Smarty Mom: Jamie Marlowe

By Katie M

Happy Smarty Mom, Saturday. Today I am proud to introduce a cool "chick" who also ranks as a Smarty Mom. Meet Jamie Marlowe, co-founder/co-president and CFO of Charity Chicks. You may remember our past post on Charity Chicks when they first launched. Well, Jamie is thrilled to announce they now have just about doubled their membership with more than 185 "chicks" to date.

Jamie and her husband, Brian, have two adorable children: Jake (9) and Emily Scott (4). They have lived in the Triad for 11 years. Besides being a stay-at-home mom and mompreneur, Jamie likes to challenge herself (like teach spin classes) and do things outside her comfort zone. She is passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community, as evidenced with her role in Charity Chicks, the non-profit organization she started with her dear friend, Casey Bomar.

So, let's get to know Jamie a little bit more!

We are so excited about your success with Charity Chicks. Tell us a little bit more about it.
We are thrilled by the positive response we have received in the community. Charity Chicks chooses one organization annually to focus all of its fundraising and volunteer efforts towards. Our first charity is the Community Care Center. It is the largest free clinic in NC. It provides medical and dental services to the uninsured poor in our area. We look forward to writing them a big check at the end of this year with the help of all the fundraising efforts of our members!

Where did get your inspiration to start Charity Chicks?
Casey and I talked often about starting an organization. We are both very busy with our families and other activities, so we understood the importance of allowing membership flexibility. We researched other organizations, decided upon what we thought would be a good structure and before we knew it we received our non-profit status and Charity Chicks was well on its way!

How and why did you choose to focus on the Community Care Center?
We heard through a dear friend about the Community Care Center (in Winston-Salem). We visited the clinic and recognized right away that it would be a good fit for Charity Chicks. We believe that giving of your time and giving of your money are equally important. Organizations that we work with must offer volunteer opportunities as well as have a need for fundraising. Casey and I chose the first organization, but the 2011 charity will be voted on by all the members of Charity Chicks.

What has been your greatest reward, and biggest challenge, with Charity Chicks?
My greatest reward is in knowing I have played a part in helping other women make a difference in their community. Our greatest challenge is that this is all new territory. We are learning as we go!

How do you balance your time with Charity Chicks with being a mom?
I balance my time as a mother very well everyday…not! I wish that were true. Just like most mothers, I try hard but some days are better than others. It is important to me that my children grow up knowing the importance of giving back to others, so hopefully a frozen pizza for dinner on a particularly busy day isn’t that big of a deal.

What smarty tips can you give other moms who want to start a business?
Follow your passion. You can’t go wrong if you are passionate about what you do!

Ok, now on to the fun stuff!

Favorite place to get a good deal on kids clothes?
The Children’s Place & Target

Favorite place to splurge on kids clothes?
Gazoodles (in Winston-Salem)

What is your favorite family activity?
We love to make a big breakfast together on the weekends. We enjoy playing board games, riding bikes, & going to movies.

Favorite “mommy-time” activity?
Meeting a friend for coffee, dinner or shopping.

Best place to eat lunch and/or dinner with the kids?
Wild Wing Café and The Loop

Favorite date place?
Old Fourth Street Filling Station patio or Firebirds

Funniest thing your kid(s) has ever said?
This summer, my daughter said, “This is the life!” while floating on her back in the pool. I cracked up!

Favorite park in the Triad?
Tanglewood. We love the train and the ducks.

Mini-van or SUV?
SUV

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
Winston-Salem is the perfect size town to me. Not too big and not too small.

Best kept secret in the Triad?
Village Tavern makes the best top shelf margarita in town

Best birthday party you have attended?
My friend Kristen’s son turned 5 last year. She took pictures of him from each one of his previous parties, had them blown up in black & white and had them hung throughout the party space. She also had fun activities that represented each of his previous party themes. It was great fun!

Best book you’ve ever read?
The funniest book was Me Talk Pretty One Day. I also loved The Secret Life of Bees.

What’s your favorite thing about Triad Smarty Pants?
Always has great information. I love the highlights of weekend events.

I could not live without my... family and sadly, my cell phone.

I wish someone had told me sooner about... the pumpkin spice doughnuts at Krispy Kreme. How many years did I miss out on those delicious treats?!

Great answers and tips, Jamie! Thanks for all that you do with Charity Chicks and our community. Congrats on your success, and keep us posted on the latest with Charity Chicks!

Do you know a Smarty Mom or Dad? Introduce us! We'd love to meet them and run their profile. Email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com.

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM