Moms in the Lou: Jen Cowan of And Hattie Makes Three

By
Rebekah Coste
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moms in the Lou header photo
STL Mom catches up with Jen Cowan, inspired blogger of And Hattie Makes Three.
 

 

Tell us about yourself! Where did you grow up? Are you an STL native?

My name is Jen Cowan, I’m 38 and I’m a St. Louis Family Blogger, focused on food, fashion, travel, and family fun. I grew up in Kirkwood but now live in O’Fallon, MO. 

 

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to my husband, Jeff, for 12 years. We have one daughter, Hattie, who is  six and in first grade. We also have our rescue pup, Rosie, who we think is 3-years-old. At least that was the shelter’s best guess. She’s is definitely my dog and doesn’t listen to anyone else.

 

How did you get into blogging? How has blogging changed in the past few years?

I’ve been blogging in some form since college and graduated in ’04. I had a Xanga blog to start. Over the years, I went from having a coupon blog and when I knew I was going to leave my job at MasterCard, I needed a creative outlet. This was before Instagram and other social channels. It was a way for me to connect with other moms who were in the same season of life. Never did I imagine that almost seven years later, my blog would be my full-time job where I’m able to turn sharing what I love into a business.
 
 

What’s your favorite spot to visit in St. Louis with your daughter? Favorite date night spot?

Hattie’s newest favorite spot is Magic House Made. She had her birthday party there this year and it was wonderful. We are big foodies and concert go-ers (when there are concerts). We love Olive + Oak for dinner, and just found a new spot my husband loves, LA Juicy out in O’Fallon. 
 
 

Who is your personal and/or professional inspiration?

My Dad has been my biggest inspiration. He had ALS for 18 years and held on long enough to meet Hattie. Years ago he told me I was a terrible writer (which I totally am) and I always find it so funny I turned that constructive criticism into my job. Trust me, I’m sure you see all types of typos and errors, but I speak from the heart every time. 
 
 

Any advice or words of encouragement for your fellow moms?

There are so many seasons to motherhood. As moms, we’re in the thick of it for 18+ years, and it’s so important to find your village to help you. I firmly believe that people come into your life for a reason or a season. Foster those relationships with moms, you never know who you need to text at 2 a.m. when your little one can’t sleep. 
 
 

Any dreams for the future?

My goal is to continue to share what I love doing through And Hattie Makes Three, and continue to partner with small businesses who don’t use social media currently, to help them with the basics. And maybe convince my husband we need a beach house, but that’s definitely down the road.
 

 

What’s the biggest lesson Covid-19 and/or quarantine has taught you as a mom?

Having an only child during the quarantine broke my heart more than anything. We have been intentional about being social through friends, family, and activities, and that was taken away quickly. The biggest takeaway was talking about our feelings and how much we didn’t love the situation, but then looking at the positive and talking about the things we are looking forward to. Having adult conversations really helped set the reasons why, and she was able to then articulate how she felt and understood why. 

 
 
 
 
Jen Cowan is the voice behind And Hattie Makes Three – a Lifestyle and Motherhood Blog focused on Family, Food, Fashion, and St. Louis Fun. Fueled by Starbucks and her love of the city, Jen shares the places they go, the things they love, and the small businesses they love to support!
 

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