I’ll never forget the day. Cameron was still a tiny baby. She stayed with my grandmother while I worked and went to school. I came home one day to pick her up and she was BALD! I swear she lost all of her hair in one day. Being a new mother, I just looked at my grandmother and asked, “What did you do to my baby?” Now I realize that it had been slowly falling out, but at that instant moment, all I saw was my baby girl with no hair. She’d had little hair before, but she was now bald. With this being one of the moments that stands out the most as my “Mommy Moments,” I was so excited to get the chance to interview Ann Tillage for MomDot.

Ann Tillage is the owner, inventor, and “mommy expert” of the multifaceted Sharmooz Company and author of Don’t Rock That Baby! The Other Advice: 46 steps to survive the first year of motherhood. But that’s not all. Ann also runs a blog called The Mommy Executive Blog and is the co-founder of a women’s business networking group in Baton Rouge. Continue reading to find out more about Ann and her many endeavors.

Congrats on being a MomDot Feature Blogger! Why don’t you start by introducing yourself to our readers!

I am Ann, the proud mother of two beautiful children and I adore their father, my husband of six years.

Could you tell us a little about your store and blog?

The Sharmooz Company currently has eight different products, two patents pending, and is now in several retailers and growing rapidly. The Mommy Executive Blog is geared to mothers and families to assist with “Keeping it Together” through featured moms, inspiring stories, interested articles, organizational tips and giveaways.

What is the inspiration behind your store?

The Sharmooz Company came to fruition with the passion of coming up with the solution for unsightly bald spots on infants. This is a common occurrence with most babies. When my son, Kameron was four weeks old, he started to develop the “bald” spot from the constant rubbing and chaffing against the harsh fabrics in his surroundings, i.e. bouncy seat, swing. I reacted quickly because time was fleeting and Kameron’s hair was fading fast. I had always used satin pillowcases to protect my hair and styles; then why not try this for babies as well, and therefore the Sharmooz was born.

How did you come up with the name “Sharmooz?”

I only use premium satin with great washing capabilities, especially when developing a Mommy’s/Baby’s product. “Charmeuse” Satin is a high quality satin the company uses to create the products. The correct pronunciation is “Sharmooz” thus The Sharmooz Company – specializing is satin gifts for the family.

Do you make each item before or after it’s ordered? Do you make them on your own or do you have a team helping you?

I initially started with a low inventory of typical baby colors. (I have overheated two sewing machines) As the request for a varied product and research of popular styles, pattens, and textures; some products were made to order and a small team of family and local seamstress were assemble to make growing inventory of in-stock popular colors. The company is now securing a major sewing contractor with a USA manufacture.

I love the idea of a “How To” book for motherhood. Could you tell us more about your book?

My inspiration of creating and writing a companion book for new moms was derived from experiences of feeling overwhelmed and a need for quick tips with a little sense of humor and care (no 300 page write-up – this book is a delightful 78 pages with note pages). “I wanted simple and straight-to-the point advice.” The book has resources throughout to help if more in-depth information is desired.

What inspired the title, “Don’t Rock the Baby!”?

Don’t Rock That Baby! is step #5. It is debatable and with an open mind, it can help one re-think a popular belief. Remember, I never stated, “Don’t hold or love your baby” The title is to get your attention and after 3 book signings, people are definitely talking about the subject. The 46 steps are there to use, incorporate or just say “what?”. Enjoy the journey – The first year goes by so fast.

What is your most popular product?

The Baby Sharmooz Headrest and Royal Sharmooz Satin Pillowcases sell equally in popularity, but I recently launched the Sharmooz Satin Head wrap and its selling like hotcakes!! Very popular for all hair types and woman with medical induced hair loss due to treatments. The American Caner Society has recommended the use of satin to assist with hair problems with medical related issues.

How do you advertise your boutique?

I use a wide variety of marketing tools – blogging, social networking, giveaways, local shopping shows/venues, office lunch visits, link exchanges, reviews, book signings, Mompacks, and traditional word of mouth.

Which particular ones do you find to be the most effective?

The shopping shows have given me the most local visibility. Local store owners have inquired about my product and referrals are generate from repeat customers.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers today?

“I love being a Mom. The experience has inspired me to pursue my dreams as an Entrepreneur and an Author. Thank you to all who have supported me” Join me in my journey at http://MommyExecutive.blogspot.com “Helping Moms Keep it Together.”

Interviewed by Kimberly