So Cool Mom has a large variety of items and they're really very hip and unique. The fact that the products themselves carry such a personal and meaningful message makes them even more desirable. A number of styles of shirts are available such as regular cap sleeve t-shirts as well as ringer t's, hoodies, long sleeve shirts and even maternity shirts. To help accessorize, there are big canvas totes, hats, and a decal you can proudly display wherever you desire. All the products are of a very high quality and are priced quite reasonably. Many stars are wearing the clothes, and the business seems to be really taking off. You can purchase items online at www.socoolmom.com and on the site there is also a list of retail stores that carry the products. I recently was able to speak with Kathy Tappen and ask her a few questions about her business and her concept for So Cool Mom...
ARH: When you started your professional career in banking many years ago, did you always have an interest in starting your own business some day?
KT: When I began my career, I actually thought that I would continue to work while raising children. I really enjoyed my job, and was fortunate to have moved up in the organization. As fate would have it, during my first pregnancy, my husband was offered a wonderful job opportunity which was going to take us to a new city. The timing was crazy! I gave birth just three weeks after moving into our new home.
So there I was - new city, new home, new doctors, no support system and viola - new baby.
The thought of carving a new career path amidst a sea of change just didn't exactly motivate me. Being a stay at home Mom with our new-born absolutely did! At that time, a burning entrepreneurial spirit was never really a part of the equation. Being a corporate girl is all I ever knew, and I had never really thought about starting my own business.
ARH: What are the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of running your own business?
KT: The coolest part of running So Cool Mom is that people really get it! Our customers are compelled to send emails about how they relate to being a So Cool Mom, and how they share the experience with family and friends.
From the business aspect, the most enjoyable part of running So Cool Mom is the fact that I've been able to marry my business background with the creative process of marketing So Cool Mom. Whether it's making new product selections, designing our website or personally shooting our merchandising photographs, I'm creating the look behind So Cool Mom. At the same time, I have to be mindful of inventory levels, receivables, financial decisions and new business development. It's like being the Worker bee who gets the job done AND the Queen bee who makes the important decisions - all wrapped up in one.
Probably the most rewarding part of So Cool Mom is watching it grow. I think building a business can be compared to raising children: You give birth - in the beginning you lose a lot of sleep; you nurture and mentor; and then you let go a little and watch it grow.
ARH: How is the business run- Do you have a central location where you print your products, are there other people who work for you, etc.?
KT: The business is still home-based (although that will probably change in the not so distant future based on our phenomenal growth).
Currently, we have vendors who silk-screen and embroider our So Cool Mom merchandise and I am still very much a one woman show. I handle all of the customer service related aspects, merchandising, inventory, finances, shipping, etc. You name it, I do it!
ARH: Where do you see your business going in the future?
KT: Because So Cool Mom has really struck a chord with woman and families, our hope is to continue to build our brand by capitalizing on our very loyalty customer base. We will continue to forge new relationships with retailers, while poised to expand the family tree. We have already secured trademarks for So Cool Dad, Brother and Sister. Our hope is to ultimately become a successful lifestyle company known not only for cool products, but for a relevant philosophy , too!
ARH: What advice would you give other moms who want to make their mark and start their own business?
KT: You really have to believe in your idea/product - first and foremost.
You also have to realize that your family can be the most motivating force behind your work. My kids have really supported me...and that support is critical. Starting a new business while raising kids takes great commitment, and you have to become very efficient with time management.
Undoubtedly, there will be bumps in the road, so in order to achieve the success you're dreaming of you have to have the conviction and willingness to see your vision through 'til the end. There were definitely times when I wasn't sure how I would make the whole business thing work, but I knew in my heart I had a really good idea that people would connect with and appreciate.
ARH: How does it feel to know celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner and Bridget Moynahan are wearing your clothes?
KT: I've been fortunate enough to rely on extended friendships and direct family-ties with these stars to personally deliver So Cool Mom T-shirts. My hope is that they wear their So Cool Mom T-shirts with pride, and maybe one day we'll see them on the pages of popular magazine.
But, to me, the real stars are everyday moms who navigate life's great balancing act while maintaining a meaningful connection to her kids. Life can get very complicated and I think it's reassuring to remember our simple philosophy .
ARH: How did you get involved with Kate Gosselin of Jon & Kate Plus 8? It seems like Kate is always wearing one of your shirts on their show!
KT: During the infancy of So Cool Mom, I was busy sending T-shirts to talk shows, television and movie stars - in an attempt to build a buzz about our brand. At about the same time, TLC began airing their new reality show Jon & Kate Plus 8.
I had been a fan of the Gosselin family since originally watching their documentary-style story on Discovery Health. So, when I began watching their new show I thought - WOW! Kate's the perfect example of what So Cool Mom is all about.
So, I went on-line and found their Home Page. I wrote Kate a brief little blurb about So Cool Mom stating that I thought she would totally get it. I didn't really expect to hear from her, but to my surprise, she got back to me that very day saying that she totally got it and would like a few shirts. Since then, she's been a wonderful ambassador for So Cool Mom!
ARH: Do you think you've achieved the status of being a 'So Cool Mom'?
KT: What I think doesn't really matter... It's what my children think that does!
If you ask them on any given day they would probably tell you that their mom is pretty cool. Although, they will be quick to remind me if they think I'm falling short or not being cool. So Cool Mom has set a standard for motherhood. It's about being connected, present and relevant to your children through every stage of life. If I'm falling short on any given day - and I'm wearing a So Cool Mom T-shirt, I have my own gentle reminder to remember life's priorities.
ARH: How do you cope with your kids growing up so fast?
KT: It makes me happy and sad all at the same time. I love the fact that my kids are becoming independent, self-sufficient, young people. But, I'm also thinking - "How can this be? You were just taking your first steps!"
As a Mom, you become so accustomed to being needed for everything. Then, in what feels like a blink, you might not be wanted for anything! It can feel as if someone pulled the rug out from under you.
Hence, the impetus behind So Cool Mom - A hip expression of motherhood keeping moms and kids connected through every stage of life. When my kids become adults, I fully expect to still be a So Cool Mom, and I'm sure they'll continue to tell me when I'm not!
ARH: What is your favorite part about being a mom?
KT: Moms are task-masters extraordinaire - able to run the family restaurant, cleaning service and Laundromat; while simultaneously showcasing their talent as chauffeur, cheerleader, psychologist and tutor. Moms are experts in crisis-management - able to take lemons and make lemonade; and no one can touch the incredible insight of Dr. Mom.
We certainly aren't perfect and we are continually redefining ourselves. But to me, the best part of being a mom is enjoying the ride. There is no script, there are no guarantees. But, it's a ride worth taking because, in the end - being a great Mom can be your greatest legacy.
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