A few months ago, I spent an inspiring day at a conference in Westfield dedicated to helping moms in various stages of parenting figure out their next step. For some mamas, that means getting back into the workforce to try something new after years of staying home with the kids. For others, it could mean leaving a job to consult or start a business. We heard from powerhouse moms like Missy Tannen, a former elementary school teacher and co-founder of Boll & Branch; Meaghan Murphy, executive editor of Good Housekeeping and a health and lifestyle expert; Michelle Retik, chef and owner of Squirrel & The Bee, a grainless bakeshop in Short Hills; Heather Stillufsen, who turned her love of art into a successful Etsy business, and so many others sharing stories of how they took a leap into something new.
The conference was hosted by morphmom, a resource for women thinking about changing careers, starting a new venture or pursuing a new hobby or volunteer opportunity. Founded by Summit mom Kathleen Butler Smith, who herself was trying to figure out what was next once her kids were older, the community is rapidly growing and about to hold another conference in Montclair.
The upcoming “WHAT’S NEXT” conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers who will share their journeys and the steps they took to get where they are today. It’s happening on June 3 at Montclair State University and here are just some of the speakers lined up:
—TV talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael (remember her and her awesome red glasses?) will share her story.
—Boutique talent development agency founder Olivia Metzger will speak about how to start your own company.
—Founder of organic functional foods based JOYIST Kacy Erdelyi will talk about how to open a café.
—Founder of Doddle and Co. Nicki Radzely will outline how to successfully pitch an idea to Shark Tank.
—“Caterer to the Stars,” Rachel Ray star and author Mary Giuliani will lead a session on how to grow your business and still write that book.
—Retired KPMG, LLP Partner Kelly Watson will help you figure how to find flexible corporate opportunities.
—Founder of Jazz House Kids Melissa Walker will share her advice on how to start and run a non-profit.
—Organic body care line creator Gilly Garrett will talk about how to get your products into Whole Foods.
No matter where you are in your parenting and work life, we’re pretty sure you’ll leave this gathering feeling inspired and having made some awesome new friends. For more details and to register for the conference, head to morphmom and head to New Jersey Family’s Instagram on Monday to see highlights from the day.
