One of my dearest friends is a Frenchwoman who lives around the corner from me. Every year she and her family head back to her hometown in Bordeaux, France and spend the summer months hanging with her two sisters and mom. Oh, the perks of being a schoolteacher! For my birthday last year she gave me a French market basket she brought back with her from her last trip and I must say I am in love… yes, with a basket! It is so simple, yet so stylish, and I love to bring it on trips to the beach, Farmer’s Market or to the pool. It is perfect all year long to tote items around that my daughter might need for her dance or swim lessons.
![JeanneBeatrice.bag](https://dandelionmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/JeanneBeatrice.bag_-e1372109871257.jpg)
This last month I attended the Mom 2.0 Summit and was over the moon that one of the goodies given out for all the attendee’s was an adorable Jeanne Beatrice basket, courtesy of Dove. I now had two adorable straw bags in my possession (picture above taken at our last trip to the beach). Women do like their bags and I personally, just get too excited about things like this! I contacted the woman behind Jeanne Beatrice to hear more about her journey to create this fun business and what it has has been like for her – from idea to conception. I love that she gives back and helps to support the women who make these bags by hand who use techniques that had been passed down through the generations. She is providing us with two bags as a giveaway for some lucky dandelion moms so stay tuned! Read what Laura Benson has to say about her company and how she juggles being a mom and business owner.
![JeanneBeatrice.La-Vie-Medium-Noir-Front](https://dandelionmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/JeanneBeatrice.La-Vie-Medium-Noir-Front-650x679.png)
Tell us when you decided to create Jeanne Beatrice?
I used to be a lawyer, then chose to stay home with my daughter, Ella (now 12 yrs), when she was born. When she started school full time, I knew I didn’t want to go back to law – I knew I wanted to do something outside the box/completely different. I saw market baskets on a family trip to France, and decided to bring market baskets to the US. I took a leap of faith, and Jeanne Beatrice was born. Jeanne is my middle name and Beatrice is my daughter’s. I love constantly growing, stretching and learning, which I get to do with my business on a daily basis. My favorite quote is: “Life begins where your comfort zone ends.”
We love that you use people in developing countries to make your baskets so as to provide a means to support their families Are they part of an alliance that helps support locals?
I’ve been to Morocco twice now to meet with my supplier and learn about baskets. He works directly with the weavers. Generally, the baskets are woven by women in small rural villages using ancient methods passed down through their ancestors. Then, men sew the leather on the baskets. I also donate to the High Atlas Foundation – a non-profit organization that works to increase the quality of living in rural Morocco.
As a mom and business owner, what are some things you do to try to maintain a healthy work and home life?
I love having my own business because it provides flexibility. I work a lot, but the hours are flexible, which allows me to be shuttle Ella to theater camp, soccer, etc. . . It’s not always easy to maintain balance, though! It’s so easy to get caught up in the rat race. I feel most balanced when I take time to slow down, exercise, stay connected to friends, and when I remember how much I have for which to be grateful. Luckily, I love what I do!
Any news you want to share with dandelion moms?
I am a semi-finalist to appear on ABCs TV show, Shark Tank, next season!
Congratulations Laura on making it to the semi-finals! Can’t wait to see you up on TV convincing Mark Cuban to invest in your company!
Good luck dandelion moms! We also have one bag we are handing out to a lucky participant at our upcoming Facebook Party on June 26th so stop by!
To read more about Laura Benson and her company go to:
Enter to WIN one of two French market baskets like this one (Valued at $40-$55.00 each)
Update: 7/6/2013 – Congratulations to both Kellie Shields and Niamh Ni Mhochoir – you both won a Jeanne Beatrice French Market Basket!
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5 Comments
Kellie
I would use this for the beach and for shopping!
Rhonda P.
Great for the beach! Thank you for the opportunity!
karen hinkle
I would use this when we go to the parks well every where
Lynette Trease
I would use this bag a s a beach bag while at the lake and on vacation!
Niamh
For the beach and hitting the local farmers market.