Do It All Mamas (& Papas): Meet the moms behind the Miche Bag

July 9, 7:26 AMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Michelle

In today's Do It All Mamas (& Papas) meet the two moms behind the Miche Bag...Michelle Romero (aka Miche), mom to 20 month old Austin and 2.5 year old Emma, and Annette Brown Cavaness, mom to 5 year old Diego, 3 year old Eva and 1 year old Ezra.

Examiner: Tell me something unique/interesting about yourself.

Michelle: I tried to have children for 4 years. We adopted our little girl at birth and found out 1 month later I was pregnant. What a shock that was!

Annette: I'm number 9 of ten children, 9 girls!

Annette

Examiner: What is your business all about? 

Michelle: It's all about every woman's first love! Convenience, low cost and cute HANDBAGS! We achieve this with interchangeability! Check it out at www.michebag.com. The Miche Bag eliminates hassle by letting you change the outside of your hand bag in 3 seconds flat with a new "shell". You can match your outfit everyday and never get bored with our collection of 40 revolving styles for every occasion.

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

Annette: It's hard to pick a favorite shell, but I guess that's the beauty of it, I don't have to commit to just one.  I'd say the one I'm using most frequently right now (summer/spring) is the Yellow Sheila.  I have a great pair of yellow flats that I love to wear with it.  Out of our accessories, the closet organizer really helps keep things under control (I have to have one of every shell!) 

Examiner: Why did you start your business?

 Michelle: First, I thought it was a great product. Second, and most important was because it would give other women like me something to do that was fun and make some extra money with very little time. The great thing is that it sells its self!

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

Annette: I absolutely couldn't do it without my incredibly supportive husband.  We certainly have to make sacrifices to make this work, but as long as we remember our goals we know it's worth it.  The hardest part for me is being away from my children.  I miss them so much while I'm away at work, but I value the time I do spend with them so much more.  I guess that's the secret, to make every minute count whether I'm at work or at home. 

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

Michelle: Your children are only at every stage in life once. LOVE every minute. Keep them involved in what you are doing. Work hard while at work and play hard while at home.

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

Annette: We love fishing and camping together.  I love watching my husband Joe with our oldest boy Diego, teaching him all the fishing tricks his father taught him.  Eva and Ezra are still a little young to really appreciate it, but they love s'mores.

Michelle: Hmmmm....I think it would have to be going on walks together.

Examiner: Anything else you want to add?

Annette: Since having children I've gone back and forth from being their primary caregiver to working part time to working full time and everything in between.  The most important thing I've learned is that those bonds that come naturally when I'm home full time (as a result of caring for their every need) must be worked at when I'm working full time.  I actually look forward to changing diapers now, because I know it's a chance for one on one time to get to know my baby a little better.  On the flip side, when I'm home full time I take those bonds for granted, and when I return to that position I hope the experience I'm having now will help me to continue to appreciate the great blessing every minute with my children is.