Jessica Denay

“Moms today expect to maintain their style throughout pregnancy...the baby bump is the ultimate accessory!”

Jessica Denay is a mom on a mission—a mission to help every mom embrace her “inner hotness” and become the best person—and best mom—she can be. As the author of two best-selling books, The Hot Moms Handbook: Moms Have More Fun! and The Hot Mom To Be Handbook: Womb With A View as well as founder of the Hot Moms Club, Denay has built a successful brand around the idea that motherhood is indeed beautiful.

During a recent interview with Patti Minglin, editor of M2Moms E-ssentials, Denay explains how celebrities have helped make motherhood cool again and why brands should embrace this “hot mom” trend.

Minglin: What is the definition of a “hot mom” and why does it seem to resonate so well with today’s moms?

JD: A “Hot Mom” is a woman who is confident, she is empowered, it’s an attitude, a way of being... So it doesn’t matter what age, what shape or size, EVERY mom can be a hot mom. It’s you at your best...and the truth is, you are not the best mom unless you are the best YOU!

There has never been a hotter time to be a mom than now and moms today recognize that by putting themselves on the to-do list that they are more refreshed and recharged and are better, happier moms for it. Let’s face it when you look good you feel good, and when you feel good on the inside you want to reflect that in the way you look--the way you walk and talk. The best way to teach your children confidence is to have it yourself and it’s hard to feel confident if you aren’t doing things that build your spirit and creativity, or if you haven’t showered in 3 days and smell like a dirty gym sock!

Moms used to feel guilty doing anything for themselves, the ‘Hot Mom’ movement gives moms permission and encourages them to be fabulous--to make their light bright so they have enough to shine on their children.

Minglin: Celebrities have made pregnancy and motherhood a fashion statement—does this affect the way real world moms connect with brands?

JD: It is more fashionable than ever to be pregnant, many brands now are creating designs similar to the expensive ones worn by celebrity moms so every mom has access to stylish maternity wear no matter what her budget. Moms today expect to maintain their style throughout pregnancy...the baby bump is the ultimate accessory!

Minglin: Getting a celebrity endorsement is big, but are there pitfalls that could come with putting too much emphasis on the celebrity?

JD: With the right celebrity there is no downside. If they choose to endorse you, it’s a great testament to your brand and a great way to get recognition and attention. However, a brand can’t be all about celebrities—there has to be substance beyond the celebrity status.

Aligning our brand with incredible and respected celebrity moms has been very effective for us. The core and heart of the Hot Moms Club is our message--it’s inspiring and encouraging. Our company was built by moms and we are always looking for ways to improve the lives of our moms, whether it be a quick tip on how to potty train a toddler or sharing a story that might help get moms through a difficult time. In our celebrity interviews it isn’t all about the glitz and glam--we get real and candid. They share with us the frustrations and the joys of motherhood and their experiences. We feel it is helpful to moms to hear that it is not all as perfect as it seems in the magazines-- celebrity moms have to deal with embarrassing tantrums or being up all night with a colicky baby.

Minglin: Who is doing it right—what brands have seemingly combined the right amount of fashion and functionality with their mom-to-be products?

JD: Rebecca Matthias is without a doubt the pioneer in maternity fashion, she was making stylish maternity clothes before it was trendy and her company has lines for every price range (A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity and Motherhood Maternity). She has launched Destination Maternity a maternity superstore which includes all three brands, a day spa for pregnant moms, flat screen TV’s for the dads, toys for the kids while mom is in the fitting room... The have effectively created clothes that are fun to wear and also enjoyable to buy and shop for...

Minglin: What cool and exciting things are you doing through the Hot Mom’s Club that helps all moms find their “inner hotness?”

JD: Aside from our social networking site which always has the latest trends and tips for hot moms, we are working on several interactive media opportunities to help moms get their “inner hotness” back, I truly believe there is a hot mom inside of every mom, she just needs to be broken loose!! The Hot Moms Club has also partnered with Suave to promote their back to beauty campaign which emphasizes putting the ‘me’ back in mom-me!

Minglin: Now that we’ve taken care of all the serious stuff, what are the top five songs in your iPod at the moment?

JD: Alex Woodard’s “Beautiful Now” (The Hot Mom Song); Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love”; David Cook’s version of U2’s “With or Without You” (U2 is my favorite); Alicia Keyes’ “No One”; and, One Republic’s “Apologize.”