THE MOTHER NATURE

THE FAMILY GROOVE’S PROFILE OF A MOM WHO’S MAKING IT HAPPEN

For four years, Stephanie Rach-Wilson has been filling our editorial lineup with phenomenal women
and their brilliant ideas. At any hour of the day or night, I'll get a quick, witty, well-written and warm
note that simultaneously pulls me out of my home-office vacuum, refuels my creative juices, and
introduces me to a new person and/or idea that she knows I have (have) to know about. She's a
lifeline, to say the least. Now, let me add that I get hundreds (and hundreds and hundreds) of e-mails
a day from people about every person, place or thing under the sun, but Stephanie's reach-outs have
always taken center stage in my inbox—because she's got that rare ability to make you feel like you're
the only person in the room. A lucky few can pull that off face-to-face, but practically no one can do it over the cable lines. This girl's got charisma, palpable and powerful charisma, that is infectious to the point of cleansing: You are a changed person after interacting with her.

At any hour of the day or night, Stephanie Rach-Wilson is doing more than just her job; she's making the world and the people in it a better, kinder, more invigorated, easier, breezier and happier place to live.

As chief marketer and owner of IAGmedia, a conscientious media and marketing services company, she is finger-on-the-pulse sharp; as an ally, she is fiercely present, going the extra mile to help you achieve a goal. But perhaps her brightest moments come when she is living in her latest and greatest project: Let's Go Chipper! The nexus of her passion, penchants and prowess, this multimedia endeavor is an award-winning, eco-educational series of children's books, movies, CDs, activities and an iPhone app that playfully teaches young kids about character, community and caring for the environment. Stephanie's goal: to connect children with nature and foster future environmental stewards.

And let me tell you: Chipper is going to be huge. Why? Because Stephanie's intentions for it are pure and genuine. Couple that with drive and a dizzying work ethic and you've got the formula for success.

Here, Stephanie steps out from her usual spot behind the scenes to grace our digital pages with the person and ideas that we all have (have) to know about now.

1. Who are you?
Stephanie Rach-Wilson

2. How old are you?
42

3. Where do you live?
Marin, Calif.

4. How many children do you have? How old?
Avery Roberta Wilson (11), Callahan Rose Wilson (6)

5. What time do you get up?
1:14 a.m., 2:37 a.m., 4:14 a.m., 6:46 a.m.…I’m a very light sleeper!

6. What daily rituals must you do to feel normal?
I can’t leave the house until the beds are made because it makes me feel organized and ready for the day, and I do the splits every night just to remind myself how important it is to be flexible in life. Welcome to my “normal.”

7. What do you wish you'd do every day, but haven't been able to incorporate into your routine?
Sleep soundly.

8. Do you work?
Yes, I double-time, blending my profession with my passion, so it’s never a dull moment.

9. What do you do?
I run IAGmedia Inc., a conscientious media and marketing services company.

10. Tell us about it.
IAGmedia is a blended business; we are a full-service marketing agency building brand and sales for consumer lifestyle companies, and we also have a media division, which creates and produces programs and products that playfully teach good character and love for the environment to young children.

11. What's the best thing your mother ever told you?
“Get in there and show ’em whatcha got.” And, “Don’t forget to eat the pizza!” (She passed away far too young and told me before she died not to forget to have fun even if it means you’re going to gain a couple of pounds.) I am forever inspired by her because she raised four kids, ran a successful newspaper, taught us how to garden and care for the environment, and she inspired community service in all ages. No child was turned away by my mother, and many kids were nurtured by her at very important times in their childhood.

12. What does being a good mother mean?
It means being awake at all times in my house! Truly, it means loving the essential. It means embracing the chaos, setting boundaries yet realizing you’re just a bumper, celebrating yourself, forgiving a moment, and teaching your kids how to crack an egg and bake cookies.

13. What's your mantra/personal philosophy?
Give graciously, accept with gratitude…no matter what.

14. What do you tell other mothers?
I’m supportive and I generally always have a funny story to reference, but more importantly, I ask, “What do you think?” I’m amazed when the answer given is pulled from a page read in a recent parenting book. Put the books down and open up to the moment and respond intuitively. Parenting is raw and amazing. Kids are so empathetic and conscientious…if every action comes from your best intentions, you’re teaching your child respect and understanding, which is so important. So, trust your instincts and be patient—life is made up of little moments.

15. Finish this sentence: I want my children to know…
…that they can do anything they want in life, and that being different doesn’t mean you’re less than anyone else.

16. Who inspires you?
My mother; I can’t believe what she pulled off in life. And both my daughters, but my oldest daughter because she knows she is different but not less than anyone else.

17. What are you passionate about?
Creating programs that are good, green and full of giggles. I’m all about empowering the conscientious child.

18. How do you balance your life as a woman, a mother, a friend?
I believe there is time to do everything. I still keep my Franklin planner from college graduation, and the act of writing out each day helps me prioritize and let go so it all can happen.

19. What do you wish you knew then that you know now?
I know now that my mom really did her best and I am amazing because of it.

20. How do you get into your groove?
I turn on the music and dance and sing! I listen to everything from the Andrews Sisters and Ella to Barry White and Queen, with a little Neil Diamond sprinkled in…no one wants my iPod.

For more information on IAGmedia, go to www.iagmedia.net.

To learn more about Let's Go Chipper!, go to www.letsgochipper.com.