Bella Band Press

May 2007

THE MOTHER NATURE
THE FAMILY GROOVE'S PROFILE OF A MOM WHO'S MAKING IT HAPPEN

The days of the traditional coffee clutch may be over, but at THE FAMILY GROOVE we're doing it new school, bringing people together to laugh, learn, share and commiserate in the global village called the Internet.

This month, we want you meet Ingrid Carney. If necessity is the mother of invention, Carney is the mother of one amazing necessity, having invented the much-tauted Bella Band, an oh-so useful maternity accessory changing the face of pregnancy fashion—and saving moms-to-be tons of money while keeping them in the height of fashion.

Here this inspiring San Francisco mother of two opens up about her admiration for those who are regular, why listening is so important, what to do when the kids are whining and why a once a week dance class means she'll never go hungry.

We at THE FAMILY GROOVE were truly taken with what Carney had to say. We can see why she has been able to achieve so much success in her life. Carney's maverick thinking, genuineness, honesty, gusto and in-the-moment perspective and more make her our mom of the month.

1. Who are you?
Ingrid Carney

2. How old are you?
41

3. Where do you live?
San Francisco

4. How many children do you have? How old?
Two: Isabel, five, and Sasha, two.

5. What time do you get up?
About 7:30 on the weekdays. My fabulous husband lets me sleep in on weekends.

6. What daily rituals must you do to feel normal?
1. Spending some time with the kids in the morning before I go to work (being with them when they wake up, getting them dressed, teeth and hair brushed and down for breakfast).
2. Putting sunscreen and moisturizer on my face.
3. Enjoying a Bittersweet Café dark chocolate truffle once a day. Bittersweet Café is located one block away from my office.

7. What do you wish you'd do everyday, but haven't been able to incorporate into your routine?
Exercise. I do, in fact, exercise, but it just happens inconsistently. Beyond a two-hour dance class I take once a week without fail, I wish I were one of those people that woke up before everyone else, worked out, showered and dressed, so they can take the rest of a crazy morning in stride. I reeeeeally want to be this person. Some weeks I work out five times a week and others, just once. I’m just not “regular” that way. Wow! I’m so impressed with those that can pull this off and work and have kids.

8. Do you work?
Yes.

9. What do you do?
I own a maternity design and wholesale company called Ingrid & Isabel, Inc.

Ingrid and family 10. Tell us about it.
When I was pregnant with Isabel, I thought of a nifty maternity accessory I call the Bella Band. It’s a stretchy tube that allows women to disguise unfastened, too-tight pre-pregnancy jeans, too-loose maternity pants and any pant, short or skirt that falls down around the hips during and after pregnancy. The Bella Band holds up your pants, disguises unfastened, bulky waistlines and creates a smooth belly under cute tops and such. Today, we are in over 400 stores in the US, Canada and some international countries.

11. What's the best thing your mother ever told you?
While you will love your friends and they will love you, it’s different from family. Family will always be the constant love in your life. They will never go away. They will always love you, be there for you and support you, no matter what.

12. What does being a good mother mean?
That’s a great question. For me, I would narrow it down to giving lots of love, listening and really being present when I’m there.

13. What's your mantra/personal philosophy?
When life feels overwhelming, breathe. When it’s not, remember to smile.

14. What do you tell other mothers?
It’s less about the ABCs and more about the color of they sky. It’s less about knowing shapes at two and more about imaginary play and hide-and-seek together. It’s less about reading at five and more about talking about our thoughts. I also tell moms to relax and to do what’s right for themselves.

15. Finish this sentence: I want my children to know
I’ve never asked myself this. As I think about it, I would say I want my children to know...how to communicate really well with others. This will allow them to share big ideas, have their voices heard, listen to others, learn how to be convincing and lead. It will also help them to be sensitive to others, to be good listeners, to share more from the heart and the mind. I want to help them to think bigger, broader and deeper. If you are a good communicator, you try to think before you speak, consider all options, other people and communities. You think through consequences, alternative and directions. It allows you to entertain, to inspire, to ground others when they need it. So many good things come from strong communicators.

16. Who inspires you?
So many people inspire me. Here are three:

1. My husband inspires me to be happier, appreciative for our gifts in this life.
2. My friend, Nancy Hunt, inspires me as a mother. She is truly amazing. I often think that if there were a manual for how to be a mom, she would be on the cover.
3. And Maria Shriver inspires me. She’s independent and grounded, a thoughtful and mother, a true partner to her husband, a humanitarian. I find it so thought-provoking when I hear about how she leads her life.

17. What are you passionate about?
The environment and—I’ll say it—the Democratic party getting their groove on for this next election.

18. How do you balance your life as a woman, a mother, a friend?
I don’t know that I do! I try. I look at my daunting tasks between work, being a mom, a wife and a friend as simply a list of things to do. If I am overwhelmed with returning calls, I will just start calling so I no longer feel overwhelmed. If I have too much to do, I ask for help or simply eliminate task. If I feel my kids are whining, I stop to pay really pay attention and assume they need help with something. I help them and then there is no more whining.

Lately, I try to spend less time thinking about a daunting list of things to do and simply prioritize and do them.

And, I keep lists in one place. I mark them when they are complete. This helps soooo much.

19. What do you wish you knew then that you know now?
The Zone Diet. So many years of white carbs. So sad.

20. How do you get your groove on?
Seriously? Four things:

1. I keep things fresh in my relationship with my husband
2. I sing to and with my kids.
3. I listen to music on Rhapsody so I can download new sounds to my iPod.
4. I take dance class once a week.

These things feed me. When I’m fed, my groove is on.

Want to know more about Ingrid, go to www.ingridandisabel.com.