Mother, entrepreneur, and woman behind Monica + Andy, Monica Royer is no stranger to multi-tasking. What began as an idea born in a delivery room, the stylish organic baby boutique offering soft and trustworthy fabrics for baby and a community for parents has grown to 8 guideshop locations. Read on to learn her words of wisdom on motherhood, go-to Laundress product, and more!

I started Monica + Andy because…
I felt there was a major void in the market for a children’s brand that could deliver curated products and provide exceptional customer service. I felt very lonely in my first months home as a new mom and felt “out of the know”. I wanted to build a brand that helped people feel more part of a community.

The biggest change that came with becoming a first time mom was…
Getting used to being up at all hours of the night. That was definitely the biggest first challenge.

For new Monica + Andy shoppers, the first thing they absolutely need is…
Our Hospital Cuddle Box. As a new mom in the hospital I was so surprised at the quality of the clothing the hospital provides to newborns. The swaddles and kimono tops they provide have been stained and then bleached and can be worn by up to seven little ones before it reaches your newborn. I wanted something soft and organic for my daughter’s first few days in the hospital and months at home. Our Hospital Cuddle Box takes the guesswork out of what you need in the hospital.

My favorite Laundress product is…
The stain solution! I feel like I stain everything and this gets it all out! Plus, it’s unscented and allergen-free, so it’s perfect to take care of your little one’s stains too.

My ideal Mother’s Day would include…
Some quiet down time with my husband and daughter as well as with my own mom and dad. A distraction free day would be amazing. I love walking outside so hoping for great weather and a hot yoga class to start the day.

My best advice for new moms is…
Most things that happen are only a stage and won’t last forever. Keeping that in mind helped me get through the sleepless nights and tantrum stage. There is an end in sight!

One thing you don’t know about me is…
I cry every time I read my daughter a book about an empowering historical figure. We’re currently reading “Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls” and I keep crying reading it to my daughter! From Harriet Tubman to Sally Ride every time I get to the end of the story, somehow my emotions overwhelm me. I love sharing empowering stories with her. Now she looks at me as we get close to the end of one of them to see when I will start to tear up.

Some words of wisdom on motherhood that I live by are…
The days are long but the years are short. Sometimes it’s hard to be still and enjoy the moment but I’m trying.

One skill every working mom needs to have is…
The ability to multitask. When you have a kiddo you need to be able to do two things at once.

I started The Mentor Files podcast because....
I am so grateful for my entrepreneurial journey but the days can be really hard. I have been so fortunate to have such great mentors that are generous with their incredible advice and have helped me along the way. I wanted to share that advice with other aspiring entrepreneurs so we can all continue to learn and grow.