Mom’s Milk Boutique is a small family-owned business started in 2007 by two sisters, Abbie and Bonnie. They were committed to bringing natural, eco-friendly parenting products to their hometown of West Frankfort, IL. The store has grown over considerably since then and currently there are 5 employees that make up Mom’s Milk Boutique. During the next week, we will spotlight each one of them here so you can get to know Who’s Who at Mom’s Milk Boutique!!
MEET ALLISON:
What is your title and role at MMB? I don’t think I have an official title at MMB. I was originally hired as a Social Media Coordinator in September of 2011, I think I was at that until the end of November when Abby called to see if I can come in to help with Black Friday. I’m now in the store full time. My main role is working with customers, if you come in to the store and you need someone to help create your diaper stash, get fitted for a nursing bra, or find your perfect carrier I’m probably the one you’ll work with. I’m also part of the shipping department and Bonnie’s memory/personal human google 🙂
What is your top favorite product at MMB? Oh man, this one is hard. Maybe the Sloomb snapped fitteds, or their wool. I’m a wool addict so I was thrilled when we started carrying their products. I actually find myself calling everything I love a favorite, and trust me I love A LOT.
What is your favorite babycarrier and why? Once again this is really hard! I used and loved my Ergo performance forever. I originally bought it from MMB years before I started working there. However, I’m in love with the Boba. I can wear my giant 2 year old at work for hours and stay comfortable the entire time.
What does your cloth diaper stash look like? Haha, is out of control a bad answer? I have such an eclectic stash. I have prefolds, fitteds, pockets, hybrids, AIOs, and WOOL! I love trying things out and at one point I was diapering two kids so I have way more diapers than I need.
Who are the members of your family? Myself, my husband Chris who was featured in the father’s day edition of Rockin’ Green’s newsletter!, Lucy 4, Jack 2 and the furrier members of our family Sam the 6 year old Newf/Retriever mix and Jasper the 1 year old Treeing Walker Coonhound. Don’t tell Sam and Jasper, but they were adopted 😉
What do you like to do for recreation? I’m a walker/runner. I’m also a crazy dog lady and I volunteer a lot at our local rescues. If I’m home I’m more than likely outside. All the members of my family hate being cooped up and we go stir crazy if we can’t get out and do something. I’m also a big fan of baking. Lucy is my favorite sous chef we like to make any and all types of cookies and yummy treats.
Share a favorite family tradition: One of my favorites is birthday breakfast. On your birthday you can have anything you want to eat, you want pizza, chocolate chip pancakes, an entire bowl of watermelon, totally cool, it’s your day enjoy every bite!
What is one tip you have for breastfeeding mamas? Trust your body, you can do this mama! Don’t talk yourself into supply issues, you just need to trust your body to do what it does best!
What are some of your favorite “me” time indulgences? I love a good bath, I’m a diehard fan of Lush bath products an I’m lucky enough to have a good friend who manages a store so I get a lot of “mommy only” bath stuff. I don’t get a lot of time to myself but my runs and the walks I take with the dogs are my really special alone time. I’m a podcast addict so my runs and walks are a great time to listen. My husband makes fun of me for being the only person he knows who listens to history education podcasts for fun.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? The ability to read minds! I hate surprises so being able to be a step ahead of the game would probably calm a lot of my worries.
What is one of your favorite quotes? “Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” – Kurt Vonnegut
I love this because it’s something I truly believe. Yes, there will always be evil and bad in the world, but there will always be good, more good than bad if you really look at things. Don’t let those dark things cancel out the light.
What are your goals/intentions/resolutions for this new year? I want to focus on enjoying the little things this year, even when everyone is running in 1000 different directions I want to really enjoy the days and not just rush through them.
Thanks Allison! So great to get to know the awesome woman who helps costumers at the store and ships the countless on-line orders. Keep on rockin’ it at Mom’s Milk Boutique!!
-Sarah
