Do It All Mamas (& Papas): Meet the moms behind the Nana Star book series

November 25, 5:25 PMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Elena & Elizabeth with the Moonman

In today's Do It All Mamas (& Papas) feature (find out more about this series below)...

Elena Patrice, mom to a two year old, and Elizabeth Sills, mom to a 20, 17, 7 and 2 year old, who are behind the children's book series Nana Star.

Examiner: Tell me something unique/interesting about yourself.

Elena & Elizabeth: Elena is a great baker, Elizabeth is a great cook – together we’d make a great married couple (we always joke about this!). People think we’re twins even though there’s 4 years difference, hmm . . . is that a good or bad thing?! 

Examiner: What is your business all about? 

Elena & Elizabeth: We created the Nana Star book series and accompanying character plushies with high play and imagination value because we believe that the world would be a happier place if kids got to be kids just a little bit longer and if grownups greeted each day with more of the wonder we love in our children. In our products, we tap into the tremendous capacity for goodness, generosity, and compassion that children naturally possess. (You can find out more about the Nana Star series at NanaStar.com)

Examiner: What is your favorite product that you make or sell and why do you like or recommend it?

Elena & Elizabeth: Has to be the Moonman Lovey! (see photo, right) People of all ages just adore him and we have really big plans for him to be of comfort to sick and lonely children in the near future.

Examiner: Why did you start your business?

Elena & Elizabeth: Uh . . . we didn’t like working for other people! Seriously, we started our business with the Nana Star Foundation first and then built if from there. So, we really did start our business with the idea and dream of having what we did benefit others first and foremost.

Examiner: What secret do you have to share with other parents about "having it all" with your family and business?

 Elena & Elizabeth: Balance and knowing that you simply cannot do it all, especially by yourself. Learn to delegate, prioritize and let it go when necessary!

Examiner: What is the number one piece of advice you have for other parents?

 Elena & Elizabeth: Dream big and do everything with a greater purpose than yourself or money in mind. If you believe the world can and should be a better place than be part of it!

Examiner: What is your (and your kids) favorite family activity?

Elena & Elizabeth:  Really... reading and making meals together – laughing all the while!

Examiner: Anything else you want to add?

Elena & Elizabeth: Don’t take yourself or what you do too seriously (unless of course, you really are curing cancer) and know that your kids are the funniest, best people on earth . . . this will keep it all in perspective!