In our latest Poosh conversation, Kourt’s close friend Allie Rizzo sat down with fellow New York City mom-friend Arielle Charnas. You’re probably familiar with the name: she’s the mastermind behind Something Navy, the incredibly successful fashion and soon-to-be lifestyle brand. Below, Allie and Arielle chat about motherhood, building a brand, and balancing it all. Read the exclusive interview below.
Q: Being a mom is the best job, but it’s also stressful. When you add living in New York and juggling a career to the mix, it gets to be quite a balancing act. How do you balance running Something Navy and being a mother of two?
A: I can’t say there is one solid answer, which I know isn’t what people want to hear! Every day the answer is different and I take each day as it comes. When I’m in the office I try to be 100 percent in the office, and when I’m home with my kids I try to be 100 percent present with them. Obviously, it’s not always perfect, and each day is a learning experience. There are days when I feel total mom guilt, but even when I speak to stay-at-home moms I learn the guilt is there for them too. I think it sort of comes with the territory and the only thing I can do is be my best. I also made sure my office was close to home so I’m able to go back-and-forth quickly, and sometimes my kids pop in.
Q: Ruby and Esme have been featured in your content on Something Navy and in your Instagram posts. How do you feel about their exposure?
A: I go back and forth. For the most part, I’m really okay with it—this is a different day and age. Because it’s uncharted territory, no one knows exactly how it will affect them down the road, but what I do know is that my husband and I will always love them unconditionally and support them in everything they do. I recently took down their ‘Highlights’ channel on my Instagram page in an effort to slightly reduce their exposure on my platform. I usually just post videos of them on Instagram Stories and static pictures on my feed. It’s my happy medium.
Q: What are you most excited about with the launch of your own line? What types of products can we expect?
A: I’m so excited to create a fashion and lifestyle brand that I know my followers want. I am using all of their feedback, advice, and ideas to help shape the brand. I want them to feel included in the fashion world without having to spend all of their money. My goal is to help them achieve that balance of sexy/pretty and chic/high-fashion. For the launch in April, people can expect a highly-curated Ready-To-Wear collection that will be available on our website and in our very first store! We will roll out collections every month or so after that, expanding into new categories as we go.
Q: I’ve followed you on Instagram since we met nearly 10 years ago, and just recently started following Something Navy’s brand page! What was behind the decision to launch Something Navy’s own page?
A: I wanted my followers to have a place for the inside scoop on all things Something Navy, as opposed to Arielle Charnas. My Instagram provides a look into my life, but Something Navy gives followers a look into my brand. If you want to be the first to know about the new line or our day-to-day in the office, following @somethingnavy is a must!
Q: I’m dying to know more! How can people get the inside scoop on your new line?
A: Honestly, follow @somethingnavy on Instagram! I love sharing the behind-the-scenes stories on everything we have going on, from design and product development to partnerships. I also publish personal stories on our website, www.somethingnavy.com, covering everything from dating advice to how I evolved from a small fashion blogger to an entrepreneur. It’s a fun mix of me and the girls who make Something Navy so great!