Spotlight on Mommy -- Dilara Jones of Pairendipity, Mommy and Me Matching Shoes

Having two daughters of my own, I love going shopping with and for them.  I swore before I had children, that I would never dress them alike, let alone, have them dress like me.  But, after dressing them the same this past Christmas, I can't resist playing dress up with them.  And, it doesn't help when Nana also buys them matching summer outfits.  So, when I stumbled across Pairendipity, a website that offers Mommy and Me Matching Shoes, a few months ago, I couldn't wait to share this brand,  which was created by a mom, with you.  Below is my Spotlight on Mommy interview with Dilara Jones, creator Pairendipity.  And, when you are done reading my interview with Dilara, make sure you head on over to her site and view her matching shoe collection.  As a special gift for Inspired by Savannah, make sure you sign up for her mailing list, to not only receive updates on new inventory additions and specials, but also to receive a $15 gift card, to use with your next purchase at Pairendipity.

Name:  Dilara Jones

Company Name/Product/Service:  Pairendipity, Mommy and Me Matching Shoes  

Company Location:  Newbury Park, Ca        

Company Website:  www.pairendipity.com

Facebook URL: #pairendipity

Twitter Handle: @ mommyandmeshoes

Age of Company:  2 yrs. old

Favorite Inspirational Quotes: Accept people the way they are and move on with life. When obstacles come up in our life it's for a very specific reason -- they're there to teach us something that we haven't learned yet.

Favorite Book: I am currently reading, Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How many children do you have?  What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.

I have 2 adorable girls :)  I am 35 years old, I live 60 miles north of Los Angeles, with my smart, supportive and sensitive husband B, 2 adorable daughters, Princess 4.5, Angel 3, and 2 wonderful, easy-going Golden Retrievers.  I have a BA degree in Business and Marketing, and MA degree in Management.  I have a passion to Market and sell an exciting product through creative ways.  I have been working in Marketing field for 10 years.   

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about?

Here is how the "what if " then "that's IT" moment happens:

About a month after I returned to full time position from my second pregnancy leave.   (Princess is almost 2 years old and Angel just turned 5 months.)  After one of those exhausting week day, I gave bath to girls and put them to sleep.  I was trying to plan my outfit for the next work day (It is easier to know what to wear ahead of time if you need to be at work at 8 am and if you have to drop off 2 little ones at daycare) I thought it would be fun to coordinate colors with my girls, not necessarily match the whole outfit but a matching colored accessory to go with my outfit?

Looking down to my "always" small closet:  I noticed my "almost" everyday flats, and I thought: " what if I had a fun, comfortable pair of my everyday flats that match with my daughters' everyday Maryjane's?  I would have been excited to wear them all day long, and feel “connected" knowing that my girls are walking in MY FOOTSTEPS while I am at work.  I love the idea and I know there must be a lot of Mom's out there who would love it too.  First week or so, finding matching pair at an affordable price was one of my shopping item on my kill time list at work.  I have searched online to buy matching shoe for Princess and Angel and one pair for me.  But interestingly, my search didn't have any results.  Can it be true that nobody thought about this before?

Mommy and Me Shoes was born.  Next month and over 2 years now, I have been working on my idea of Mommy and Me shoes.  Pairendipity’s mission is to give the flexibility, comfort and the style that Moms deserve to embrace a busy day but also to make them feel connected with their little ones. 

What is a typical work day like?

Work only when kids are sleeping. ;) 

What has been a struggle while starting up your company? 

Most important struggle was to find a reliable supplier who would deliver the quality of the products that our customers deserve

What did you do in your past work life?

I have worked in Marketing Department for various companies.

What have been some of your major successes?

My 2 adorable, healthy, smart daughters are my greatest success

What have been some of your major challenges?

My major challenge in business is communicating in a foreign language

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?

We have the best customers and I love working for moms who share the same fun connection!

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?

I try not to read my emails when it is play time with the kids.

What is next for your business?

Improve quality and bring more styles

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?  


Don’t give up!