Meet Lanning Ardente, the visionary founder and CEO of Sorette, a lifestyle brand dedicated to pregnancy and motherhood. With over a decade of experience in the CPG industry and as a mother of two, Lanning has created a haven for expectant and new mothers, offering high-quality, supportive products. Lanning opens up about the inspiration behind Sorette, her tips for balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and her favorite Mini Bloom products. Join us as we delve into the life of this remarkable mompreneur and discover the driving forces behind her success!

What was the “aha” moment that led to the creation of Sorette? 

The “aha” moment for Sorette came when I realized just how overwhelming and confusing it can be for expectant and new mothers to navigate the plethora of products available during pregnancy and motherhood. Everywhere I turned, there seemed to be a different opinion and perspective on what I could safely use during pregnancy. As a mother of two and a veteran of the CPG industry, I knew there had to be a better way to provide moms with safe, high-quality products they can trust. This realization led to the creation of Sorette, a meticulously curated shop that eliminates the guesswork for mothers and ensures peace of mind throughout their journey.

Balancing motherhood with a startup is a formidable challenge. Could you share some advice or tips for other moms embarking on similar entrepreneurial journeys?

Balancing motherhood and a startup is definitely challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here are a few tips that have helped me:

• Set Boundaries: Create clear boundaries between work and family time. When you’re with your family, be fully present—limit phone use and really immerse yourself in their world.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of yourself so you can take care of others. I am a huge believer in daily movement and have a non-negotiable 7-8 am window for a workout or moving meditation.

• Delegate and Outsource: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks at work and at home. I know I can’t do it all and do it all well, so I definitely rely on outside help to keep everything on track.

• Stay Organized: Use tools to keep track of your schedule, tasks, and goals. I am a huge fan of Google Calendar and the power of manifestation! Writing out your dreams and setting goals is an incredible tool.

• Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, and mentors who understand your journey and can provide guidance and encouragement. I wouldn’t be anywhere without my support system!

What does a typical day look like for you, both as a founder and as a mom? Any special routines or rituals that keep you grounded?

A typical day for me starts early, around 5:30 am—my kids are early risers! I’d love to say I meditate right away, but instead, I grab whichever kid is up, and we head downstairs for some cozy couch cuddles. Coffee comes soon after, but I usually start with a huge glass of water. Mornings are pure chaos with little kids, but my family knows I absolutely need to get to my workout to fill my cup and be a better mom and partner. After my workout, it’s showering and getting ready for the day. Our nanny arrives at 9 am, and I head to my office. Each workday is different, which keeps things exciting! I come home around 4:30/5pm and prepare dinner for my family. I love cooking and preparing meals; it grounds me and is a ritual I cherish. We have dinner together, followed by baths, a TV show, books, and bed. Occasionally, my husband can join us, which makes for the best nights! Once the kids are in bed, I usually grab my laptop and sit on the couch to tie up any loose ends for Sorette while watching a show with my husband. I’m early to bed, early to rise, typically heading to bed around 8:30 pm and asleep by 9 pm most nights!

How has motherhood changed or influenced your perspective as a founder & CEO?

Motherhood has profoundly influenced my perspective as a founder and CEO. It has taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and resilience. I am more attuned to the needs and concerns of mothers, which drives my commitment to providing trusted and effective products through Sorette. Being a mother has also made me more resourceful and efficient with my time, balancing the demands of family and work with greater focus and purpose.

As a busy mom and entrepreneur, do you have any favorite "mom hacks" or shortcuts that you swear by to make everyday tasks a little easier?

Absolutely! Here are a few of my favorite mom hacks:

• Meal Planning: Planning meals in advance saves time and reduces stress during busy weekdays without having to go to the market multiple times a week. Bonus if you can meal prep!

• Organized Spaces: Keeping things organized at home makes it easier to find what you need quickly. It also makes you feel productive!

• Shared Calendars: Using a shared calendar with my family ensures everyone is on the same page regarding schedules and activities.

• Habit Stacking: Grouping similar habits together makes me feel productive—for instance, listening to a podcast while folding laundry or going on a walk while taking a business call.

• Quick Clean-Ups: Setting a timer for quick 10-minute clean-up sessions throughout the day keeps the house tidy without feeling overwhelming.

What are some of your favorite activities to do with your family when you’re not working? Any special traditions?

When I’m not working, I love spending quality time with my family. Most weekends, our goal is to get out of the house and explore! Living in a city, we take full advantage of all its amenities. Some of our favorite activities include:

• Hitting the Playground: You can find us at our neighborhood playground daily, sometimes multiple times a day!

• Family Walks: We love getting everyone, including the dog, out of the house for a walk around our neighborhood.

• Family Dinners: Whether we’re trying out a new recipe or visiting one of our favorite neighborhood spots, we enjoy eating together.

• Reading Time: Sharing bedtime stories and singing songs (old Broadway show tunes are a hit right now!) is how we wind down for the day, and it’s a cherished part of our routine.

• Spending Time with Friends: Parenting with friends makes everything easier and more enjoyable!

What is your favorite Mini Bloom product and why do you love it?

I absolutely love Mini Bloom's Fresh N' Clean and Knots Be Gone. They are gentle yet effective, making them perfect for my children's sensitive skin and hair—and mine! I always struggled to find great hair care products while pregnant, and Mini Bloom’s products are incredible. The natural ingredients give me peace of mind knowing I'm using trusted products. Mini Bloom truly embodies the quality and care that Sorette aims to provide to all mothers and their families.