Molly Fienning, co-founder of Babiators, found her first inspiration on a military base in Beaufort, watching kids squinting into the sun while their pilot moms and dads had protective and stylish aviator sunglasses. That company is now worldwide and she’s gone on to co-found Red Clay Hot Sauce, which also rapidly growing (and delicious), Lil’ Bit Lit and Notra Sunglasses.

We’re thrilled to welcome Molly to our September discussion on the topic Muse!

1. What do you love most about what you do?

Absolutely no two days are the same, and I love that. Every day is a crazy and fun entrepreneurial adventure with new challenges to tackle and skillsets to hone. I’d get bored with too much workday routine. 

2. What inspired you and how did you become involved in your current career(s)? 

My husband was a Marine Corps aviator, and we launched “Babiators” to make aviator shades for babies and kids when I was still an active duty military wife. Ten years in, we’ve sold 3+ million pairs and are retailing in 45 countries, including Nordstrom, Sakes, Dillards and Buy Buy Baby. Also, lots of cool press and celeb fans, including Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Garner, the Kardashians, Ellen DeGeneres, Jenna Bush Hager, Gabrielle Union, Sarah Jessica Parker and more.

In addition, I stepped in to play a more active role as CEO of Red Clay Hot Sauce last year, when I saw an opportunity to scale this well-loved Charleston brand (of which I was a silent equity Co-Founder from the beginning) into a national presence shaking up the current, growing hot sauce space. It’s been a cool (spicy!) ride so far. 

3. How do you start your day? 

One of my boys climbs into bed to wake us up. Then coffee, basically right away. Once I’ve gotten the boys ready and out the door to school, I sit down to a few quiet hours of work. I love those early moments when not too many people are trying to reach me yet so I can get any heads-down work finished.

4. Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment. 

Becoming a mother is the proudest and most transformative moment of my life. The gravitas of a new lifelong responsibility coupled with pure, unadulterated love you feel for this new Being is like nothing else I’ve known. An immense, intense gift.

5. Do you have a hidden talent? 

Yes, many.

6. Who or what gives you creative inspiration? 

My amazing girlfriends and all their awesome talents, minds and hearts. 

7. Coffee fuels our morning events. If you’re a coffee drinker, what’s your go-to order?

Coffee fuels my morning events as well. ;) I make coffee every day at home with my Bialetti, an Italian stovetop espresso kettle I’ve had for over 10 years. I’m not someone who’s into collecting things—but this is legit one of my favorite possessions. 

8. What is your favorite place in Charleston? 

I love our home and the water. I also love The Ordinary for nights out.

9. How do you unwind or de-stress? 

Ending my day with a walk alone along the Battery in Charleston is my favorite way to de-stress – in between my two boys’ bedtimes, so I can put them both to bed (which is important time with them for me). 

My husband and I leave weekends pretty free for family downtime at the beach or cooking at home, scheduling most social stuff for weeknights instead. I always fit in time with my girlfriends for a glass of wine or yummy meal on a weeknight, where I can leave work pressure behind for a few hours. 

Last but not least, Kundalini Yoga with Alex Seamen keeps me grounded week to week. 

Rapid Fire:

morning person or night owl?
Morning if I’m working, night owl if we’re having fun.

Summer or winter?

Fall

Mountains or beach?
Mountains

Pancakes or waffles?
Scrambled eggs, always.

Fiction or non-fiction?
I need both in my life.