Q&A with Brianne Manz

By: Niki Shadrow Snyder

  1. NS:  Tell us about yourself and what you do? BM:  I had been a fashion showroom owner and then I became a mom and a blog writer.  I live in New York City with my husband, my three children, and my new puppy, Cooper.  My blog Stroller in the City boasts about city living, family travel, fashion and all things ‘mommy’.  I also launched a clothing line called In the City, which is a mini capsule collection of “mommy and me” pieces.  I’m also the co-host of Us Weekly’s “Moms Like Us”.
  2. NS:  How did you personally move the needle in 2020?  BM: In 2020, our needle took a complete 360!  We quickly listened to the times and what our readers needed from us to properly adjust. We changed the tone of some of our campaigns while providing sensitivity to the difficulties we all faced as Americans and citizens of the world.  We went from talking about trips around the world and fashion week to home schooling your kids, what we’re cooking for dinner, and listed so many helpful online resources parents were looking for. 
  3. NS: How did you deal with the stress in the world in 2020?  BM: This year hasn’t been easy for any of us.  As a family of 5 in a New York City apartment, there were definitely stressful moments, but ultimately, we recognize how lucky we all are just to be healthy! Like many others, we slowed down and enjoyed the extra time together that we wouldn’t have normally had. We’ve learned to appreciate the magic surrounding us and to never take anything for granted.
  4. NS: Do you have any advice for your younger self?  BM: I would tell my younger self to trust my instincts.  A woman’s instincts will always lead her onto the right path. There have been so many turns in my career and motherhood where trusting my instincts helped me to the next step. 
  5. NS:  What did you do in 2020 that you’re the most passionate about?  BM: I learned to get really comfortable with slowing down.  As a working mother of three, who is born and raised in New York City, I tend to stay very busy and on the go. This year showed me that it’s okay to be less busy and more present. Another passion project of mine was launching a clothing collection called In the City.  I decided to go back to my fashion roots and create pieces I love, and something that can be worn by mothers and daughters to have those matching “mommy and me” moments.  We, of course, postponed the launch back in the spring, but I’m excited to share that we just shipped out our second collection! I’m not sure how it even happened, but I am a co-host for Us Weekly’s newest YouTube show and column “Moms Like Us”.  My co-host Christina Garibaldi and I talk all things motherhood with glimpses into celebrity parents’ lives!  It’s been so much fun being able to shoot this on a weekly basis. Videoing in front of the camera and reading the script each week really has taken me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to face the challenge I’ve always struggled with, which is speaking publicly!  
  6. NS: What was the worst part of 2020 for you?  BM: I think seeing my children go months on end without seeing their friends. I know for us adults, it was emotionally heavy to not be able to connect with others and socialize with the ones we love.  I can only imagine how this year will impact all our children. 
  7. NS: What was the best part of 2020 for you?  BM: The best part of 2020 was definitely the extra time with my family. We normally keep such an active busy schedule that doesn’t always allow for real quality time. This year I got so much closer to my children and their unique little personalities. We created memories that will last us a lifetime. 
  8. NS: What does success mean to you?  BM: Success to me means being happy in whatever it is you need to do to be happy. Whether you’re career focused, or you prefer living simpler, I want us all to find that sweet spot where we live our most passionate authentic and best selves. 
  9. NS: What causes are important to you? BM: Breast cancer awareness is a cause close to my heart. Whether I’m hosting a fundraiser, advocating for awareness, or donating, I’m always so inspired by those directly affected. No Kid Hungry and Every Mother Counts are other organizations that I am deeply invested in and try to raise awareness whenever possible. 
  10. NS: Do you think the world right now needs to be influenced by what they can get or what they can give in the middle of this pandemic?  BM: I think however we can offer empathy and kindness is very important right now. This has been an incredibly hard year and we have all had to face adversity in some shape or form. Coming from a place of understanding that, and respecting it, will allow for business and relationships in general to move forward in healing.  So I think we all need to be influenced by how we can help one another and giving is key! 

ORDER ISSUE BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SDHJT98HSGN9S

hollywoodweekly
Author: hollywoodweekly