Hi Bergen Moms! My name is Jessica, I’m your new site curator and I am SO excited to be here. I’m really looking forward to exploring Bergen County with you, sharing tips and recommendations, and serving as your go-to resource for all things BC!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I’m originally from Centerport, a small town in Long Island. I moved to Hoboken after college and when it was time to settle down my husband and I discovered Midland Park. We bought our house in 2012, had a brief stint in Maryland and then came back to the area in 2016!
Children and Ages?
Grace (7) and Ellie (5)
Favorite thing to do with your kids?
In the winter we like to bake; my younger daughter Ellie especially loves anything that has to do with cooking. And we’ve also started doing family game nights, puzzles, and coloring. In the spring and summer, we love anything outdoors! We’re big fans of Brookside Lake, and we spend lots of time at the zoo at Van Saun, Abmas Farm, and basically any playground in the area.
Are you involved in a business venture outside of The Bergen Moms Network? Please share!
Yes! I’m also a small business owner, my third baby – The Mookabee Swaddle is a unique baby swaddle that absorbs a parent’s scent to promote better sleep. The Mookabee also donates 10% of all profits to Saving Mothers, an organization dedicated to improving maternal health, something I’m very passionate about.
What sets the Mookabee apart?
In addition to a zippered leg pouch for easy diaper changes, and a wide velcro patch that adjusts to fit your baby, The Mookabee Swaddle’s most unique feature is its scent absorbing Soothe-Swatch. The Soothe-Swatch securely snaps into the Mookabee Swaddle base so your baby can smell you while they are swaddled. The Soothe-Swatch is worn against a parent’s skin for 7 to 9 hours to fully absorb their scent, it then snaps back into the swaddle to provide baby with your comforting scent. The sense of smell is one of the first to develop, in fact a baby know their mother’s scent from the time they are in utero, and post birth, this scent promotes bonding, lowers cortisol levels, and helps baby sleep.
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Just keep pushing forward. It’s so easy to feel discouraged or overwhelmed when you’re starting a business but you HAVE to continue believing in yourself and stay focused on your vision. I’ve also realized that this world is full of really smart and supportive women, so surround yourself with, and learn from them!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I was the captain of my high school badminton team. Most people think that it’s a backyard sport but it’s actually very competitive!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
No one provides feedback AND support like moms! Not only do I rely on the women around me to push me forward, but I find the different women in this community to be so inspiring. I love feeding off of each other and learning new things from the moms in Bergen County.
