Working With Mom

May 6, 2011
Working With Mom
Nearly 80 percent of American businesses are family-owned or operated. Just in time for Mother’s Day, PINK celebrates businesses owned and operated by mothers and daughters.

“We’re now seeing a generation of moms that have businesses their daughters can join,” Sara Stevens, who owns Ooh La La Candy with daughter Rebecca Zorowitz, tells PINK.

Growing up, Zorowitz admits she resented her workaholic mother for not being involved in her life enough. They went into business together after Stevens was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Zorowitz brought a fresh perspective to the company, her frustration subsided and today, Ooh La La Candy is a $750,000 company. 

Stevens says it was vital for her to find a balance between “supportive mom and [business] partner.” They say making sure personal things don’t get in the way of business helps. “I call her ‘Sara’ in the office, but once it’s 6 p.m. she goes back to ‘mom,’” says Zorowitz.

They’re not the only duo making it work: Madonna and daughter Lourdes run fashion line Material Girl. Georgette Kaplan, with daughters Jamie and Stephanie, created the Ms. And Mrs. line of products. Brenda Cascio, with daughters Audrey Edwards and Madelyn Cascio, head up wedding website Gracious Bridal.

When working with relatives, The New York Times suggests discussing the professional path you want to take up front, what advancement possibilities exist and what measures are in place in case the business falls through. Others suggest creating a guideline that maps out the vision for the company, each employee’s role and how money will be handled.

Bonus PINK Link: Family or not, business partnerships aren’t always easy. Here’s how to make sure yours thrives.

By Brittani Banks

“A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person
to make leaning unnecessary.” Dorothy Fisher