Exclusive: Meet Deidrea Haysel of Hot Mama Gowns

Your Name: Deidrea Haysel

How many children do you have? 2 right now. Naomi is almost 4 and Austin is almost 2. We plan on having 4 children, but we’ll see how much we like that plan after 3!

Your Business Name:
Hot Mama Gowns

Brief Description of Your Business: We offer personal hospital maternity gowns made of 100% Organic Cotton, manufactured solely in the USA, and designed to fit just about every size mommy and bump, with sizes from XS(2) – XXL (24)! Our gowns offer the expectant Mom the style, function, and comfort not offered by generic hospital gowns. Our gowns are also designed to fit Mom before, during AND after birth, with ribbon tied panels which allow for expansion and contraction (pun intended!) to accommodate a growing belly and then can be cinched in to fit as lounge wear or nursing pajamas. Not only are they super soft and have a full snap-down back to keep Mom’s assets covered, but the gowns were designed to make breastfeeding easy and discreet. There are two separate breastfeeding panels which allow Mom access to her breasts without bearing her chest to a room full of visitors.

We have LOTS of things coming your way early 2010, such as a fabulous website relaunch, corresponding swaddling blankets and the option for gift sets including Earth Mama Angel Baby organic products as well as another HUGE program that will allow our Hot Mamas to purchase more than one gown at an incredible price: so stay tuned! And talk about a GREAT Baby Shower gift, our gowns come beautifully packaged so they can be sent directly to the Mom-to-be, complete with enclosure card and they arrive looking beautiful!

When do you make time to run a business with your busy MOM schedule? There are 2 ways I make time for the business. I almost wish this was a paid endorsement, but honestly, since I bought my iPhone, my business/life balance has become much better. With so many applications and email capabilities I’m able to be present with my children, duck away every hour or so to quickly check emails, tweet, check Facebook, respond to Hot Mama emergencies, delete items that clutter my inbox, send files, etc. And this leads directly into my second way, which is when the kids are in bed. Keeping up during the day leads to less computer time at night, but even so, it is normal for me to be working until 2AM, but that’s what works for me.

What is your favorite beauty tip? Moisturize!! Since I’m a simple girl and usually go out with not much more than mascara and gloss, having hydrated, glowing skin is a must!!

What did your mother teach you about beauty and fashion? Less is more! My mom was a single mother raising two young girls and didn’t spend time on herself like she should have, so what she did instill in both my sister and I was to be comfortable in our own skin and to carry ourselves with confidence. Because no matter what you were wearing or what type of makeup you have on, when you walk in a room with confidence; you glow!

What beauty/fashion tips will you be sure to share with your daughter, niece or neighbor girl as she grows? I hope to teach my daughter(s) that it’s awesome to be trendy and have what’s hot and new, but it’s equally important to fill your closet with classics so when the fad is over, your wardrobe still has life! And tweezers..always keep a pair in your car; that lighting is perfect for cleaning up your brows, especially when you’re stuck in a traffic jam!

What is your favorite outfit in your closet and why? Dark denim, crisp white top with white camisole underneath, paired with sandals or sneakers..depending on the weather. I love it because it’s simple, clean and versatile. Add a chunky necklace or a bracelet or a simple pendant and you can change the feel of the look.

What’s your favorite online site to shop for beauty or fashion? For fashion it would have to be between Ann Taylor and Loft (formerly Ann Taylor Loft). I love that I can get fresh, trendy looks with a classic touch. Their online sites are beautifully done and you are visually able to see fit, texture and draping of different garments.

What motivates you to look your best? When I look good, I feel good, and when I feel good, I can take on the world. So that “high” I get once I’ve accomplished a simple task or a week long project, that high is what keeps me motivated to look good, feel good, produce good (even though poor grammar!).

As a mom, “Me Time” is limited… what are your time saving beauty tips? Since “me time” is so limited, when I get the chance, I take full advantage: Go big or go home! So when I can get out to pamper myself I do it all that one day or in that one time frame! Manicure, pedicure, massage, hair, pick up new outfit, quiet Starbucks!

Name one product you can’t live without: Palmers Cocoa Butter Stick, which can be hard to find, so when my husband or I find it, we literally buy all they have! But I have found them at Target, Walgreens and Wal-mart. It’s great because it can be used for everything from moisturizing your lips, smoothing rough elbows, covering any dry patch on your face, body or for your kids. And if you forget lotion, no worries, you can use it to hydrate your hands too!

Heels or flats? Describe your favorite pair. Heels! The higher the better. My favorite pair I call the Hot Mama Heels!

What has been your worst fashion faux pas? Made the mistake of getting a perm once; a tight curl, poodle perm. Okay, enough on that subject, I just had flashbacks that I thought I had regressed well!

Lip gloss or Lip Stick? Which brand/color? Gloss! A staple is C.O. Bigelow® Mentha Cinnamint Lip Shine

Find Hot Mama Gowns on Twitter: @hotmamagowns

Editor’s Note: Deidrea, I am so happy you decided to participate in Real Moms. Real Beauty! You are one Hot Mama and fit your business name so well! Love your recommendation for the Cocoa Butter Stick- I think it’s the perfect solution for my daughter’s chapped skin this winter. On another note, while your Hot Mama Heels ARE fabulous, I hope you have a pair of red ones stashed in your closet as well!

Readers, you have to know that Deidrea is an absolute doll! I met her a year ago at Baby Celebration & Tween LA. She wore her high heels all weekend great potential customers and showing off her amazing organic Hot Mama Gowns. Deidrea has a lot of spirit, passion and personality…and she puts all of that into her business! If you are expecting or are needing a baby shower gift, please do consider the Hot Mama Gowns!

Sampling of Hot Mama Gowns: