Today we have a giveaway from TLB sponsor A Mother’s Boutique. Read on for details on this opportunity and an interview with boutique owner, Judy Masucci. I recently reviewed two maternity/breastfeeding tops Judy carries in her store, you can read that review here. I hope you take the time to get to know this company that faithfully supports The Leaky Boob.
TLB: What made you decide to have both a brick and mortar shop and an online store?
Judy: I started my business out of my home in 2007. For me it was the “lowest risk” way to start. I had no overhead – so the only costs that I had were my inventory and whatever money that I spent on marketing and on my website. My original idea was that I would go visit local moms in their homes – so that they didn’t have to venture out with a brand new baby. And that I would provide moms with great resources online. I did quite a few home visits in the early days. But as the number of items that I carried grew, it became less and less practical for me to bring my store to the moms – so I started inviting local moms to come to my home to shop. I did this until 2010 when I literally “out-grew” my home. I had taken over my entire basement with boxes of inventory, my front foyer and my entire dining nook in my kitchen. My house was overrun with boxes and inventory. I also found that many moms didn’t want to come to my house to shop – so I wasn’t able to serve local moms as well as I would have liked. So in January of 2010, I moved out of my home and into a retail space. This enabled me to do two things: 1) Have a warehouse for my growing inventory and 2) Have a retail store where I could better service local moms. I have been in my retail location for just over 2 years now and I already wish that I had more space!
TLB: How do you select the items your store carries? What do you look for in choosing your inventory?
Judy: I always looks for items that I think will helps moms be able to breastfeed their babies. I started the business because of the clothing, I lived in nursing clothing when my son was little and I wanted to bring together the cutest, most fashionable and best value items for other moms. It can be difficult to find good quality items so I make sure that I bring in brands that I trust and I always try to have something for every budget. Most of the styles that I carry can be worn both during pregnancy and beyond for easy breastfeeding so mom doesn’t have to purchase items that she will only wear during her pregnancy. The items that she gets from me will last her throughout her pregnancy, during her breastfeeding years and beyond. I still wear nursing tops and I am no longer nursing, but the styles are so cute and innovative that you can’t even tell they are a nursing top unless someone tells you.
I have also become somewhat of a “bra guru” and now carry over 50 different styles of nursing bras in every size from 32-48 band and A to M cups. I am always looking to add new bra styles to my boutique to better service moms of every shape and size. A bra is something that you wear every day so it needs to fit properly and be comfortable and fit and comfort are different for every woman. I even offer Virtual Bra Fittings TM for moms who aren’t local! I also try to satisfy every budget with bras ranging in price from $16 to $78. With bras, no matter what the price range, I always try to find items that are high quality. I don’t want them to fall apart after a few months of wear and I want them to be comfortable for lots of moms. It is a huge investment for me to bring in a new bra line, so I always try out a sample in my own size first to see how the line fits and how it wears before I decide to bring it into my store.
Some moms want function, some want something pretty so I try to have something for every one. Whether it is a dress to wear to a wedding, a bra to sleep in or a PJ set to make those middle-of-the night feedings easier, I try to have something for every need. If it makes mom more comfortable breastfeeding and enables her to meet her personal breastfeeding goals, then I am all for it! I never judge and I am always happy to help with advice or a referral.
TLB: What is your favorite part of your job?
Judy: My favorite part of my job is when I get to make a difference in a mom’s life. I have gotten so many nice notes from moms who have shopped with me, both online and in person, it makes everything worthwhile when I am able to help out a mom. Whether it is helping her find a great nursing bra or helping to find answers to her breastfeeding questions, when I can make a difference in someone else’s life it is very rewarding. That is the reason that everyone who shops in my store (in person and online) gets breastfeeding tips articles from me. I wrote them and I give them out to everyone hoping that something that I have learned along the way will resonate with another mom and will help her along her own breastfeeding journey.
TLB: You just celebrated your birthday, what’s your favorite kind of cake and how do you like to celebrate?
Judy: I am a leap-year baby so I actually had a real birthday this year!! Whenever I get a real birthday I always have a big party on my day. Since it only comes once every 4 years I like to make it special. I am a traditional buttercream icing kind-of girl. And I have a cake lady who does a FABULOUS job at making cakes (and cookies!). I found her when my son was 2 years old and she has made every cake for us since then. You can see her on facebook here.
This giveaway is for any item up to $110 value from the Annee Matthew line Judy carries in her shop. I reviewed 2 tops from this line (you can see the review and pictures here). Anne Matthew is a manufacturer based out of Singapore, and like many moms in this business, she was inspired by her own breastfeeding experiences with her children to make clothing for moms that would enable them to easily breastfeed their babies. Mom turned designer, her garnets are fashionable, high quality, and most can be worth through pregnancy and beyond.
Additionally, 3 runners up will be selected for a $15 gift certificate to A Mother’s Boutique. Please be sure to stop by A Mother’s Boutique on Facebook and thank them for their support of TLB and this opportunity. The giveaway is open from March 6, 2012 to March 12, 2012 and is available only to USA and Canadian entrants.
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Good luck to everyone! Please use the widget below to be entered and have fun browsing Judy’s shop. A big thanks to Judy for her support of TLB and all breastfeeding women.
I would love to win I have a terrible time finding bras that fit
Awesome opportunity! I am always looking for tops/bras/tanks to make nursing easier, especially in public with a squirmy and overly attentive baby 🙂
I will have to check out more from her site. Good luck everyone.
Thank you for this great giveaway!
I’ve had my eye on an Annee Matthew nursing dress for a while…
Thank you so much for this give away! I hope I can win to get out of this uncomfortable Walmart nursing bra!!
Any of the dresses for this summer 🙂
Would love to win, really in need of a new bra and some more shirts!!!!
I would LOVE to get a Geisha Wrap top!
I like the Diana Maxi Dress in pomegranate. Entering on the RC form as Erin Cox
I would love a great nursing bra!! 🙂
Would love a nice nursing top. It’s so hard to find any here.
So hard to choose! I need a dress or skirt, but I also need some short-sleeved shirts. Anything would be wonderful!
Ahhh I totally NEED to win this!! 🙂
Thank you for this opportunity!!!!
I would LOVE to win a wrap or anything that would make nursing my 6 month old easier!! These tank tops just dont cut it sometimes!
I don’t have any cute nursing clothes and would LOVE to have something that fits my style!
Wishing & hoping:)
Oh how I would love to have either a functional OR pretty nursing bra! Can’t seem to find one that works. Thx for the oppotunity
I would love to win a nursing bra
I would choose the blue Grecian dress 🙂
I love the Raglan Turtleneck, but it would be a tough decision!
A nursing bra! I only have one!
I am really in need of a good nursing bra/top. I am still wearing the same cheap Walmart bras from when I had my son 5 1/2 years ago!
I would love the Ivanna Tie Dress in Bamboo!
I would love to win…..I am a G cup and i only have one bra that fits because they are hard to find at reasonable prices….we paid over 100 for the one i have 🙁
Would love to win! Probably would pick a nursing bra.
I’m still searching for that perfect-fitting and comfortable nursing bra, and wouldn’t mind exploring other nursing clothing.
Thanks for the giveaway
I would love to win a few more nursing bras or tanks!
I would love to win! A Mother’s Boutique is actually local to me, and it’s a wonderful little shop!
I would love to win. There are several things I would like to buy if I win! Oh the decisions! I would go for Undercover Mama, Doughnut necklace, or nursing bra.
So neat! I love Annee Matthew stuff, but I can never afford it. I love nursing clothes!
anything – it’s all cute! Thanks!
Id love to get more. Nursing tops
I do not have a nursing top at all, this would be amazing!
I have limites myself to sportbras. I am due in may, the last time I boughta nursing bra was 2 years ago and the sales lady sold me on something that way did not fit. Would love a nursing bra that fits and makes me feel good about myself.
I would love to win this! I am definately in need!
Not sure my comment worked – Judy is amazing with virtual bra fittings! Would love to win! Thank you!
If love to win some good nursing stuff thanks for supporting the leaky boob! And thank you For the giveaway
I would love to win and could so use this great giveaway!
Im due in a few weeks. I definitely need a good fitting nursing bra!
I have some horrible nursing bras, gross, stained, uncomfortable – I need help!
I love any of the nursing clothes! The bras would come in handy too, since I don’t have a nice nursing bra.
I would love some new bras instead of the stretched out ones I have!
Ooops was looking at the wrong line. I love the Aubrey dress
I LOVE the Tabitha Tube Dress in Bamboo I’ll have to look around her site even more!
I have been eying the Annee Matthew wrap top forever!!
I tried to enter on the widget but I’m not sure it is working. I couldn’t type in the “enter” space what I would want to win. I read your post on the tops from A mothers Boutique, and both tops you got look great, but the Shawl Tunic/Mini Dress looks super cute and if I could win one, that would be the one I would love. Thanks for introducing me to a new shop with great selection of larger bra sizes.
The City Chic Dress looks great but I’m confused as to where I find the particular line I’m supposed to be looking at??? I don’t know if this is in it. When I type it in on the top, only 1 shirt comes up….
I have one crappy nursing bra and no good tops, so anything would be awesome!
What an awesome giveaway!
I would love to win a beautiful nursing top/dress.
A good nursing bra
I would totally love to win a nursing bra. I have ditched the nursing bras I do have because they are cheap and so ill fitting. Would love to find/receive a good bra.
Would love to win! I don’t have any nursing tops!
I’d LOVE to win any nursing tops! Especially something that promotes breastfeeding advocacy;-)
A supportive, comfortable, good fitting nursing bra would be amazing!
would love a nursing top
It would be wonderful to have a good bra to transition from pregnancy to breastfeeding with. I’ve been on bed rest since I was 16 weeks along and still have 10 more weeks to go so shopping for any clothes has been impossible.
Love it all!
I would love to win this and gift it to a dear friend. She’s having her third and is going through a rough time. Might have to get her something from here anyway!!!
Thank you for the opportunity to win this 🙂
What a selection! I need nursing tops! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank you! I need a shirt for an upcoming plane trip with my nursling.
I am a large busted woman and it is very difficult to find a good nursing bra with great support that also lets me feel pretty at the same time. I would so love to win one of these bras!!!
I think I would like the Aubrey dress. I love the Anne Mathew stuff but it’s out of our price range. I desperately need some nursingwear or church though! I have one shirt from AMB and I loveLoveLOVE it, but I think my fellow parishioners are getting tired of seeing me in the same thing every week LOL
I NEED this!! I have already outgrown the bras I bought for pregnancy 🙁 I cannot buy my size in stores locally so it would be wonderful to win this.
I would LOOOOOOOOVE this!!! I need new everything! I have 2 nursing tops that I wear so often they have holes and my last remaining nursing bra is torn 🙁
I would love, love, love to win!! 🙂 I would get a new nursing bra. It’s hard to find one that I like that doesn’t fall apart after a month of wearing it.
I like the Ivanna tie dress!
Thank you for this giveaway
LOVE LOVE LOVE A Mother’s Boutique and Judy is the best! 🙂 I’d pick the Rosette and Goddess tops!
I am in LOVE with the Tabitha Tube Dress! It’s so hot down where I live now and I feel like this would be perfect for the summer time to make nursing easier!
I’d love to win a new nursing bra!
I LOVE A Mothers Boutique. I hope to provide a service like that to moms I. My area one day.
Thank you for sharing your story!
I could definitely use this!!! I like the Smoothing Nursing Bra!
I’d love the Front Rouche Top in Bamboo! Or the Evita dress!
I would love to win this! There are so many great choices! I really like the undercover nursing cami thing that attaches to any nursing bra. How cool is that?!
Id love another nursing bra!
I would LOVE one of the nursing dresses!! So many weddings to go to this year and so hard to find something that works! Thank you!
I’d like to win the Inez Tunic
awesome giveaway would love to have a few nursing shirts!
awesome giveaway! I would love a nursing shirt!
Thanks for a great giveaway. I hope I picked from the correct line and if so I would definitely want the Kate dress. I would love to use it in my professional photos when I hit 7 months or so. Thanks for a great giveaway.
Wow! what a great selection. Thank you for the giveaway! If I won I would go with the Flynn top in Bamboo. Black- XL. Thanks again!
I would love to win a real bra! I’ve been living in nursing tanks for years now, and the “ladies” would love a lift! 😉
I love the Jenna Bubble Top in Bamboo! Thanks!
I’m boring, but I think I’d like the Lace Henley. Or the Cheesecake Nursing Bra.
This is such an awesome Mom give a way. We get so little after baby. I live in a small town that has no maternity/nursing stores. So everything has to be purchased online. I have been reluctant to buy online so instead I have 1 bra with underwire that I have cut and hacked apart then “made” into a nursing bra. It would be so wonderful to win suck an amazing bra for ME!!!
I’d love to have either a bra or a maya wrap
Oh I am so excited to discover A Mother’s Boutique! I have actively been searching for a nice nursing dress and been dreadfully disappointed. I would love to win anything from Annee Matthew! And I will definitely continue checking out A Mother’s Boutique (I’ve already spent two hours on there). Thanks!!
I like it all but The Flynn top in bamboo looks super comfy!
hmmm…Sorry if this posted twice, I got an error the first time.
My Oldest nursed for 17 months so my nursing bras are in sad shape :-(, I need some new ones before boy #2 is born in May.
I love your store, just saving some money up to get some new bras…hopefully form pretty ones, not the grey (they started out as white) ones I have waiting for me.
This is awesome. I’d love to win any kind of top so I can nip and stay covered. I don’t know of any store like this locally
Ann I would love to win this pleeease!!
Would love to win a cute summer top or dress!
I would LOVE to win. Nursing bras are SO expensive for us larger mommas!
I would love to win a nursing tank or a summery dress!
really love the Kate dress!
Would love to stop going braless and win a awesome nursing bra! 🙂
This would be awesome… Im.always looking.for.nursing bras and tanks.
This would be awesome to help prepare for my return to work!
I’m always looking for great nursing tops!
My dryer broke my “good” bra… Im in need 🙂
The Evita in bamboo would be perfect for a wedding we’re attending in June!
I just had my 2nd baby 2 days ago and would love some new gear!
I would love to win the Yoko Wrap in Bamboo size 2x. In the Blue. So beautiful.
I’d like the Best for Babies tee!
I really like the Bamboo Surplice Raglan in cocoa. Really could use a Virtual Bra fitting!
New baby is coming this fall, and I would love some nursing essentials to help make breastfeeding easier! All the nursing bras, dresses, and pj’s look so fabulous!
Nice new bras!
I could really use a high quality bra, I’d love to win.
I’m torn between the Boy Tank Original and the Luna Crop Top!
gonna check out your website..
I’d LOVE a PJ sleep set. Then I don’t have to wear my husband’s flannels pants and T-shirts. Lol
I would love a nursing bra that is supportive but doesn’t cause me blocked ducts. Every bra I have is awful in a different way!
Love that they have sizes for full busts!
I would love to win a nursing top!
I would LOVE a milk factory tshirt 🙂
I need some shirts !!!!! PLEASE PLEASE LUCK BE A LADY !
i’d like a nursing top!
I’d love the Easy Dayz PJ Set!
I would love another nursing bra or a nursing tank. It is very difficult to find good bras for a large busted momma!
Oh I LOVE the Ivana tie dress! We have some weddings coming this summer and it’d be so nice to have a pretty nursing dress for the occasions 🙂
Love the swimsuits. I swim with my son every weekend, so they would be perfect. Thanks!!!
I love the nursing tops!
I would love to get a great fitting nursing bra!
I would love to win this…and be able to get things to help me on my adventure of breast your feeding
The ‘your’ isn’t supposed to be there.
Thanks hope I win!!!!!
I would love to win the Sidney Faux Wrap top. It would be lovely!
Would love to win! Really could.use it!
I would love to win! I’m expecting baby #5 and of course I’m going to need some stuff for breastfeeding! Awesome giveaway!
I would probably get the bamboo banded tunic. It looks so comfy! 🙂
I would love to given a chance to experience this line of clothing. 🙂
So nice of you! Nursing clothes can be expensive, but well made ones are so worth it, IMO.
I would love to win! I am nursing my 4th baby:)
I LOVE the body tank sport!! LOOOVE it! I don’t know what I’d do without nursing tops!
A nice nursing bra that is pretty! Simple but so hard to find!
such pretty tops! i love the emily tunic….could definitely use some nursing shirts!
I’m always ready to try a new nursing top!
I would love to win and pick up the Valencia dress!
I would love to get some nursing tops – I’ve been breastfeeding my son for almost 2 years without any, but think it would be very nice for baby #2 coming this summer!
I would love a nursing dress for the summer.
So hard to find good ones, love these!
I would love to get better support as a breast feeding mom
Not sure which one would be best but I know I need a nursing bra that fits!
today’s my birthday and I would love to win a pretty nursing dress with nursing 2 babies good nursing clothes are so nice to have
the tess underwire looks great!
I would love to win this!!’ great giveaway!!
I NEED a new nursing bra. I only have one and it’s getting holes. They are so hard to find, and so expensive, I would be thrilled to have anything!
i would love to win!
Great stuff! I love the Tiger Hoodie.
The dryer also broke my goood bra:-( i wpuld love to win another !!
It is so difficult to find good nursing bras, I would love the chance to get a good one 🙂 I would get nursing shirts, dresses, or a bra
I like the Bamboo Geisha Wrap top.
I would love to win! I have 2 nursing bras, bought from Target during my pregnancy with DD, and they both have holes in the back now. DD is now 2.5yrs still nursing and I am pregnant with #2 who is due in May. Money is uber tight so this would be a huge blessing!!
I just need a nursing bra so desperately! I haven’t been able to find one that fits as I am a small frame and very large busted. A 32 G. I have horrible (what seems to be permanent indentions) in my shoulders upper and mid back from the nursing sports bra I wear and t is so terribly uncomfortable. I NEED this! I have been nursing for 6 Months now and want to go for at LEAST 12 more. Help!!!
I would really love the maxi sundress. Since my little guy is due July 3 it would be perfect for the summer.
I desperately need new bras when this fourth baby arrives in May. I also like the Shirred Tunic and will need at least one good dress. Decisions, decisions…
I like the Obi Nursing top
Would love to win to get nursing bras- I don’t have any that I like or find comfortable and this time I really would like to have some supportive Bras!
Would love to win. Would make nuring and bra finding easier!
These are awesome! Shopping sprees are great, epecially if it’s stuff we need! My bras have been worked to death!
I would live to win a sexy nursing bra. I only have one nursing bra and it’s not very sexy. Lol
This is such a great opportunity! I’d LOVE to win some nursing tops! Oh how that would make life so much easier. My little man is SO squirmy and it’s so hard to feed him in public with my shirt pulled up! My hubby is about to deploy and anything that can make my life easier would be awesome. This …. would be awesome! Thank y’all 🙂 You have beautiful items! Thank y’all for making breastfeeding something that we can talk about and share about. It’s amazing to have this kind of community!
Pregnancy #3 is almost over and I’m still no closer to finding a nursing bra that fis. This will be my second time nursing twins and I desperately need a bra that’ll provide support. I’ve tried the major brands and none fit properly. I’m not a very big person, but I have rather ample bosom. Please oh please pick me!
I NEED this I don’t have any comfortable nursing bras/tops!
It’s so hard to find good nursing clothes. I would love one of the dresses!
Hope I win! Your products look fantastic!
I love this site wish I had found it earlier. Bra shopping is my biggest nightmare. This is my 3rd nursing baby and would love to find a bra that makes me feel supported and sexy while serving its purpose! Will be trawling the site when my babies are in bed <3
I’d love to win, but I can’t possibly choose right now what I’d like to purchase! Everything looks amazing!
I would love to win. If I won I would pick out a new nursing bra. I can not find a comfortable nursing bra.. The TWO I have able to find in my area are TERRIBLE! My area is not nursing mama friendly.. 🙁
I would love to try one of the dresses! I always have a hard time finding nursing wear that’s small enough to fit me but it looks like many things from the Annee Matthew line would fit me.
I like the Emily Bamboo Blouse
I am SO over the nursing bras I have. Money is tight so I’ve had to purchase mine at 2 for $10! You can imagine the quality… This would be so AMAZING!
I need new nursing tanks!
I love the lacey sleep dress! Comfy, pretty nursing PJs are so valuable!
I would love a pretty new nursing dress! Or the Yoko Wrap… so many pretty choices. A Mother’s Boutique is fabulous! Judy does great virtual fittings. Love it!
I ‘m torn between the Emily or Flynn top…both are super cute!
Front ruche top is awesome! Thanks for the chance.
I love the flirty halter dress, the licorice bra, and the teething bling, but everything in your store looks ah-mazing!!! :”)
I would love to get some new nursing bras. I was just thinking today how stretched out mine have all become.
So exciting! The new dresses are beautiful!
Bra shopping is the hardest shopping for me! I’m always either pregnant or nursing. I’ve tried many cheap ones and would love the opportunity to be sized correctly and have a nice supportive bra that lasts!
I’ve had such a hard time w bf that anything to make it more fun would be welcome.
I would love to win some nursing tops & bras.
Keeping my fingers crossed 🙂
How do you view the Annee Matthew stuff?
I would love to win the licorice bra! My two nursing bras are boring solid colors.
And by licorice bra (not Annee Matthew!) I meant the best for babes nursing shirt by Annee Matthew! I blame baby brain for the mixup.
I hope I am not too late. I was having some internet issues and it wouldn’t put my post through. I am crossing my fingers in hopes of winning this. I live in a place that has only one store that sell nursing bras and they only sell one kind. . . . . . the big uncomfortable tank kind. I want to feel pretty and I want a bra that is comfortable. Right now, I end up wearing the sleep bras most often because the other is just so uncomfortable.
I LOVE the Yoko Wrap in Bamboo!