Biography

Big City Moms and MetroMoms, the two best mom event programs, join forces to bring you MOMessentials. Moms and Dads are always wanting the best for their kids…always wanting to be “in the know” of the next hot thing… MOMessentials brings to you the best and hottest items with both city and suburban perspectives.

In The Big Apple -

Big City Moms founders Risa Goldberg and Leslie Venokur are sisters and they know the new mommy market first-hand. Risa is the mom of a 4 1/2 year old daughter - Hallie, and 21 month old twin boys Cooper and Harrison. She is also a Research Manager for MTV. Leslie is the mom of a newborn baby girl, Samantha, and is the Senior Director of Retail for Kidville. When Risa became a mom, working full time made it difficult to take part in all the mommy and me activities. After discussing with her sister, Leslie, they decided to create gatherings for both working and stay-at-home moms.

In Big D -

MetroMoms founders Barbara Arnondin and Tina Wysk also are sisters and moms. Barb is the mom of a 5 1/2 year old son - T.J. and a year-old daughter, Helena. Barb owned and operated a restaurant prior to becoming a mom. Tina is the mom of two boys, 5 1/2-year old Alexander and 2-year old Andrew. When Tina was pregnant with Andrew, she wanted to spend more time doing mommy things. She retired from over 10 years of practicing law as a commercial litigator she and Barbara decided to form a community of events and information for moms in Dallas-Fort Worth.


The Birth Of MOMessentials -

Big City Moms and MetroMoms both hold events for expectant moms, new moms, and the whole family, and promote baby and mom products at these events. What's the connection between New York and Dallas? Tina's son Alexander was born in New York City, and Tina met Risa shortly after and they continued their friendship after Tina returned to Dallas. Tina and Barb spent hours on the phone with Leslie and Risa discussing, reviewing, and debating the use and relevance of the hundreds of choices in children’s products to which they have been exposed. Out of these conversations, and once again after the repeated remark “why didn’t I know about this when I was pregnant,” began the conception of Momessentials. These four moms offer not only their own insight as moms, but have the added benefit of intimate familiarity with all products mom and baby from their event programs, as well as receiving direct feedback from the thousands of moms who have attended their events.

Big City Moms and MetroMoms are excited to bring you product reviews, tips and advice through MOMessentials.