Introducing: Catherine Finlayson | Bibagogo
Monday, October 24, 2011 at 7:00AM
Catherine Finlayson
Parent to: 2 amazing kids. A lovely spirited girl named Kate age 4 and a strong, cool boy named Colin age 2 ½. Co-owner of Bibagogo and founder of Social Circlet.
Resident of Edmonton: Since birth - 40 years
Why you love living in Edmonton: I love Edmonton because of the feeling of neighbourhood living. It is a city with a small town feel that still offers city scale opportunities (arts, culture, cuisine) but the small town 'every one knows someone you know' here in Edmonton.
Favourite thing to do in Edmonton: Taking advantage of the kid friendly venues within the city (Royal AB museum, Fort Edmonton Park, Art Gallery, etc) and seeing them fresh through my kids' eyes as I recall all these places fondly as a child myself.
Favourite place to shop: For me: MyFilosophy and Maggie Walt Design | For my family: Edmonton' Farmers Markets
Hidden Edmonton gem that you never thought you’d share – until now: A gem that offers cool workshops, amazing potions, lotions, botanical oils - Earth's Aromatique. My kids and I love the essential oils and the colour therapy for bathtime.
Essential items in your diaper bag/ purse: Bibagogo! Of course, wet ones, sippy cups, hand sanitizer and my camara!
Favourite children's book: My Top 4!
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (Read to children since birth as so much more besides reading the words. Colour and black and white, pictures, finding the mouse, bedtime routine, counting…)
- A Good Day by Kevin Henkes (great lesson to see the positives)
- Who's in the Bathroom by Jeanne Willis (because I am dealing with potty-training!)
- Chicken Cheeks by Kevin Hawkes (because my kids giggle and giggle and now they read the story to me and I giggle and giggle!)
Five things you couldn't live without: In no order of importance; apple computer, Dr. Hauschka Toned Day Creme Moisturizer, Kiss Me Eyelash Mascara, good wine and my family, of course!
One piece of advice: Stay focused on the moment.
This is a daily challenge for me as a parent. As good as I am being able to juggle home management, daily routines as meals, laundry, cleaning, chauffeuring, keeping up with family demands, friendships, marital happiness, business grind and quality parenting time with my children, I have to work hard to pay attention to the small things. Small things... 'moments' like paying attention to my daughters description of her scribbles and acknowledging her colour-choices. Or sitting patiently and not just take over, in respect of little boys request that ‘I can do it’, with every trivial task at hand.
It is so easy to just forge ahead with my daily agenda but unbeknownst to me my childrens’ small learning moments, quiet successful steps of development, leaps of self-discovery happen before my eyes. If I don’t slow down and actually watch, listen, process and have those eye-eye conversations, I miss the cool moments with my children.
What inspired you to go ahead and get messy with Bibagogo? Bibagogo was born because I found other bib products to lack quality, durability and longevity of use. Kathleen Todoruk and I wanted to present something that lasts for years, for variety of uses and yet captured designs that stood the test of time. It was motivating to take a father's practical idea of a ‘bib to go’, present it to a talented designer and bring it to market.
I love Catherine’s sparkling personality. She is smart, personable, creative, and has a great sense of humour. Plus she doesn’t take herself too seriously.
Catherine is a tremendous gift to Edmonton. She is generous with her support and celebration of local businesses. As the co-owner of Bibagogo (a must have roll and go bib) and founder of Social Circlet (a social group for local Edmonton and area entrepreneurs & business owners) she connects her communities and works towards co-promotion for the benefit of all.
Plus, did I mention that she’s a rockin’ mom?! ~xo Jen
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