THE MOTHER NATURE
TFG'S PROFILE OF TWO MOMS MAKING IT HAPPEN

The days of the traditional coffee clutch may be over, but at TFG we're doing it new school, bringing people together to
laugh, learn, share and commiserate in the global village called the Internet.

Each month, TFG shines the light on a different mom by asking her the same questions. This month, you'll meet two
moms who bagged our attention. So grab your coffee cups, and get to know the women behind the ultra hip baby bag
company, Storksak: Suzi Bergman and Melanie Marshall, two purse-onable mamas with a lot to share, some groovy
things to say and little sage advice for their fellow sisters-in-arms.

1. Who are you?
Suzi Bergman
Melanie Marshall

2. How old are you?
SB: 38
MM: 39

3. Where do you live?
SB and MM: London UK

4. How many children do you have? How old?
SB: Seven year old son and a five year old daughter.
MM: A seven year old and a 20 months old—both boys.

5. What time do you get up?
SB: 7:30am
MM: Too early—6 am

6. What daily rituals must you do to feel normal?
SB: I enjoy having a coffee and an orange juice as I run out the door.
MM: Just the basics at this time, with a baby and older child I don’t have much time for myself.

7. What do you wish you'd do everyday, but haven't been able to incorporate into your routine?
SB: Exercise
MM: Exercise. I manage to exercise around twice a week. It makes me feel so much better. I only wish I had more time to fit it in each week.
 
8. Do you work?
SB  and MM: Yes

9. What do you do?
SB: Co-Director of Marshall Bergman Ltd, the British company that owns StorkSak.  I oversee the financial, legal and marketing side of the business as well as sharing the daily running of the business.
MM: I am Creative Director of Marshall Bergman Ltd, the British company that owns StorkSak. I design the bags and textiles as well as the run the business.

10. Tell us about it.
SB: We launched our first collection in 2003 in the UK. To date, we have launched four collections in the UK, and are preparing to launch our second collection in the U.S. next month. We design, manufacture and sell fashionable and function-friendly bags for parents and are preparing to introduce several new products next spring.
MM: We started our company in 2003, and have since launched four collections.  StorkSak started selling in the UK and now sells in the US, as well as many European counties. We design, manufacture and sell designer bags for parents and are also working on other products. I am in charge of the design and my business partner, the financials.

11. What's the best thing your mother ever told you?
SB: As long as you do your personal best, it doesn’t matter where you finish.
MM: Look after No 1—meaning me.

12. What does being a good mother mean?
SB: Making your children feel loved and secure and giving your children self confidence.
MM: Being there for your children and giving them love even when it’s difficult.

13. What's your mantra/personal philosophy?
SB: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.
MM:  Keep life and what it throws at you in perspective

14. What do you tell other mothers?
SB: Buy a Storksak!!
MM: I don’t tell other mothers anything, or give opinions unless asked.

15. Finish this sentence: I want my children to know
SB: That they are loved.
MM: That they can do and create anything they want and that they must try out new things.

16. Who inspires you?
SB: My children and my father inspire me daily.
MM: My children and my grandmother are my biggest source of inspiration.

17. What are you passionate about?
SB: I am passionate about my family and my business. My work allows me to help other parents and be there for my children each day.
MM: Food, music and playing with the kids.

18. How do you balance your life as a woman, a mother, a friend?
SB: I try very hard to prioritize my responsibilities.
MM: I don’t try to do it all each day. I take each day at a time

19. What do you wish you knew then that you know now?
SB: If you want to get a crispy skin on your chicken, dry it with a kitchen roll and then sprinkle it with salt.
MM: That it’s all a big game and not to worry.

20.  How do you get your groove on?
SB: By having an early night!
MM: Good food, family, rest and free time—and some dancing of course!

The Purse-uit of Trendy
Want to see what these bag ladies have been shouldering? Go to www.storksak.com to grab a look at these hot multi-use baby bags, carried away by many a celeb mama.