Meet Ashley Langer, founder of the Connecticut chapter Babes in Business! We were so excited to first talk with Ashley back in February when we saw her business pop up in our feed. She is a new local to Fairfield, and a true #mompreneur having started Babes in Business Connecticut a little over two months ago. Babes in Business is a modern community where women get inspired, get connected and grow their business. They’re most notorious for their networking events where they have speakers, team building activities and Babes supporting other Babes by shopping vendor tables. BIB is a great way to build your tribe, connected with others for future partnerships, gain some business tips and spread the word on whatever it is you’ve been working on. Read more about Ashley and her business below!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in the area?
I’m originally from Old Saybrook, CT – so just further up the shoreline. I did spend the last 13 years in NYC before moving to Fairfield in October and I absolutely love it here!
Children / Age(s)
I’m a girl mom! I have two daughters, Thira (3) and Marea (1)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m quite handy! Just call me Tim the Tool Man Taylor 😉
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
Oh gosh, there are so many things I wish someone would have told me but I honestly don’t know if I would have believed them or understood truly without living it!
Favorite local things to do in Fairfield?
I love to dine out (I’m so tired of cooking during the pandemic) and we love the beach. Growing up in Old Saybrook, the beaches are much smaller. I didn’t know CT had beaches like this until I moved here!
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
The sidewalks! I love that we can walk everywhere, people are out, friendly and enjoying our beautiful town.
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant? Date night?
We love the tapas style of the menu of Molto, and are guilty of over ordering every time we go! It has something for everyone and my thing there is the cauliflower. Have you had it?! If we’re doing adults only, we go Artisan or Barcelona.
What is your go-to activity for your family? For yourself?
We’ll go for a walk, run around the beach or grab smoothies at Playa Bowls! If I get alone time, I’ll get a manicure or treat myself to something at one of the amazing women boutiques in town.
Funniest part that you’ve learned about parenthood?
That just when you think you’re nailing it, parenthood throws you a curve ball. As parents we have to be adaptable!
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
Music! Turning on a good song can alter everyone’s mood and redirect attention. Also, a headband! They’re trending right now and a quick way for me to look ‘together’ without actually having to do my hair 😉
Tell us about your networking business, Babes in Business, when & why you started?
Babes in Business is a modern community where women get inspired, get connected and grow their business. We’re most notorious for our networking events where we have speakers, team building activities and Babes supporting other Babes by shopping vendor tables. BIB is a great way to build your tribe, connected with others for future partnerships, gain some business tips and spread the word on whatever it is you’ve been working on.
I started Babes in Connecticut just over two months ago when I was working on (a different) business and was struggling to find “my people.” I realized Babes in Business would do great in Connecticut as its unlike anything we have here.
Why do you think building a network of female entrepreneurs is so important and empowering for women?
There is nothing more powerful than like-minded women! We need each other and there’s just somethings only other females can understand. The pandemic did a number on us, we literally did it all. And I don’t know about you, but I could not have done it without my tribe cheering me on. THAT, is what Babes is all about!
How can a local entrepreneur get involved with Babes in Business? What can they expect to gain from becoming a member?
You can start by following our Instagram account @babesinbusinessCT where I’m the most active keeping everyone updated on what we’re up to. You don’t need to be a Member to participate with Babes. In fact, while we are a female forward CT based movement, Babes in Business is completely inclusive. We encourage Babes of all business levels and locations to attend our events and be part of the community. Boys are babes too!
When is your first networking event?
Our first networking event will be on June 9th at BAR in New Haven. We have an incredible speaker panel lined up, selfie stations and some really special vendors. I hope to meet you there! Purchase your tickets here!
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and a family?
The guilt can be so heavy and I think all of us experience it one way or another. To help manage my own guilt, I try to be as present as possible when I’m with my family (which is sometimes easier said than done). I feel less guilty if I put my phone away and really stay in the moment, but it’s all a work in progress!
Who has most influenced you to be the mother that you are today?
My father has been a huge influence for me and also my children. They make me want to be the best Mom possible!
What is one piece of advice you share with a new mom or other moms?
My motto is, “It’s over before you know it” which applies to the good, and the bad. The beginning is tough but I promise you’ll laugh about it later!
