Monica Royer is the founder, CEO, and main mom behind-the-scenes at Monica + Andy, a digitally native vertical brand offering organic essentials for kids and babies. After her daughter was born in 2010, Royer, a first-time mom, looked everywhere for a cohesive collection of quality, organic baby clothes married with exceptional customer service. When she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she decided to create it and spent the next few years developing her business plan as a stay-at-home mom. Royer built a board of advisors and created designs during nap times and in the evenings; meanwhile, her days were spent at mommy and me classes, time that helped her shape the DNA of the brand and understand critical holes in the baby market.

Monica + Andy officially launched in 2014 and is committed to making things better for moms and babies. From the thoughtfully curated Hospital Cuddle Box, a bundle of clothing and blankets that take the guesswork out of what expectant parents need for their newborn, to the in-store Layette Experiences, kids classes and events for new and expecting parents, Royer has woven a thread of thoughtfulness and community throughout her brand.

Monica + Andy offers soft and functional clothing featuring kid-friendly organic fabrics free of lead, phthalates, and flame- retardants, and has Guideshops located in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Short Hills, New Jersey.

As Founder and CEO, Royer is focused on driving new innovation and designs while growing the business and has drawn on her experience advising her brother, Andy Dunn, Founder of Bonobos, to create a brand that is now the informed choice for parents and gifters who expect the best. Fashion runs deep in the family—Royer’s mother designed and sewed many of her and her brother’s clothes growing up.

With a young daughter at home, Royer has made it her personal mission to support other female entrepreneurs and empower young girls to reach their potential. Her podcast “The Mentor Files” has become a platform for some of the world’s most inspiring CEOs and entrepreneurs to bring listeners invaluable insider advice about their journeys to success. (Guests have included everyone from Katia Beauchamp of Birchbox and Payal Kadakia of Classpass to Rebecca Minkoff and Kirsten Green of Forerunner Ventures.)

Born and raised in Chicago, Royer is a graduate of University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. Prior to launching Monica + Andy, Royer spent 10 years working in the pharmaceutical industry. She has been featured in Forbes, Time, Huffington Post and WWD, and included on CS Magazine’s “Trendsetters of the Year” list and Crain’s Chicago Business “40 Under 40” list.