MAKING IT WORK!

Anyone who is a working parent knows that the idea of  “balance” is more of an aspirational notion than an achievable goal. As new parents, we’ve come to terms with our own interpretation of creating a work-life balance by doing what we can, when we can, and just making it work.

My favorite parenting moments are the ones where the chaos and heart-filled times merge into one. That’s why our kids came along for the ride whenever possible, becoming part of the Bantam hustle! Working from the delivery room after our first son was born was only the beginning of our balancing act. We had just launched a test in a major national chain. Knowing that this was one of the most important opportunities of a lifetime, we left nothing to chance. Nick and I packed up the baby and schlepped the whole gang to each and every city that our bagels were being tested in. We stopped in at all 500 stores, meeting the staff, introducing them to the baby, sharing our story, taking selfies and drinking lots and lots of coffee along the way. Having our son with us became the vehicle for sharing the humanity behind Bantam, while also getting to spend extra time with his sweet smooshie face.

As a female business owner and mother of two boys, it means a lot to me that my kids get a first-hand view of a strong woman working her butt off. Could our cross-country travels have been more efficient without as many diaper stops? Of course! But we’re a family business through and through, so if bringing the whole gang along means more time together, then that’s what we do. It’s how we make it work!