Beth Perkins

Here is my most recent interview with super mommy, Beth Perkins. Within two years, she has managed to turn her latest project, maternity wear for the everyday hip "mommy" into a total success. Building from her "phase one" line of creative tanks and tees, Beth will be debuting her first full collection for her third "baby" - Mommy-Go-Round this Spring.
Here is a Q&A with the busy mommy of two.

Q: Do you have formal training in clothing design?

No, I received undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Spanish from Texas Christian University. Later, I received a MBA from University of Texas. I have worked in Public Accounting, Industry Accounting and Internet Consulting.

....I knew that there were a lot of things that I did not know and would need to learn about the industry. So, I decided that I would launch the business in two phases. The first phase was the tees/tanks segment. I wanted to start in the shallow end, rather than jumping into the deep end, to allow myself time to learn about the industry, make contacts, establish a reputation as a quality manufacturer, and build accounts. Then, using this knowledge and these contacts, it would be easier to move into the full line of dresses, pants, tops, skirts, etc.

Q: What is the idea behind Mommy-Go-Round?

The entire premise of the line is that, while pregnant, you should be able to dress like you did prior to becoming pregnant. The only difference in the clothing should be the fit, not the style. So many maternity options are very clearly 'maternity clothes', as opposed to stylish clothes that are made for a pregnant woman. I found that, when pregnant, I wore things that I never would have worn while not pregnant. This shouldn't have to be the case. You should be able to maintain your sense of style and still look good, even with a changing shape. So, Mommy-Go-Round is about offering affordable, trendy, flattering, styles clothes, to accommodate a pregnant body.

(Katy Reversible Grecian Dress, Spring 2007 Collection)

Q: What type of buzz has Mommy-Go-Round generated?

A: Mommy-Go-Round has been featured in the Austin Business Journal, 512 Magazine, My CiCy, Style Bakery, Ned and Shell, She Finds, TCU Magazine, and LA Splash. Mommy-Go-Round has been invited to participate in various events, including Jayneoni's Hollywood Baby Shower (in New York) and the Silver Spoon Dog and Baby Buffet (in LA).

Q: Who are the celebrity which wear Momm-Go-Round?

Celebrities who have owned Mommy-Go-Round pieces include:

· Amy Acker - Alias, How I Met Your Mother, Angel
· Tori Spelling
· Zorianna Kit - TV Guide
· Mira Sorvino
· Liv Tyler
· Jennifer Garner
· Britney Spears
· Brooke Shields
· Emily Rutherford - The New Adventures of Old Christine,
· Kristin Bellamy - wife of Bill Bellamy - Fastlane
· Shanna Moakler
· Victoria Fuller - The Amazing Race
· Vanessa Bryant - wife of Kobe Bryant
· LOCAL - Amy Henry Deane - The Apprentice
· LOCAL - Tracey Overbeck Stead - Interior Designer of Nokonah, 34th Street Café and more


(Here's looking at you, kid)

Q: What do you wear each day?

Now, everything said about how much I love and appreciate fashion, my daily 'uniform' is yoga/leisure-style pants with tank tops or layered tees and usually flip-flops. I think that it is important to be comfortable and not worry about getting dirty or 'messed up' when you are with your kids. On the few occasions that I do get dressed to go out, I like to wear flirty dresses with stacked heels or jeans with an unusual silk top and heels or boots. I love little details that make an item different, be it the buttons, the fabric or an interesting ruffle. I am currently in a very romantic phase, in both my designs and my personal style, so everything tends to be very flowing, with sweet details... nothing too hugging or body-conscious.

Q: What would be your perfect getaway?

A: Ah - my perfect getaway would probably not include going out (or clothes) at all. I am so rarely ever alone, with down-time, that the perfect get-away would probably be a spa day, where I could be alone, not have to talk, not worry about hair, make-up or clothes and could just be pampered.

You can find Mommy-Go-Round within thirty-six states and at Due Maternity within Austin, Texas.

designer insider
posted - beth / 1:51 PM / 01.01.07