Katherine Chapman is the busy co-founder of OLLY Shoes and mom to four children. She started her business with a dream and as her children have grown, her business has too.

1. What's the mom-motto you live by?

"Be calm and carry on" What I have learned the most - I have 4 children and they are all very different - is to listen to them first. They are not all like me or like each other. Listen to your kids and treat them as individuals.

2. Who's your favourite model mom? Why?

My mother. Without a doubt. She was always nurturing, never overbearing, always there if i needed her. She allowed us to do what we were doing, allowed us to make mistakes. She worked too so she found that balance raising 5 children and pursuing her own career. 

3. Name your favourite kid-welcoming hangout?

Our front yard. Everyone gravitates to it and there is something for all - the younger and older kids. We have a little hill in front of the house that is great for sledding in the winter and slip and slide in the summer.

4. Finish this sentence: I envy other moms who...

...always look pulled together at 7 in the morning.

5. Think back to your baby and diaper bag days, what was the one piece of gear that was always good to go?

The diaper bag. Mine was always overstuffed and I re-stocked it every night. We traveled a lot when the kids were younger and it always needed to be ready. My little ones had asthma so i was always in a state of being ready to go in case something happened. I had a little bit of everything in there for all ages. I was always thinking about what could go wrong and what I might need. 

6. If CSI poured over your diaper bag what profile would they build?

I am a relatively organized mother but bordering on pack-rat. They would realize i have children of different ages because of the variety in there. 

7. What is your biggest on-the-go pet peeve?

I have come a long way in not getting frustrated about the things that take time. Getting out the door does take time but the kids need time to get themselves together - I get them to take responsibility I don't really have a pet peeve anymore!

To learn more about Katherine and OLLY Shoes click here.