I was initially writing about the face and hair care line Adena Surabian developed, but after learning the story behind Nature’s Baby, I knew I would be insane if I passed up the opportunity to interview her. Luckily for me, Adena gracefully obliged. Let’s meet a true hero.

BN: I’ve heard of moms who would do anything for their kids, but you went at least one step further. You actually created Nature’s Baby for your kids’ skin problems, and then turned it into a successful business. Did you ever feel like quitting?
AS: I wanted to give up all the time and sometimes I still do, then I’ll get an email from customers about how my products have helped their children. My father thinks I’m paying these customers because the feedback is always so positive. The truth is they even exceed my expectations.

BN: Well, you’ve done something that exceeds most people’s expectations– starting your own business. What made you think you could turn this idea into a lucrative company?
AS: I owned an online child safety store before starting Nature’s Baby. After having my first daughter, my husband and I kept finding things in the house that weren’t childproof. We came up with some ideas of our own and turned it into a business.

BN: Speaking of your husband, was he supportive of Nature’s Baby initially, or did he think that if a handful of doctors can’t find a cure for your daughters, what makes you think you can?
AS: One hundred percent (supportive) and he still is. He peps me up when I’m burnt out and he stays up late with me. He even helps me with ideas. He’s so excited and proud of what I’ve accomplished.

BN: I know it pained you to see your kids suffer pre-Nature’s Baby, but did you actually test these products on them?
AS: If I don’t put it on my kids, I won’t use it on anyone else.

BN: That’s fair. But what isn’t fair is that women have to dye their hair to get back to their natural roots. You’ve stated that adults can also use your products but how well do your shampoos and conditioners work on color-treated hair?
AS: It’s perfect for color-treated hair. It won’t strip the color and your color actually lasts longer. It doesn’t remove product build-up, but it is excellent after using a clarifying shampoo.

BN: Obviously, your kids were the reasons for starting both businesses. How else have they inspired you?
AS: They’re amazing. They’re constantly an inspiration””they bring you back to what life’s about and they ground you. For example, my 2½ -year -old sees so much delight in a flower, and the fact that she shares, and their laughter.

BN: As wonderful as that sounds, you still need Adena time. What do you do to relax?
AS: I walk every morning with a friend for about an hour. And at night, I do some reading.

BN: Okay, time to do a little name-dropping. Which celebrities use your products? C’mon you can tell me.
AS: Courtney Cox and Denise Richards first received them as gifts, and Brooke Burke uses it on her girls.

BN: Before I let you go, I just have to say that Adena is such a beautiful name. It actually reminds me of the word Adonis, am I close?
AS: It’s a Hebrew name. I think it means (shy) delicate and sensitive.
BN: That sounds like you.

Our thanks to Adena for doing this interview. If for some reason you’re reading this section out of order, then you missed the article on Nature’s Baby in “Back to Nature.” You can learn more about her products in that article or at www.naturesbabyproducts.com.

I am so proud to write for a section dedicated to mothers and what better way to start off the new year than by spotlighting a mom every month who inspires us to do more with our own lives. She may be the pillar of her community, a successful business owner, or an activist. Maybe she’s your mother, your son ‘s teacher, or even you. Since I can’t contact every household in the Los Angeles area, I need your help. If there’s a mom you think the readers should know about, feel free to email me with her contact information and a brief description of what makes her so extraordinary at abbey@beautynewsla.com .

The first person I’d like to introduce you to is Gigi Cossar. She is a very busy mother to an active twelve-year old girl, happily married to her loving husband of seventeen years, and runs her own successful business Extras, Actors, & Models, a direct booking service for the entertainment industry. When I first met Gigi in her office a few months ago, I was lucky enough to see her in action. Our initial meeting was to talk about some of her clients, but after talking to her I knew I had to interview her for this piece. She was intelligent, passionate about her work, and had a very humble and generous nature, all of which I admire. So let’s talk to Gigi.

BN: How long have you had your own business?
Gigi: Since 1998. My background is in fashion. I co-managed a store on Rodeo Drive, which I left when one of the clients offered me a job in the business that I’m in now. Shortly after, I started Extras, Actors, & Models.

BN: Wow, that’s pretty impressive.
Gigi: I knew I could do it.

BN: Who did you turn to for advice?
Gigi: No one. I experimented on my own and I did make mistakes, but I learned from them. It’s the best way to learn.

BN: Why do you think your business is so successful?
Gigi: I don’t mix business with friendships.

BN: But in this business, it’s all about who you know and who your friends with. Don’t you think it’s important to have business-friendships?
Gigi: We have the best people (clients) – I hand-pick them myself, and that’s why people want my business. I think because we’re not friends, we respect each other tremendously and we feel privileged to work with each other.

BN: Good point. The first time I met you, you had to cut our meeting short to pick up your daughter from her afterschool activities. I thought it was strange because, well because this is L.A., and that’s what the nanny’s for.
Gigi: I don’t have a nanny.

BN: How come, both you and your husband work?
Gigi: I grew up in Burma with maids and nannies, but they were born into the family and were like family. It’s different here, I don’t want a stranger raising my daughter.

BN: So you take your daughter to school in the morning and pick her up after school?
Gigi: I also take her to gymnastics, tennis, swimming, martial arts, fencing, and horseback riding.

BN: Wow, she’s pretty busy. Like mother, like daughter.
Gigi: This way she has no time to get bored, she’s physically fit, and her schedule keeps her away from drugs and keeps her out of trouble.

BN: I should note, these activities aren’t all done simultaneous, but she’s still a very active twelve year- old. Your daughter’s too young to work right now, but do you think she should have a job in a few years?
Gigi: Absolutely. She has to learn the value of money.

BN: Now let’s talk about your husband. How do you keep your marriage working with such a hectic schedule?
Gigi: We give each other a lot of space and we try not to get into each other’s hair. Everyone has good and bad sides, so we concentrate on the good and try to bring out the best in each other.

BN: You weren’t raised in this country, but you’re living the American Dream. Did you find it difficult to get to where you are today?
Gigi: Not really. I’ve worked hard for everything I have. You have to set goals and chase your dreams, but do it realistically. Life is all about fighting for what you want. Things that are given to you can be easily taken away from you.

BN: You’re so eloquent
Gigi: And get rid of the negative people in your life.

BN: I agree with you 100% there. Do you apply similar principles to both parenting and work?
Gigi: Yes. I set rules and boundaries.

BN: You’ve made a lot of good points, any other words of wisdom for working moms?
Gigi: Make time for yourself and love what you do professionally. I love my work and I love being hands-on. If I had a choice between winning the lottery and my business, I choose my business.

BN: But if you do win the lottery, I’m happy to take it off your hands. Thank you Gigi. It was my pleasure interviewing you.

If you’re interested in modeling or acting, you can learn more about Extras & Models by logging onto www.eamcasting.com or by calling (818) 995-3342.

P.S. As cute as she is, Gigi was camera shy. But normally I’d like to include pictures of these extraordinary mothers.