Working Mom Jane Marvel Tells All

Being a working mom is always stressful as you’re pulled in so many directions all the time.  How do you manage the stress?
Like so many other mothers I always have a million balls in the air.  It’s always stressful worrying whether you are going to drop one of the balls!  I try to take long walks to clear my head and I make a million lists.  That way I can cross things off when they’re done so I can move on.  The only problem is that there is never any end to the list!  As soon as you cross everything off, 20 more things pop on…

What’s your secret for dividing your time?
I am very organized:  During any work day I make sure everything is taken care of as it is all part of my work:  Jane Marvel business, rsvping for birthday parties, grocery shopping (thank goodness for Fresh Direct!), etc.   So really I am never dividing my time.  I remember a wise person said “there is no such thing as work-life division: it is all part of the same continuum”.  I really believe in that.  But when I am home I aim to be 100% present for my kids. If I must look at my phone I sneak it so my kids feel like my attention is entirely on them.

Why did you start your own business?
I thought the concept behind Jane Marvel was a good one:  affordable fashion.  Women love to feel like they have great value in every purchase, so I felt strongly that I wanted to deliver that.  and who doesn’t love handbags?

Who are some of the people around you who help you make it work?
I have a great support system between my husband and nanny of 14 years (who works with us at Jane Marvel during the day before pick up!) so we look after each other!  Tonight, for example, my nanny will start dinner so I can take an exercise class, and then when I get home all I will have to do is take it out of the oven and fix the sides.  Teamwork!

What’s your favorite thing about being a working mom?
I know that during the day my boys are stimulated so that leaves me a lot of time to focus on running Jane Marvel.   I don’t think I would ever no work: it’s not in my DNA.  I get an enormous amount of positive reinforcement from the boys as well: they are very proud of me!

Is there one product that helps you do what you do?
Well, now it’s my reading glasses since I can’t see a thing without them! J

How does organizational help you stay effective in all areas of your life?
Well, I have a secret weapon:  my favorite stress-beater is REORGANIZING!  Seriously:  if I am feeling overwhelmed I pull apart the pantry or clean up the junk drawer.  It gives me a feeling of control!  And then I return to whatever I was doing and I feel like I am more effective!

 

 

Jane Saidenberg, wife, mother and entrepreneur, is the President/CEO of Jane Marvel, an affordable but fashion-forward company that makes handbags, travel bags, and very cool accessories in must-have colors, finishes and prints.  Her target audience is women (and girls!) of any age who want to spice up or refresh their bag wardrobe without spending a lot.  Her mantra is, “It is every woman’s right to have great fashion and not go broke getting it!”

 

 

 

A former talent agent with the William Morris Agency for nine years, Jane always had an “inner crafty” person trying to get out.  While working at WMA, she would often be up late sewing her newest creation, but decided to give her own business a try in 2009.  Jane, who is married to successful music producer Andy Marvel and the mother of two sons, first tried her hand at stylish, laminated canvas storage for toys,  kid clothing and eventually lunch boxes while her boys were young.

 

 

 

After a life-altering trip to China, Jane was able to expand her business and realize her designing dreams.  She connected with a factory there that would allow her to create affordable, well-made, fashion accessories–handbags, travel and accessories, in cotton-coated canvas and “vegan” (non-leather) leather.  The fact that the United States economy had settled in a recession did not deter her.

 

 

Starting with trade shows and self-financing that first run of products, Jane Marvel has garnered many fans, and her cute, well-organized and colorful bags are sold at boutiques, department stores and online all over the country.  With almost 300 SKUs available and over 300 stores, Jane Marvel will do about 2 million dollars in sales this year, with plans for expansion in every level of the business, on tap for the coming months.