We’re celebrating real-life SweetMamas! Whether she’s a famous face or the mom in your playgroup, check back weekly to discover her Sweetest Things, as well as her tips on raising them fabulous.
Jodi Lastman
sweetmamas we love canada
(Mar.12.10)
SweetMama We Love: Jodi Lastman
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Mom to: Jayne (6) and Pippa (3)
Also known as: Inventor of the Self-Inflating Feeding Pillow, General Manager at Hypenotic (follow her on Twitter: @jodilastman)
SM: Tell us a bit about yourself?
My husband started his design company Hypenotic in 1998 and had a successful business going. I joined him a year ago. My background was in Social Marketing (helping position non-profits as social issue leaders). Together we have focused on working with values-driven brands that resonate with people on a much deeper level than the lowest price or shiniest features. We help these organizations define why people should care about them, and manifest that idea in any number of ways (events, website, social media strategy, etc.).
The most unique part of what we do is help brands become more relevant by moving the needle on issues that matter to their communities. We've worked for people like The Green Party of Ontario, Fiesta Farms [a much-loved grocery store in Toronto's West End] and The Gladstone Hotel. We also have a lot of great food clients and get to attend tons of food events, which is also a blast.
SM: What’s your secret to raising them fabulous?
My secret? Keeping calm and carrying on. It's not my nature to be chill. My inner voice is screaming at all times. "Be careful"; "Stop that"; But my outer voice sounds like it's taken a couple Quaaludes. Deep breaths and laughter are essential.
SM: What’s been your biggest challenge in balancing motherhood and the other parts of yourself?
I work three days-a-week. When I'm with the kids all day, I have no problem with the 5pm to bedtime window (the witching hour). But when I get home from work at 5pm and I don't have my groove on, I find my patience is a little thinner than it should be. It's hard to keep the troops entertained and out of trouble when I'm not on my game.
SM: Knowing what you know now, what’s the one thing you wish you could tell all new moms or moms-to-be?
There's no right or wrong way to do the mom thing. You just do what's right for you and your family. And, be sure not to judge other moms for their choices.
What is the one item you can’t live without for yourself?
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Kiehls tinted moisturizer. It helps take the edge off even if I'm not wearing any other makeup. It makes me feel like I'm holding it together in the appearance department when I drop my daughter off at school with bedhead.
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What is the one item you can’t live without for your children?
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The Brickworks Market is part of our weekend routine. Sometimes if I'm lucky, my husband packs up the kids at 8am and treks them off to market while I'm still asleep. There's music, crafts, and most importantly Jamie Kennedy french fries for the kids, not to mention the glorious Don Valley with real Koi fish swimming about. We like keep the kids connected to where food comes from and to the sense of community that is core to the Brickworks experience.
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Are you a SweetMama we could love? Want to nominate a SweetMama you know? Email us at SMWL@sweetspot.ca