A Conversation With: Rosie Pope
Entrepreneur Rosie Pope wears many hats. In addition to her eponymous line of maternity clothes & three stores in New York City and Los Angeles, British-born Rosie is also the founder of MomPrep, starred in her on reality show, Pregnant in Heels, and just launched a line of baby clothes. Most importantly, though, she’s a wife & mom of four! We had the opportunity to ask Rosie a few questions about pregnancy & motherhood, maternity fashion, & what’s to come. Thanks, Rosie!
1. Tell us how Rosie Pope Maternity was created. When, why, and how did you put your idea into action?
It was created with the belief that women should be able to feel their best while pregnant. Looking good, helps you to feel good which in turn gives you the confidence you need to enjoy this amazing journey into parenthood. For too long pregnant woman have been ignored in fashion and so I set about to change that and give them a destination for clothes that can make them look and feel good. I wanted to provide more than fashion though, as part of enjoying pregnancy (and then parenthood) is having the confidence in yourself that you are going to be good at it. Knowledge gives you this confidence and so from the very start I wanted to provide expert education as well as fashion to create a well rounded experience for pregnant shoppers. As my husband and I started trying to have our first baby I was overwhelmed with the need for a one stop shop like this and so decided to launch it for myself and women like me yearning for something different and relevant to them in the maternity fashion and prenatal education space.
2. How would you describe the Rosie Pope aesthetic? What is the spirit of the brand?
Contemporary in color and prints, yet classic in cut, fun, flattering and smart in innovation and education. I strive to help people Love With Confidence – both themselves, their partners and their children.
3. Many women struggle with getting dressed and feeling like themselves while pregnant. Others don’t even think purchasing maternity wear is a worthwhile investment. What advice do you have for them?
Firstly when you are putting on a significant amount of weight which you need to during pregnancy, you normal clothes are simply not going to fit and if you do manage to get them on they aren’t going to be very comfortable. People often go out and buy larger sizes in non-maternity but this really isn’t the best option. My maternity clothes are designed to grow where you grow rather than all over. For example your arms don’t get longer but simply buying a larger size in non-maternity the arms of the garment will get longer. Same goes for over all length and shoulder width. The result is very unflattering and I truly believe in feeling as good as you can during pregnancy. It effects your mood and your baby. Added to all of this and contrary to what you may think, you can get a lot of use out of your maternity clothes. Firstly, you wear them far more often and over and over than anything in your non-maternity wardrobe and you need them afterwards before you get back to your pre-baby weight. So buy ones you love and make you feel good in the budget you have.
4. What is your favorite part of designing & producing maternity apparel?
Happy customers! I love it when a design finally hits the floor and makes someone feel so special and comfortable in their new bodies.
5. In addition to your business, you are also a mom of four! How do you balance your career with being a mother?
It’s not easy and I don’t want to lie to you, I struggle everyday with this balance we all seem so obsessed with these days. There isn’t a lot of balance for me right now. It is all work or all kids and not much in between but I am okay with that. I see life in stages and this stage is all about the kids and building my business. I think this gives me the stamina and the excitement to keep going.
6. What do you wish you knew before you became a mother that you now know?
The things you stress about so much at he beginning are not the things that are going to define the health and happiness of your children – no matter what the very judgemental onlookers can say!! I wish I had had more confidence in my choices early on to enjoy all of those moments instead of worrying so much!
7. What are some of your pregnancy & newborn must-haves?
Give me some Aden and Anais swaddle clothes, some Belly Butter by Fairhaven, a BabyBjorn ONE Carrier, some Medela microwave steam sterilizing bags and EVERY item for my Rosie Pope baby layette collection and I am ready to go. I’m pretty low maintenance in the gear department – less is more for me!
8. Favorite toddler & kids’ brands?
Rosie Pope Baby! I also love Rikshaw Design, Hanna Anderson, Mini Boden, Tutu de Monde, Oscar de la Renta kids for very very special occasions, and Mini Melissa.
9. Has your style changed at all since becoming a mom?
My clothes involve less dry cleaning because there is far too much spit up for that and I probably wear less skirts…too much squatting down to play trains!
10. For moms (or any women, really) starting their own businesses, what advice would give?
It’s not easy and it won’t happen as quick as you think it will. You will make mistakes but the trick is to admit them, identify them and change course. It is also one of the most amazing things you can ever do, when you love what you do. If you have guts, and you need guts, you can be brilliant.
11. You’re also a published author, TV regular, & founder of MomPrep. Are there any upcoming projects in the works?
So many ;) Today though, a big focus of mine is Rosie Pope Baby (layette – 2 years old). I launched the line in February and it has been received with such success that I am expanding the line in depth and price point for January. I am so excited to make it available to as many beautiful cuddly babies as possible!
