by Kristen Bagwell

All moms deserve recognition just for being incredible people!  Here at Triangle Moms On Main, we want to highlight local moms and give them the props they deserve.  Meet these extraordinary women who are making a difference in the lives of their families, friends, strangers, and the community.  They might be movers, shakers, entrepreneurs, athletes, volunteers, or caregivers, but most importantly … they are moms!

Have you ever laid in bed in the middle of the night, wishing silently “PLEASE just go back to sleep?” Irene Gouge knows exactly how you feel; her own son experienced sleep issues for more than 4 years. As an advocate for her own child, Irene gained the skills and passion to help other families get results, and started her own business as a Pediatric Sleep Consultant in 2010. Her company, Loving Lessons, works with families to help children learn to sleep consistently though the night.

As a formally-trained and certified Gentle Sleep Coach, Irene literally helps children learn how to sleep. “Just like you would teach your child their ABC's and 123's, you need to teach your child HOW to sleep! It is a learned skill. As founder of Loving Lessons Pediatric Sleep Consulting and Educational Growth Center, I work with families who have newborns to sleep shape their baby and 6 months-6 years old who are not consistently sleeping through the night. I teach parents how to gently teach their child how to fall asleep at bedtime and go back to sleep independently.”

Irene consults with each family individually, and takes a number of considerations into account: age, the child’s temperament, family needs, and many more. After the initial assessment, parents choose the method with which they are most comfortable, and put the plan into action. These are tried and true plans that Irene has used with her own sons and day care students, and she’s thrilled to share them with others.

In addition to her sleep consultant training, Irene has a degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University. Her passion is to empower parents to be their child’s best teacher.  Helping parents teach the lessons of making choices, owning and understanding their feelings, learning to be safe, and respectful and responsible are core values that parents can teach with love at home.  Top that with a good night’s sleep, and life becomes a lot more fun!

If you’d like to learn more about Irene’s services, please find her on facebook or visit www.irenegouge.info. Currently Loving Lessons provides in-home consultations and sleep seminars. Mention Triangle Moms on Main can get 20% off a Consultation Package or Sleep seminar!  The next Sleep Seminar is on September 24, 2011 at the Niche Wine Lounge in Holly Springs from 9am-12pm. 

Tina Loebach

Tina Loebach grew up in Wendell NC - she's about as local as it gets! However, she moved frequently with her navy husband, living in Charleston (SC), Savannah (GA) and Seattle (WA). Tina attended Savannah Collage of Art and Design, locally known as SCAD, and majored in photography. It was then that she found her passion for photography. After working for another photographer, Tina decided to open her own studio, allowing her more creative license and control. Loebach Studios was born in 2004, and Tina and her family moved back to Raleigh in 2006, where they still reside today.

Through her work, Tina has watched her clients grow in their own lives over the years. As she told TMOM, "There is no greater joy then to follow a bride through such a special day, then to watch her become a mother and continue to photograph her children. To be a quiet observer and capture emotions and moments through my art is such an honor. For me photography is not a job but a joy. I love to tell stories with pictures." She is also a mother of two, and feels blessed to be both a professional and raise her own children. Life is especially sweet since her husband is no longer out to sea with the navy and can be home by 6pm!

Loebach Studios serves Raleigh, Cary, Knightdale, Wake Forest and all surrounding areas. (They also do destination weddings!) Tina specializes in a photo journalistic approach to tell the story of your day, and her talents have not gone unnoticed...Tina won the Wedding Wire Bridal Choice Award in 2009 and 2011. Tina also offers newborn, maternity, and children's photography, and boudoir photo shoots, a fun and unique way to surprise your special someone. Find her on facebook, or visit www.loebachstudios.com.

Lilly  Whorton

As the mother of a 5-year old and a 2-year old, you'd think that Lilly Whorton wouldn't need much else to do. However, Lilly felt a little isolated as a stay at home (rock star) mom, and decided to become an Independent Consultant for Stella & Dot over a year ago. Lilly chose Stella & Dot because it is fun, flexible, and relaxed - and her hostesses are always thrilled with the outcome of each show. "There are a lot of home businesses out there.  I truly love what I sell and believe that our product is very well-made and unique.  One reason I choose Stella & Dot was because there was no presentation required.  It is easy and laid back for everyone...even me!!"

Like many mompreneurs, Lilly is striving to balance her work and her home life, especially since a lot of it happens inside the same 4 walls. It is very important for her to be present and involved in her children's lives and activities, but sometimes it's difficult to shut off the work-work and get to the mom-work! "The biggest challenge is setting business hours and trying to stay organized.  Working from home is great but it is also really hard to not work ALL day.  Sometimes it consumes my day." (We know the feeling, Lilly!) Now that her children are approaching school-age, Lilly is looking forward to having a bit more flexibility.

Even with all that she has to do, Lilly's creative juices are flowing! She has many ideas and plans for this fall, and you can take advantage of them! Look for giveaways each month, just for booking shows. (For example, in October Lilly is offering a free signature key pouch from the new Soho Handbag Collection.) Whether you are interested in shopping or just want to be social, hosting a show is a great excuse for a mom's night in! Also, did you know that Stella & Dot features a line of little girls jewelry that is very affordable? What a great idea for a Mommy and Me brunch or tea party!

Ultimately, Lilly's long-term goals are just to be happy and successful at what she does. "I want to leave the women at every show of mine happier than when they came."  Enough said! To check out Stella & Dot products and/or to learn about becoming a hostess, visit Lilly's website at www.stelladot.com/lillyw or email her at lillywhorton@gmail.com.

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