No too long ago, Turkish-born and current Fort Greene, Brooklyn, resident Eda Bilir-Messner was living in the fast lane of the New York advertising industry. She spent almost two decades on both the brand and agency sides of the business, and had a blast. "I travelled the world, met the coolest people, experienced the most colorful cultures and managed global brands. It was full-on Mad Men. I loved it." And then, she had a kid (and then another, and another) and as as she puts it, her priorities shifted. She wanted to spend more time with her children — she has three: Autumn Eylul, 10; Weston Suavi, 7, and Aria, 28 months — so decided to stay put and open a small business. "The idea of Edamama was born selfishly out of my own need to find a great place to get stylish haircuts for my kids," she says. Things really snowballed from there. A love of books lead to the addition of independent children's book store to the space; a similar passion for coffee resulted in the on-site espresso bar, and one singalong blossomed into a full slate of classes all week long.
Yet Another Reason To Like Her: In addition to providing a fun spot for haircuts and books, Bilir-Messner is serious about her commitment to supporting parents and fostering community. The shop also hosts low-cost open plays; raises funds for local public and private schools; hosts "mompreneurs" gatherings, and even a "morning mama" event, an early Saturday coffee klatch and play date for area moms.
Work/Life: "I am trying to have a sensible balance everyday. But honestly, I stopped trying to do it all — and feeling guilty about not being able to do it all. My first priority is to be a great mom and everything else comes second, the business included. My tip for the work/life balance is to be involved in something you are passionate about. Passion is what keeps me going. I love what I do, and as a result it does not feel like work. Also having an amazingly supporting husband and a super nanny at home helps. I could not do what I am doing without my husband and our nanny. As they say, 'It takes a village.'"
photo: Eda Bilir-Messner
