happy Everything Co.
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