Mom Crush Monday: Amélie Naegelen of Tinyfrenchy

MCbJ: When did you start Tinyfrenchy and what was your inspiration behind the line?
AN: Tinyfrenchy is like my 3rd baby and I launched it early June. Becoming a mom changed my priorities over the years and I discovered a new universe that I really love with kids room decor. I had hard times finding things that I liked for my kids’ rooms and I was also struggling to get baby shower gifts for my friends. I’ve often been stopped in the streets by people asking about my daughter’s blanket or other accessories we had. So the idea started to grow in my mind and I’ve decided to do the big jump. I wanted to offer a selection of refined and unique baby accessories and kids room décor items crafted by French Designers not available in the US. I only select independent designers, most of them are moms as well, directly inspired by their kids and who also changed career in these past years. Their refined creations made with the French savoir-faire are of high quality and their materials, motifs and illustrations strongly embody this French touch that I’m particularly fond of.

MCbJ: Tell us about some of the items you carry and what makes them unique.
AN: The Indian Panda is one of my favorites. As a wall trophy, pillow or poster, he’s super cute with his sweet look and feather crown and symbolizes strength and kindness, which I love for kids’ rooms.  The music boxes are also pretty original. A rainbow cloud, a star, a matryoshka doll or a guitar, they are perfect to decorate any room and they play really cool melodies like “Fly me to the moon”, “Hey Jude” or “La Vie en Rose”, which changes from all the classics. The baby blankets are made with a mix of lovely Liberty fabrics and a delicate gold binding, which I find really refined. They’re super soft and easy to carry around. All the creations I carry are produced in small series and most of them are handmade, which makes them unique.

MCbJ: You have two young children. Has it been difficult juggling work and being an available mom?
AN: It’s always hard to find the right balance and it can be even more difficult with no family around. I’ve always been working full time even since I became a mom and I must admit I don’t want to change that. With my previous job, traveling was becoming too hard considering the fact that my husband was also traveling a lot. We love the U.S. in so many ways but being French, I recognize that the American system is not really adapted to working moms. I needed flexibility. We’ve been lucky to find a fantastic daycare where Jane and Felix used to go. I’m now trying to be as much organized as possible in order to spend as much time as possible with my kids when I’m not working. We found a preschool and pediatrician closer to where we live, have both kids in the same place to limit the numbers of drop-offs and pick-ups, I get all the grocery delivered… I strongly believe that quality is more important than quantity in terms of time spent with my kids. So from the moment I pick them up from school until they go to bed, I close my computer and put my phone away and become a full-time mom again. Being an available wife is also a priority in this equation. 😉 And when one of our kids is sick, we make it work with my husband.

MCbJ: Since becoming a mom how have you changed?
AN: I feel more responsible and I believe I lost that little unconsciousness that I used to have. I discover an inner energy I didn’t know I had and that helped me overcoming the tiredness. I feel I became more patient and tolerant with my own mom since I realized how challenging it is to be a mom, and that all we hope for is the happiness and well being of our kids. It also helped me to put things into perspective and be less affected by issues of everyday life.

MCbJ: What advice do you have for new moms with dreams of having their own business?
AN: I’m an optimistic and a “better remorse than regrets” person. They should go for it as long as they have a good organization since I think it would be quite impossible with the kids around all day. They also need to be conscious of the involvement required when you start your own business, have the support of their family and be able to cope with that without feeling guilty. It’s a long journey full of excitement and blossoming but also full of difficulties and challenges. But as long as their dreams come true, what else can you wish for? I hope I’ll still have the same point of view in a year…

MCbJ: What do you love about your job?
NA: Well, first it’s my thing and my own project. I’m very happy to work in a universe that I really love. I feel I have endless possibilities to grow Tinyfrenchy and it gives me wings. With its vibe and energy, I found LA to be great place to keep me inspired everyday. I enjoy so much the discoveries I make all the time in terms of creations and designers. I found it so inspirational to connect and share with fellow mom-preneurs. It’s of course very demanding and stressful but also so rewarding to see the payoff of my efforts. I never really disconnect but I feel very free.

MCbJ: How would you describe your own personal style?
AN: I would say casual chic (maybe more casual than chic actually). I need to feel comfortable in what I wear. I often wear a pair of jeans with a t-shirt or a shirt along with a blazer for a chic touch. I wear flat shoes most of the times that I will switch for high heels if I go out. My thing is to mix printed and patterned items. Some of my favorite brands are Heimstone, J. Crew, Scoth & Soda and Zara. I’m also a big fan of jewelry and love the refined creations of Aurelie Bidermann and Zoe Chicco.

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Tinyfrenchy is offering an exclusive discount to MCbJ readers – enter code ‘mommychic‘ for 15% off your entire purchase.  Offer expires on Friday, August 7th at 8pm PST.