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SHARED By: Leigh Goldman,  Gymtime Mom

Baby Einstein videos, Mrs. Fields cookies, Taggies, the Barbie doll. What do these all have in common? They’re all wildly successful products created by women with kids.

The term “mompreneur” actually became part of the popular lexicon decades after Barbie and Ken took up residence in the townhouse and Mrs. Fields cookies earned “guilty pleasure” status. As the name indicates, a mompreneur is a mother who runs her own business, typically from the comfort of her own home – an endeavor made infinitely easier in the Internet age.

Upper East Sider Christina Lari is a mompreneur times two. The mother of three-year-old Olivia is part of a real estate development company, and she started a line of children’s clothing called “Olivia & Owen.”  Her partner Kelli McMinn is in Portugal and their line consists of carefully crafted go-to timeless pieces, reflecting both an American and European aesthetic.

I sat down with Lari to ask her about what it’s like to build your own business.

Why did you decide to create a line of children’s clothing?
I’ve always loved fashion. I worked at Ferragamo in advertising and marketing. I saw how they launched different collections and how to catch the attention of the consumer. I also learned how important it is to have quality pieces that people go back to year after year.

After Olivia was born, I really wanted to design children’s clothing. I loved dressing her up and looking at all the different brands and styles. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into!

Why’s that?
There were so many hiccups along the way. You never realize how many things come into play.  When I first started, fabrics were delayed and that would change my whole timeline. I quickly figured out which vendors to work with and which to avoid. But you learn from your mistakes and then you move forward.

So what should you do to avoid some of these start-up pitfalls?
I definitely recommend doing a lot of research and creating a business plan. Don’t rush. Spend six months making sure it’s something you want to do.

What other advice do you have for future mompreneurs?
Start off small. See how your peers and friends like your product. Then slowly build from there. Instead of doing 1,000 different pieces, try just a few. Don’t expect to be successful right away. It takes time to build a brand. If you get invited to events, go to them and network.

I’ve met so many different people working on this line.  One door after another opens.  Also take advantage of social media.

How do you balance it all?
I think you have to know that it’s a lot of work, but in the end it’s worth it. Sometimes I’m up at 2am doing spreadsheets. I love being a working mom. It just feels good and gives your kids a good example. I think it’s really important for kids to see you working and that you can be independent. You can be a mom, have a family and do it all. I want Olivia to see me be successful. Then I want her to be a brain surgeon or something fabulous!

So what was the inspiration behind the line?
I wanted something for Olivia that was comfortable…but also nice  in case my mother-in-law came over for a surprise visit!

Check out Olivia & Owen at www.oliviaandowen.com.

Leigh Goldman was the former New York editor of UrbanBaby.com and spent years working as a television producer covering parenting topics.  She is the co-author of the book “The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters.”  Leigh currently runs the corporate website for a Fortune 500 beauty company and lives with her two children in New York City.