Thirty Something Fashion, Carly Walko – Mompreneur Monday Shout Out
Is your style the same today, as it was in your 20s?
The guts might be the same – you love color, appreciate Bohemian accents, glam is your jam – but the execution is likely different. And, if you’re still searching for the best version of your personal style, this week’s Mompreneur Monday shout out is your gal.
After leaving her high-profile fashion job and moving to the Jersey Shore to be a stay-at-home mom, Carly Walko quickly realized she needed more hustle in her day. She launched a blog ThirtySomethingFashion, and, soon after, came “TSF Box Service”, personalized boxes of style delivered to clients doorsteps.
Mompreneur Monday Shout Out Time
Read along to see how Carly’s business has evolved since the launch of ThirtySomethingFashion (TSF), in 2009, and why working hard on her business makes her a better mom.
How old are your kids? I have two sons. Connor is 9 and Preston is 6.
When did you launch your business? I launched TSF in late 2009 after having my first son.
Explain your business. TSF is a personal shopping and styling business helping busy women define their personal style. My services range from personalized boxes of style to closet makeovers, to helping clients pack for vacation. If you can dream up a fashion related service, I am game!
What motivates you to hustle for your business, when mom life seems to be swallowing you whole? I love what I do and most of the time (aside from maybe balancing my books) it never feels like work. When “life” is about to swallow me whole, the hustle is kind of my savior. Working hard at something I truly love centers me, and makes me a better mom.
What’s your biggest challenge right now? My biggest challenge is finding time to grow my business and still be the kind of mom I want to be. It is a constant struggle and I am not sure if it will ever be something I truly conquer. #andthatsok
Business Growth vs Mom Lifestyle Changes
WATCH Hustle Like a Mom guest Penny Goffman talk about opting not to scale up. Comment: What are your thoughts on Business Growth vs Lifestyle Change
How do you manage your days, your time? I have an extremely supportive husband and parents. They help with school drop-offs and pickups, and the never-ending carpools to sports activities. All this help from others requires a lot of planning and organization. I am a total list-maker and calendar keeper. Without that weekly organization, it could all come crashing down. Ha!
What do you like to do to unwind and self care? I am an extrovert, so friendships are REALLY important to me. I make sure to plan girls nights as I crave the connection to other women. I also recently took up the game of tennis and have become obsessed.
What has been your biggest “aha” moment this year? Launching my T-shirt line, ThirtySomethingTees, which is created out of a need for that “perfect” fitting tee that would always be available to my clientele. It is made locally in Philadelphia and $1.50 from each tee is donated to my local children’s hospital.
What does it mean to you to Hustle Like a Mom? Hustling like a Mom is trying to be your best self for your family. The “hustle” to show my boys love, encouragement and joy in everyday life. Some days I “hustle” better than others, but I always give it my best shot!
