Mother / Founder

An inspirational and empowering celebration of more than sixty women who are both dedicated mothers and successful entrepreneurs.

Starting a business can be daunting, scary, and exciting, all at once; so too can starting a family. But they can coexist-as the incredible roster of women in this book demonstrate, entrepreneurship can be both a sustainable and fulfilling model for working motherhood. Featured here are the stories of more than sixty mothers (including big names like author and artist Maira Kalman and Justina Blakeney of the Jungalow but also farmers, lawyers, pastry chefs, and more), who describe how they pursued their entrepreneurial dreams, overcame obstacles, achieved success, and found professional contentment, all while providing for their families and parenting their children. The authors are themselves self-employed moms (Amanda Jane Jones is a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, art director, and mother of three; Jennifer Fernandez is a freelance writer and editor and mother of two) and include within the book are personal essays in which they open up about their own struggles and triumphs in balancing motherhood with their creative ambitions. They also offer readers tools and practical advice for starting a business and tackling the unique challenges of entrepreneurship and parenthood. It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind manual-cum-gift book for women looking to start and grow their own businesses.

"Mother/Founder shines a much-needed light on the complex and profound journey of being a mom entrepreneur. Amanda and Jennifer have created within the pages of this book a community for those of us holding up economies, families, and dreams, and reminded us: we've got this."--Karen Chan, author, lawyer, and founder of Gloo Books
"A true companion for anyone weathering that seemingly impossible distance between making lunches and making launch day, this book is equal parts a whisper to keep going and a thunderclap to start today. These are the stories we need more than ever."--Katie Thurmes Gloeckler, cofounder of Artifact Uprising
"As any mother knows, the balance between finding gratification in your work and spending quality time with your kids, all while avoiding mom guilt, is a constant challenge. And it's compounded when you see social media highlight reels showing mothers seemingly doing it all, having it all, looking great, and feeling great. The stories in Mother/Founder pull back the curtain in a way that is truly relatable, helpful, and inspiring. It will get you dreaming in a new, exciting way."--Molly Yeh, New York Times bestselling author and Food Network host
"Full of stories and practical advice from a diverse group of mother entrepreneurs that is sure to inspire you like it inspired me." --Aran Goyoaga, James Beard-nominated author of Cannelle et Vanille cookbooks
"How did this book not exist until now? Reading these working moms' stories, their advice, and the brass tacks of their daily routines gave me much-needed affirmation as I navigate life with my new baby while going after my professional dreams. It's hard! But as one contributor aptly put it, my work makes me who I am, and it makes me a better mother. This book was like chicken soup for my tired-mom soul."--Hopie Stockman Hill, co-founder and CEO of Block Shop Textiles
"I wish this book existed when I was raising my three boys and building my first beauty brand! The stories of these mother founders are so inspirational, and remind any woman who is starting a business and juggling the demands of a family that they're not alone. We see you. We've got you. Now go build your support system and crush it."--Bobbi Brown, makeup artist and founder of Jones Road Beauty
"Reading this book is like being invited into a circle of wise and brilliant mothers who generously share their experience and advice on creating fulfilling careers on their own terms. An empowering reminder that there is no one perfect blueprint to motherhood and successful entrepreneurship."--Erin Jang, illustrator and founder of the Indigo Bunting

Amanda Jane Jones was the co-creator and founding designer of Kinfolk, and is now a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, and art director. She has been featured by Architectural Digest, The New York Times, and Martha Stewart Living, as well as online publications that include Mother Mag, Cup of Jo, Domino, Wit & Delight, Oh Joy!, VSCO, Gap, and Click Magazine. Her product collaborations include Opinel, Revival Rugs, Solly Baby, and Schoolhouse Electric. She is a recent transplant to the Wasatch Mountains, after having all of her children (Jane, 8; Miles, 6; and Wes, 2) on the south side of Chicago.

Jennifer Fernandez is a former magazine and digital editor who has written about design, travel, and food for nationwide publications that include The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure, Esquire, Departures, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Martha Stewart Living, Better Homes & Gardens, and Domino. She currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband and two young daughters (Sophie, 4, and Maren, 2).

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