The Mother Nature

THE MOTHER NATURE
THE FAMILY GROOVE'S PROFILE OF A MOM WHO'S MAKING IT HAPPEN

Gone are the days of the traditional coffee clutch because at THE FAMILY GROOVE we're doing it new school,
bringing people together to laugh, learn, share and commiserate in the global village called the Internet.

This month, we want you to meet Ellen Mautner, a woman who took a good idea and parlayed it into a
primary revenue stream for herself and her children. With ambition, a roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic and
integrity as her guide, Mautner created a full, rich and textured life for her family without compromising her
beliefs. Through divorce, the death of her second husband, single motherhood and the growing pains of
birthing her business, Mautner turned surviving into thriving. Eighteen years and two fully grown children later,
this mom of two continues to run both her business and personal life (she's now married to a man she's wild about) with the same gusto, intention and drive that fueled her when she was a young, single mother with no one to depend on but herself.

Mautner is a testament to the power of a mother's enduring will. Here, she talks about honesty, living a full life and how cosmos with her girlfriends keep her in the groove.

1. Who are you?
Ellen A. Mautner

Ellen and her daughter Sarah

2. How old are you?
54 years old

3. Where do you live?
Fair Haven, NJ

4. How many children do you have? How old?
Two: Kevin, 27, and Sarah 24

5. What time do you get up?
6:15am

6. What daily rituals must you do to feel normal?
Exercise, household chores and working

7. What do you wish you'd do everyday, but haven't been able to incorporate into your routine?
Would you like my answer or my husbands? (Just kidding!) I don't think there is anything else that I could put in my schedule on a daily basis that would improve my lifestyle. I am very happy with the way things are. I wish I had more time to volunteer and to help others.

8. What do you do for work?
I am the owner of Sarah’s Kiddles.

9. What is the nature of your business?
Sarah’s Kiddles is a children’s specialty clothing store in Point Pleasant Beach. I started the business 18 years ago. I work in every aspect of the business: buying, stocking, sales and marketing.

10. Tell us about it.
Our clothing sizes raise from layette to 14 for boys and girls with shoes and accessories and fun toys. We have a play room for our customers kids to play in while mom shops. I work six days a week and the store is open every day. We offer hand loomed sweaters, personalized services, shipping and Internet orders. We enjoy our customers and love what we do.

11. What's the best thing your mother ever told you?
My mother always taught me to be honest in every aspect of my life. I feel this virtue has resonated with me throughout my life.

12. What does being a good mother mean?
Being a good mother is about being 100 different things and knowing when to be the right one at the right time. Sometimes children need extra love and attention, other times they need to fend for themselves. Being a good mother means always understanding the needs of your child with respect to your values and their safety.

13. What's your mantra/personal philosophy?
Through my experiences I’ve learned that life is precious and it must be respected and valued by all. Whether it is an animal, child or other adult, it is important to always appreciate life for what it is, a gift.

14. What do you tell other moms?
I don't often give advice to other mothers; however, the most important things I have taught my own children are the values of independence, listening to your heart and always being kind.

15. Finish this sentence: I want my children to know...
That I will always be there for them no matter what and that I am their mother, nothing in the world can change that.

16. Who inspires you?
People who do extraordinary things in ordinary ways.

17. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my children, my husband and my business.

18. How do you balance your life as a woman, a mother, a friend?
I embrace being a woman. I wake up each morning and take a long walk in the neighborhood, for balance and perspective. I try to make time for everything and everyone.

19. What do you wish you knew then, that you know now?
Oh, there are so many things that I wish I knew then -- like I should have studied harder in school, not dated the jerks, but through the years, I have become stronger because of what I didn’t know then. I know that each day I must learn from my mistakes and move on. I do not harp on problems that I cannot solve and I put my efforts into keeping my family balanced in health, happiness and love.

20. How do you get your groove on?
I drink cosmos with my girlfriends and enjoy my days—each and every one of them. I take pleasure in talking with my customers, reading good books and coming home to my family.

Check out what Mautner's got in store for you. Go to www.sarahskiddles.com.