Name: Line Rothman
Name of Business: Glamourmom
Length of time in business: 20 years
Number of kids and ages: Two daughters, Elva 20 and Nina 18 and one son Carl 15.
Pets: Two rescue dogs, one lab mix named Rain and one hound mix named Hazel.
Before starting this business, what was your career? I was working for a magazine in editorial and I was a free-lance writer.
Why did you start your business? When I was breastfeeding my first daughter I was desperately looking for a nursing tank top with a built in nursing bra. The design concept was nowhere to be found on the market at that time, the breastfeeding apparel market was barely existing, so I saw an opportunity.
What do you love most about what you do now? I love selling a product that might help making the breastfeeding journey a little easier, that a mom can feel comfortable and supported during this special time. I also love that I do so many different aspects of the business, wear many hats.
What did you have to do to start? I started my business when my daughter was only a few months old. I made my own prototype and walked the garment district in NYC with my daughter in a baby carrier to look for samples houses and small production places. I took it very much step by step in the beginning and learned a lot in the process. I soon came up with the brand name, formed a company and made a website which was actually very new back then in year 2000, to sell online. The first orders that came in from anywhere in the world was a feeling that I will never forget.
What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced? Trying to keep the mass stores from copying my designs.
How did you overcome that challenge? By always striving to make the best nursing tanks on the market, to accommodate every body type in a very transitioning time. To be the expert in the niche I created and to be the original brand behind the concept. A tank top with a full structured built-in nursing bra has to fit in so many places and I have looked, tweaked my designs and listened to the moms over the many years.
What is the thing that has surprised you? That one design idea lead to a career that helped support our family while having so much time flexibility with the kids. I am very grateful.
What is your best tip for fellow entrepreneurs? The most significant strength I have learned through this fortunate ride has been to stay flexible, to know when to make a change/turn and to never dose off at the wheel. Learn by doing, going and building and always stay in tune with what works best, not only for the business, but also how you want to live your life.
How has the virus impacted your business? My boutique retailers are suffering.
What are some alternative careers you would have liked to have? A novelist or a therapist.
Any other details about you? I am from Denmark and love “hygge” (taking pleasure in the cozy simple things in life)..which is very useful during this pandemic.
Your website? www.glamourmom.com
Your Instagram? @glamourmomtanks