As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s impossible not to recognize the hardworking moms and small business owners that are breaking glass ceilings in the middle of this pandemic.

Here are 3 mom-owned businesses that you can support this week. One offers an unparalleled virtual experiential distraction and family past-time. Another is changing the activewear industry. And these women are just getting started.

MADE*HERE NEW YORK

Karyn Villante is the female entrepreneur and small business owner of MADE*HERE NEW YORK. She designed sweaters for about 15 years before she left the industry to raise her daughters. From there, she continued working in part-time creative roles. Until she set out to reshape the declining local New York knitwear apparel industry. Everyone wanted the sweaters her own daughters were rocking around Manhattan, so the orders started rolling in.

One of her daughters, Kayla, introduced us. And this Braided Chunky Cable Throw is what the best nights are made of right now. It’s also the perfect Mother’s Day gift or surprise for anyone feeling the weight of social distancing. Most importantly, it doubles as an #OOTD right now too. 😉

Each sweater comes with a handwritten tag with a different quote from a famous New York woman. 

“Do one thing every day that scares you” –Eleanor Roosevelt

…and so I have.

Karyn Villante, Founder + CEO, MADE*HERE NEW YORK

PS: You can use the code Leya15 for 15% off of your entire purchase at MADE*HERE NEW YORK!

Little Maestros

In 2002, former Atlantic Records marketing executive, mother of two, and #momboss, Marni Konner founded Little Maestros. And in 2018, I brought Ezra to his first Little Maestros class. It was an instant #kaufMOMCrush. In 2019, Little Maestros performers made Ezra’s first birthday party unforgettable. But now, in 2020, the New York staple needs our help.

The Little Maestros flagship studio is temporarily closed. But episodes of the new Little Maestros show series are now available to rent here. And we’ve been dialing into their live online classes on Zoom. Because nothing elevates our moods right now more than shaking it out, guessing what’s in the box, and having an excuse to jump off of the couch.

The registration fees for these classes can also help support Little Maestros and their famous performers throughout these unprecedented times! You can email admin@littlemaestros.com to register.

Blank Label Active

I stumbled upon this LA-based mom-led activewear and “no name” brand that’s part of the Female Founder Collective & Hey Mama community. It immediately stood out with its body inclusivity, reasonable pricing, sustainable packaging, and mission. BL/A also supports Project Heal.

BL/A’s classic activewear sets are loungewear alternatives that can motivate you to move right now. While I can attest to the brand’s Lululemon feel at an Athleta price point, B/LA eliminates the importance of “brand” and focuses on empowering women.

I also reached out to B/LA and we’re working on a project to celebrate a healthcare hero during these times. Because even apart, we really are #StrongerTogether.