Here at The Bedford Mom, we believe that moms deserve to be recognized and celebrated! This month, we’re so excited to introduce you to Anna Walker, a Bedford mom, entrepreneur, and proud New Hampshire native who is passionate about family, community, and creating something meaningful. After spending time living in several parts of the country, Anna and her family found their way back to the Granite State and settled in Bedford in 2023. Since then, she’s embraced everything this community has to offer – from volunteering and school activities to local restaurants, farms, and family traditions. When she’s not busy raising her two boys, Owen and Colby, with her husband, Corey, Anna is the founder of Dallas & James Skincare Co., a fruit-powered clean beauty brand inspired by her own journey with skincare and her love of wellness. We loved getting to know more about Anna, her entrepreneurial journey, and what makes Bedford feel like home for her family. Learn more about Anna below!
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! My name is Anna and I live here in Bedford with my husband Corey, our two sons (Owen and Colby, ages 9 and 6), mini dachshund (Jasmine), and black cat (Black Whiskers). Like many of you, as a mom, I wear many hats. One of them is business owner. A little over 4 years ago, I created a fruit-based, clean beauty skincare brand, called Dallas & James Skincare Co. — named after my sons’ middle names. I also enjoy volunteering in our schools and church, and meeting so many amazing Bedford families this way. I grew up in New Hampshire, but I spent most of my 20s living in various parts of the country including Florida, Tennessee, and California. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to come back when we started our family because I just love the Granite State and there’s no place quite like it. We have been in Bedford since 2023 and love being apart of this community!
Tell us about your work!
Before launching my company, I worked in journalism and marketing. I began formulating and creating my own skincare products as a hobby — mostly because I was so frustrated that my acne was still persisting into adulthood. I learned everything I could about holistic nutrition, health & wellness, and skincare ingredients — some of it through my work, some of it on my own as a passion. I officially launched in 2022, when my oldest was in pre-K, and my youngest still took naps, affording me a little extra time to really hone in on my vision. I infused so many personal touches into the brand to try to create something unique and special in the market. The name of the company, for example, is my two boys’ middle names. And the packaging is very dreamy, pastel and coastal – inspired by my time in Palm Beach, Florida. One of the standout ingredients in our products is cloudberry, which I hadn’t seen on the market at that time – inspired by my Swedish heritage. This arctic berry is incredibly resilient and rich in antioxidants, particularly in vitamin C. Paired with watermelon, you get multiple benefits for the skin including hydration, soothing, brightening, and glow. It all came together in the form of Watermelon Dream – a collection of vegan & cruelty-free skincare products for all skin types (even sensitive). You may have seen our products in Ipsy or Boxycharm subscriptions! We will be launching in retail for the first time this year, with Walmart Canada.
What are your favorite local restaurants?
My favorite local restaurants? We have so many great options in Bedford. I love Pressed Cafe, Friendly Toast, Tuckers, and Tapei & Tokyo, which my kids affectionately call “The Umbrella Place”. We’ve often gone there for celebrations and they love getting the little drink umbrellas in their virgin pina coladas! Corey and I love Copper Door for date nights and anniversaries. And of course, we love taking the kids to Inside Scoop (or as my youngest used to call it – Inshide Shoop – so we still call it that).
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
Self-care is essential, especially for us moms. My favorite way to practice self-care is in how I get myself ready for the day. It really starts the day on a good note and I feel like I show up as my best self when I take a shower, pick out on an outfit I feel good in, do my skincare routine, makeup, etc. It doesn’t have to be overly time-consuming, but I make it a priority. I remember in the earlier days of motherhood, I would lament that I hadn’t showered in a week. Now, I try to take care of myself the way that I take care of others. Self-care is a win-win for everyone. You feel good ,and your family gets the best version of you. I also enjoy reading a book on the front porch, going for a walk (I love the trails at Joppa Hill Farm and then I get to say hi to the animals too!), or enjoying a glorious nap (rare, but life-changing).
What brought you to Bedford?
We moved to Bedford because of the great schools, safe community, convenient location, and proximity to family.
What is your favorite thing about Bedford?
My favorite thing about Bedford is the people, hands down. I have met the most genuine, caring people in Bedford. I have seen the moms of this town rally around each other time and time again. It’s literally that town where you could ask your neighbor for a cup of sugar.
What are your favorite local spots in town?
Our favorite local spots in town are Joppa Hill Farm, the library, the park, Inside Scoop, and Flight Coffee! Although it really is hard to choose just a few because there are so many great spots (Goldfish for swim lessons, Gear Up for Bulldogs gear, Target for everything, Home Goods for a fun mother-daughter outing, Marshalls, Whole Foods … I could go on and on).
What is your best piece of advice for moms who are new in town?
My advice for moms who are new in town would be to get involved in some way – you’d be surprised how easy it is to meet so many amazing people here. You could go to a Bedford Moms event where total strangers turn into friends. You could sign your kids up for sports or dance or whatever their interest may be (my boys play hockey for the Avalanche and Flames and soccer for Bedford Athletic Club) and meet a group of parents that will become like family. You can make a post on a Moms of Bedford Facebook group and find the kindest moms who are always eager to help however they can. You can volunteer at your kid’s school or at a non-profit, attend events at the farm or library, put out a lemonade stand – the possibilities are endless. Just reach out and connect!
What is your best piece of advice for expecting moms or new moms?
My advice for expecting moms / new moms is to find those mom friends that are on the same journey as you. Having other moms who you can talk to, who will check on you, who will get you out of the house when it’s been a while – they are essential.
Is there anything you wish we asked that we didn’t?
Last thing I’ll say … We really live in the best place to raise a family, in my opinion. My husband and I have lived in West Palm Beach, FL, a small town in eastern Tennessee, and Los Angeles, CA, and yes, I get it – the sunny weather is nice. I loved all of those places. New Hampshire, though, has it all. It’s truly a hidden gem. Our kids get to experience and appreciate each of the 4 seasons to the fullest. We have charming small towns, but big cities still within reach. We have beautiful beaches and breath-taking mountains. We have so much natural beauty here, and there is so much to explore throughout New England. Every day, I wake up so happy to live here. Thank you Bedford for being an amazing community to be apart of and raise a family in.
In closing, we hope you enjoyed reading this article about Anna! If you’d like to nominate a Bedford mom to be spotlighted, please submit your nomination via email to info@thebedfordmom.com. Thanks so much!