We were introduced to this beautiful Bergen County Mom of two through a networking event that we were hosting. We were absolutely floored by her ambitious spirit, and drive. We are so proud to feature this incredible woman who was launching her business at 9 months pregnant. Her awesome new brand of smaller diaper bags @hi,aria , are so adorable and practical. Here’s what this true boss babe had to say:
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Bergen County?
I am originally from Hackensack. Graduated from Hackensack High School. I’ve lived in Bergen county for 20 ish years. I currently reside in Dumont.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Dominic Jaiden, 3 in August
Aria Giselle, 2 Months
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I was a performer/singer before I became a mother. In fact, I was on the Broadway National Tour of the King + I for 2 years and travelled to 42 cities around the United States when I was 8. I won several singing championship titles and was on television in the Philippines. It was a lifetime ago though. Fast forward to today, I definitely miss singing and I wish I can do it more than the occasional tunes in the shower and concerts in our room, but it’s hard to find the time to as a mom. It’s okay though because I wouldn’t trade this life as a mother to two amazing kids and #MotherHustler behind the new brand I created for anything else in the world.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My husband, for one. Parenting is hard enough and I have no idea how I would’ve gone through it without him. How I managed to finish college as a young mom, build my career and start up this business – he is behind making it all possible. And my parents, of course. I wouldn’t be who I am today or where I am today without their guidance and support. I look up to them and aspire to be the type of parents they are to me, to my own kids.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
We love going to Van Saun Park. It is our favorite park and hang out spot during the Summer. We also love going to the movies – Since Aria is too young, we take Dominic to every movie that’s appropriate for him. His favorites have been Wreck It Ralph, The Lego Movie and Toy Story 4. Oh! And travel. We are such travel bugs, especially to Disney. Hopefully by the end of the year, we can take another trip there when Aria is a bit bigger.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I actually just recently launched my own little business and brand called hi,aria. It specializes in a line of a brand new design of Mini Diaper Bags. What inspired me to start up this business is a conversation in the car I was having with my husband about how I wished there was a Diaper Bag that is small enough for me to take on quick trips and keep my load light while also being spacious enough to hide the essentials. I was complaining to him about how the bag we were using, a toddler bag, was hard to take around because the straps wouldn’t fit since it was built for a toddler and the design was distasteful. I started describing to him what the perfect design would be and how I wish I could buy it then my husband said, “Why don’t you create it.” So that’s what we did. I figured that there must be other moms who feel the same way I do about diaper bags so I wanted to share it with other mamas. Especially since now a days, more and more people are switching to the minimalist lifestyle, this type of bag would appeal to them. The process of launching this business has been both challenging (and stressful) but fun. I love how I have creative control over everything because I get to utilize the artistic side of me. I also offer Women Empowerment wear – made for modern moms. 
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I was able to meet such amazing people and amazing moms through this community. I went to a little event not too long ago that was hosted by Bergen North Moms which brought me out of my comfort zone as a young mom in a business community. I loved being able to build new connections that can help the business grow and reach it’s full potential.
Favorite Date Night spot in Bergen County?
Archetypus. We love going there for the dessert. The setting is just so unique with the caves and the low light and candles. Super romantic for date nights away from the kids.
Favorite Girls Night spot in Bergen County?
La Mezza. I love going there for my birthday every year with my girlfriends. Mostly because of the sparking birthday candle. I’m a big fan of that. But you also can’t go wrong with their food selection.