Smarty Mom: Maureen Meacham

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Smarty Mom, Maureen Meacham. She has lived in Charlotte for sixteen years and been married to hubby John for fifteen. They have two children twelve year old Sally Tate and nine year old Jack. There is also a thirteen year old black lab who claims the top spot in the kid category.

Maureen was nominated by her friend Lisa Leake, a fellow “mompreneur”. Here is what she writes:
I would like to nominate Maureen Meacham as a Smarty Mom! Maureen is an incredibly positive, friendly, and stylish mom. Before meeting Maureen, a mutual friend of ours (that is also her neighbor) shared with me that Maureen always looked very hip and stylish and is fully accessorized even if she is just going outside to get the mail. After meeting Maureen not only did I agree that she had a talent when it came to style, but I also learned that she is incredibly friendly and easy to talk to. Maureen spent years working in the fashion industry which she loved, but her job required a lot of travel and it broke her heart to have to spend so much time away from her husband and two young children. Earlier this year Maureen decided to launch her own business so she can combine the best of both worlds. Acting as a personal wardrobe consultant for her business Wardrobe Wonders – the rest of the moms in Charlotte can now learn the secret of how to always look so stylish (and on a budget too)! Not only speaking as Maureen’s friend, but speaking as one of her clients I highly recommend her services. She helped me clean out my closet and make new outfits out of things I already owned, she took me shopping to find new items (including stores such as Target!) and even suggested that I send a picture of two shoe options to her cell phone so she could help me decide what to wear to a party at the last minute! She is one amazing mom who does it all!

Thank you Lisa for introducing us to Maureen – let’s get to know her a little bit better.

Do you consider yourself a stay-at-home mom or a working mom?
I consider myself to be both a stay-at-home mom and a working mom (I grew up in a time when we were taught that, as ladies, we could have it all). I work full time, however, I have arranged my schedule so that I am able to pick my kids up from school, help them with their homework and make them a home cooked meal (I love to cook!!). I work with clients in the evenings but by then my husband is usually home to get everyone settled into bed.

What inspired you to create Wardrobe Wonders?
I have always had a passion for clothing! I think I came out of the womb wondering why I wasn’t wearing something fabulous! As a child I spent hours playing dress-ups! My memories are always attached to clothing. I can’t remember what I did yesterday but I can remember with great clarity what I wore three years, two months, and nine days ago! I have been making ladies over for years and decided that it was time to make a living out of it. I made the decision to start my own company versus working for someone else because it was important to me to maintain my “stay-at-home” status. I wanted to be able to create my own schedule.

What advice do you have for other “mompreneurs”?
If you have a passion for it, go for it! Life is too precious to do anything but what you love. It is your passion that will bring you success and happiness!! Enjoy the ride!

What do you think is the biggest mistake women make with their wardrobe?
I meet so many ladies that just give up when it comes to their wardrobe. As mothers, we are so busy taking care of our families that we make taking care of ourselves last on our priority list. Don’t give up! Take the time to create that wardrobe that you feel confident about!

What is the one piece we should splurge on?
With out a doubt, jeans. A good pair of jeans, that fit really well, is hard to find. So, when you find that perfect pair, splurge on them (maybe even get a couple pairs). It is a purchase you will never regret!

What is something we should bargain shop for?
Always bargain shop for the trendy items. Trends come and go like lightening. You don’t want to spend a fortune on something that you are going to wear for such a short amount of time.

How do you balance work and home life?
What a challenge! It helps if I compartmentalize things. I have work and I have home. I do my best to keep them separate but it is not always easy!! I’m still learning!

What is your favorite kid-friendly restaurant?
We love to go to Brixx. They have great outside seating where the kids can get up and move around. My kids love playing around the outside fountain. They even have a Pacman game that doesn’t take quarters (it is free to use!!).

What is your favorite activity with your children?
My son and I both love to cook! We spend hours in the kitchen together! We love to get up early on a Sunday morning and make pancakes, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls for everyone! My daughter and I love to shop together! She is following in my footsteps with her love for clothes

What is a typical Saturday morning like in the Meacham household?
Saturday mornings at our house are CRAZY (I wouldn’t have it any other way!). We are always running in twelve different directions. I am usually picking someone up from a sleep over or hosting one at our house (my daughter is such a social butterfly!). My children also both play sports so each Saturday we are juggling the weekly games.

What is your favorite date-night spot?
My husband and I are big geeks!! We love to chill out at the movies with a big bag of popcorn. If we are feeling extra adventuresome we head out for dinner. Our favorite spots are M5 and Arooji’s Wine Room. We feel like we are getting out of town when we are at M5, it has that “Vegas” feel that we love. Arooji’s Wine Room has a marinara sauce that is to die for!!

Favorite place to buy kids clothes?
My kids are just about done with children’s clothing. My daughter is four inches taller than me (I have to wear heels when we go out together so that I don’t look like such a shortie!!). She is into the teenage look. Her favorite store is American Eagle. My son will only wear clothes from the Gap (he gets that from my husband who will only wear Ralph Lauren). I have tried to turn him onto Abercrombie and Fitch (I think they have fabulous clothes for boys) but he won’t have anything to do with it.

Best kept secret in Charlotte?
The Penguin. We LOVE the food! They serve the classics – hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries all in a not so classic atmosphere. It is a very eclectic joint!!!

Favorite piece of baby/children’s gear?
My children could not have gotten along without their Silkies! They still snuggle up with them when they are taking a little down time.

Minivan or SUV?
SUV

Favorite thing about being a mommy?
What a tough question. I love everything about being a mom!! I feel very blessed to be a mother and to be able to give my kids a childhood that they can look back on with happy, loving memories.

I could not live without my…
I could not live without my oven/stovetop. My oven recently stopped working and I had to go two weeks without being able to really cook anything. What a nightmare! I think I started to show signs of withdrawal!!

Thank you Maureen. All you Smarty friends, keep those nominations rolling in.