Meet the Team- Hayley Williams

Hayley Williams

Inventory Specialist

How long have you worked for Hot Mama?

I will have worked at Hot Mama for one year on June 11. It’s true what they say: time flies when you’re having fun!

-What is your favorite thing about living in St Louis?

I love the Cardinals and toasted ravioli as much as the next guy, but the real reason I love living here is because I get to be near my family--especially my five (soon to be six!) itty bitty nieces and nephews. I'm fully, hopelessly addicted to them.

-Favorite St Louis restaurant.

My favorite STL restaurant is currently Anthonino’s Taverna on The Hill. I love the combination of knock-your-socks off food and put-your-feet-up atmosphere.

-What are your favorite brands at Hot Mama?

Free People and AG are my top favorite Hot Mama brands. I am in charge of receiving in all the new merchandise, and when I get to open a box from one of these two I’m like a kid on Christmas morning!

-Jeans? Skinny, straight, boot-cut, flare or ankle?

Skinny, skinny and more skinny!

-What is your favorite Hot Mama core value?

My favorite Hot Mama core value is “we build authentic relationships." I think that is what really sets us apart from other retailers. We’re not just interested in making a sale; we want to get to know our moms.  

-What part of the Hot Mama Manifesto best describes you? 

I'm not a hot mama, but did I mention my nieces and nephews? My sister says I'm sort of a "mom #2" to them, and I can definitely relate to being “the tear wiper” and “mac and cheese maker.” Kids cry a lot, and usually they stop when you make them mac and cheese. Mac and cheese makes me stop crying, too.

-What trend are you most excited about this season?

I know Boho Chic is the trend on everyone's tongues right now, but there's a reason for that. It's the epitome of effortless style--the notion that you can simply toss on a few favorites and come out looking so perfect, so YOU. My favorite elements of this trend are hats, kimono cardigans, cut-off shorts and distressed denim. 

Meet the Team- Katie Leonoudakis

Katie Leonoudakis

Stylist

Where are you originally from? Or where did you grow up?
~~I'm originally from Northern California, a small town in wine country, called Windsor. 

-Where did you go to High School? (a little STL humor)
~~California, can't make any STL assumptions from that! Haha

-What is your favorite thing about living in St Louis? or What are your favorite things to do in St Louis?
~~I LOVE the sports atmosphere in St Louis, it's so cool everyone is cheering and wearing cardinal red in the summer! I also love that everything is seriously, like people joke, only "20 minutes away"!

-Favorite St Louis restaurant.
~~I looove a good breakfast, and Half & Half has the best!!! And a killer mimosa, for a relaxing Sunday :) 

-What are your favorite brands at Hot Mama?
~~Free People, and Splendid! Free People to rock my inner Bohemian, and Splendid because their pieces are soft and comfy-- who doesn't love comfy??

-Jeans? Skinny, straight, boot-cut, flare or ankle?
~~Skinny and boot-cut, it's a tie!

-What is your favorite Hot Mama core value? 
~~"Creating a positive, feel-good energy" I believe in radiating positivity throughout your day. And if I can push even little bit of positive vibes, onto someone, and make them smile or feel comfortable and at ease for a few minutes, than its a good day!

-What part of the Hot Mama Manifesto best describes you?  
~~ I'm not a mom yet, but I hope when I am, each piece of the manifesto fits me! My favorite part is, 'We celebrate this kind of mom. We believe this kind of mom has the power to change the world."  

-What trend are you most excited about this season?
Boho- chic!!

-How long have you worked for Hot Mama?
~~Only about 5 months! And loving every second

-What's your favorite part of working here?
~~The energy and experience at Hot Mama is truly amazing, everyone shows up ready to have a great a day, co-workers- and shoppers. It's so awesome what you can learn about people just by talking to them for a minute or two, and St. Louis has amazing people!

Meet the Team- Liesl Neil

Liesl Neil

Stylist

-How long have you worked for Hot Mama?

A year and a half

-What's your favorite part of working here

The conversations we have with customers and the people we meet every day.  And also putting outfits together, it’s like playing in a giant closet:)

-Where are you originally from? Or where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Hannibal, MO.  I went to college at Southeast Missouri State University and moved to St Louis after graduation.

-Where did you go to High School? (a little STL humor:))

Hannibal High School

- What are your favorite things to do in St Louis?

Grants farm is our favorite place for the summer!  I am so excited for it to open in April.

-Favorite St Louis restaurant.

My husband and I like to try different beers we love to go places that brew their own. Kirkwood Station Brewing Co. and The Schlafly Bottleworks and Tap Room are a few of our favorites. All of these places have delicious food and great beers! 

-What are your favorite brands at Hot Mama?

Joe’s Jeans, AG, Free People, Michael Stars, XCVI, Billabong

-Jeans? Skinny, straight, boot-cut, flare or ankle?

Mostly skinny in my closet with a few straight and ankle mixed in for fun!

-What is your favorite Hot Mama core value? 

“We empower moms”  Some moms need to be reminded to take care of THEMSELVES too.  I love that I can play a part in that and be an extra cheerleader in their lives.

-What part of the Hot Mama Manifesto best describes you?  

“The Mac and Cheese Maker.” I make mac and cheese for my daughter almost every other day! I am also “The Back Scratcher” Franky can’t go to sleep with out her nightly back rub.  I may or may not be guilty of letting my dog clean up the crumbs too.

-What trend are you most excited about this season?

I am loving the tennis shoe trend.  Like our Superga’s. It’s casual, comfy and cute! 

I also love all the floral blazers and jackets, so feminine!