Moms who rock

These 10 O.C. Supermoms successfully juggle careers, parenthood, philanthropic efforts – and much more.

BY SUSAN BELKNAPPPublished: November, 2008

Diane Truong, M.D., FAAP | Huntington Beach Dr. Momtrepreneur

Dr. Diane Truong knows what it means to sacrifice and risk everything for a dream. Her parents, who were successful business owners in Vietnam, did just that when Troung’s father risked his own life to send his family to America during the last days of the Vietnam War. Her mother immigrated with four young children to a foreign country where she had no means, contacts or understanding of the language.

Truong worked hard to immerse herself in the American way of life, studying medicine and becoming a pediatrician. During her more than 10 years in practice, she was regularly asked to recommend baby skin and hair care products. When she did a little research, she found that there were few products on the market specific for use on babies. For example, to treat a common flaky scalp condition known as cradle cap, doctors often used adult dandruff shampoo.

A chance meeting with a chemist spurred Truong and fellow pediatrician-mom J.J. Levenstein to take the leap and create a line of personal care products. In May 2006, Baby Silk by MD MOMS was launched (mdmoms.com).

“We’ve been blessed with an immediate and hugely positive response from the cosmetic industry, press, buyers, celebrities and our retail partners,” says Truong. And the accolades continue to roll in. Baby Silk received a Cosmetic Innovator of the Year award after being featured in the New York Times.