be entrepreneurial at BC

Anne Botica ’05 and Monique Moore ’05

Roommates  Anne Botica ’05 and Monique Moore ’05 were enjoying a beautiful day on a beach in the Hamptons when a battle for the last of the sunblock broke out. Before they knew it, a new business was born.

The friends realized that carefree sunbathing was a thing of the past. Anne had lost an aunt to melanoma, and her mother has battled skin cancer as well. All the women they knew worried about cancer as well as the aging caused by UV rays—but most weren’t aware that their clothing left them exposed. A white t-shirt, for instance, has a sun protection factor (SPF) of only 5. Clothing made from UV-blocking fabrics was effective, but to their eyes, sadly frumpy.

So the two women founded Mott 50, a line of high fashion clothing with an SPF of 50. “It’s a fashion label with a purpose,” explains Anne, “to raise awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and to contribute financially to cancer research.”

 “BC shaped us,” Monique says, “and the Jesuit emphasis on giving back was really important to us in forming this company.”

Neither woman had a background in fashion (“Well, we both love shopping,” Monique points out). For a year, they tested fabrics and worked on designs. Both communications majors, they credit BC with teaching them to “build a community around a brand,” as Anne puts it, using social media and online marketing savvy.

Mott 50, named after the street in New York City where the two now live, has been endorsed by the Skin Cancer Institute and embraced by fashionistas. And this pair of BC entrepreneurs is proving that there is something new under the sun: style! 

What has been the most satisfying moment in your professional life?
[Anne Botica] Receiving a call from my grandmother in Florida at 5 a.m., telling me she was reading a spread about Mott 50 in the newspaper.

[Monique Moore] The day Mott50.com launched; seeing that first order come through was so rewarding!

What was your first job?
[AB] Cleaning my grandmother’s Cape Cod house for $1 each morning of summer beginning at age 3.

[MM] Making my bed. I took it very seriously.

What is the secret to success?
[AB] Surrounding yourself with the right people. Also, the ability to smile politely when someone asks what you are doing and proceeds to laugh and ask you repeatedly if you are serious.

[MM] Positive attitude.

What is your fondest BC memory?
[AB] Being in Kenmore Square with my roommates when the Red Sox won the World Series.

[MM] Watching the sunrise with the Class of ’05 on the day of graduation.

Why did you decide to attend BC?
[AB] Family history.

[MM] The community atmosphere, and I love that BC promotes a well-rounded lifestyle.

What is one thing everyone should do while at BC?
[AB] Study abroad.

[MM] Get involved! The opportunities are endless—arts, music, sports, volunteer, study abroad, etc.  

Where is your favorite spot on the Heights?
[AB] McElroy Commons.

[MM] Hillside Café.

How have you changed since graduation?
[AB] I’m a bit more serious.

[MM] Honestly, I don’t think I’ve changed all that much.

What would you do if you were BC president for a day?
[AB] Build a massive parking lot just for students!

[MM] School-wide ice cream social, with proceeds going toward a charity of choice.

Where did you live freshman year?
[AB] Gonzaga.

[MM] Keyes North, Newton Campus.

What was your favorite BC class?
[AB] Business Law.

[MM] Intercultural Communications.

What was your favorite BC activity?
[AB] Tailgating.

[MM] Goofing around with my friends.

How much can you sing of the BC fight song?
[AB] The first two words.

[MM] I’m totally tone deaf…I wouldn’t want to be tested.

What was the best meal at the BC dining hall?
[AB] Chicken stirfry.

[MM] Frozen yogurt with toppings.

What is your next goal?
[AB] Expanding Mott 50 into a one-stop shop for all sun-related and anti-aging issues—for men, women and children.

[MM] The list is long…but I’d love to spruce up my Spanish.

What has been the most satisfying moment in your personal life?
[AB] Meeting my fiancé.

[MM] Sitting around the fire with my family.

How do you relax?
[AB] On the beach or on the boat with a good book.

[MM] Yoga.

What do you look forward to each day?
[AB] Learning something new each day. I am constantly learning and tackling issues I never knew even existed. I know when I wake up in the morning that by the end of the day, I will be a little bit smarter and a little bit tougher, which is a thrill. I also always look forward to dinner.

[MM] Breakfast.

What is something your friends don’t know about you?
[AB] When I look at any number I rearrange it into ascending order.

[MM] I learned to blow my nose at 25.

Who would play you in the film version of your life?
[AB] Emma Stone—she is driven, fluctuates between blond and red, and doesn’t take anything too seriously.

[MM] My sister, we look so much alike.  Or a young Sophia Loren.