MODEL MOM

Modeling and Motherhood – these aren’t words that most of us would normally use in the same sentence. But then, we’re not Loree Bischoff, a woman who has managed to enjoy the best of both worlds with a modeling career that started at the tender age of five. So, while her friends were playing in the sand pit, little Loree sweated under the spotlights like a seasoned professional. Unlike many young models, she successfully made the transition from child to adult model, despite the added complication (and blessing) of raising two children during her twenties. However, as she approached her thirties, Loree grew tired of modeling and decided to retire so that she could focus all her energy on her family.

Loree has always had an entrepreneurial streak. Her first joint venture – a babysitting business – was launched at age fourteen. Later business projects included a modeling agency and a tanning salon. But it was the co-founding in 2004 of a clothing line called Moms You Love Forever (MYLF) that triggered an unexpected career and life change. As Loree and her partner traveled the country marketing the new brand, the media took notice. As a result, the modeling world came calling again, this time wanting to spotlight Loree as a mom in her forties who never looked better. In 2006 she was profiled on ABC’s 20/20 as a woman who was helping redefine the traditional role of mothers in our society.

The recent media interest was not only personally flattering for Loree, but it also reaffirmed one of her long-held ideas: that women – especially mothers – can be beautiful, sexy, and alluring at any age. This emerging redefinition of the image of motherhood has struck a resounding chord with many women (and, incidentally, there haven’t been too many complaints from men!). Inspired by this success, Loree thought about new ways to share her views on the benefits that can flow when mothers learn how to nurture themselves and create a stronger sense of personal identity.

While discussing these ideas in 2006 with her sister Teresa Bacal (who was also reassessing her career/life direction at that time), Loree proposed the idea of Motherhood Redefined: A new joint venture that would allow the sisters to pool their combined talents and experiences to create a company dedicated to motivating mothers in their daily lives, inspiring them to look after themselves – not just their families. In a nutshell, Motherhood Redefined delivers the message that motherhood does not mean kissing goodbye to womanhood.

A Minnesota native, Loree currently lives in Carefree, Arizona, with Eric, her husband of 23 years. She’s the proud mom of 23-year-old Garett and 21-year-old Montanna. Loree is fortunate in having had some wonderful influences in her life. These include her grandmother, who taught her perseverance and patience; her mother, who taught her to think positive; her husband, who taught her to think big - really big; and a childhood friend, who taught her to be gutsy.