The Mamalode Starter Series is an exciting opportunity for us to introduce you to some of the amazing people we get to meet. Starting something takes enormous amounts of work, faith, help and community. Every week we'll share another story of starting. So, community of Mamalode, read up, get inspired and check out these wonder-folk.
Tell us a little bit about your business and how you started it.
I designed a bag you would actually want to carry for your breast pump called the Nurse Purse. When I went back to work after my older son was born, I was so frustrated carrying that black nylon breast pump bag everywhere. I was committed to continuing to breastfeed but everything about pumping felt confusing and difficult. As a Speech Language Pathologist, part of my job involves traveling around New York City. It was especially frustrating that nothing else could fit in the bag and I wound up lugging 2 or 3 different bags all over town. I did a quick search, and then searched again, and could not believe that with all the amazing diaper bags and other fashionable gear for moms that there was no alternative for carrying your pump. At that time you couldn’t even buy a replacement bag and my bag was really starting to look worn out.
Initially, I just wanted to solve a problem for myself, but the more people I talked to, the more I realized this was an issue for lots of women out there. I decided to try to make it available for everyone. There was a steep learning curve with every single aspect, but I was fortunate to meet some people along the way who were generous with advice and support. There was also a lot of good old fashioned trial and error. The whole process from conception to production took so much longer. It was so much different than I could have anticipated. There were a lot of fits and starts and I had another baby boy along the way. It’s been so incredibly busy but so satisfying to finally be up and running.
What do your kids think about your job?
My youngest (18 months) is really too young to know what’s going on and my older son (3 ½) just knows about my ‘day job’ as a speech pathologist. I try hard to work on the Nurse Purse business after the kids are in bed and to keep it separate when we are together. It’s not the easiest to stay away from technology all the time when you feel like there are constantly issues that need your attention, especially in the startup phase, so that’s a challenge.
Tell us about a total mom + biz fail.
During a particularly chaotic afternoon with the kids, my phone started to ring while it was sitting on the table—my toddler was closest and immediately answered and started jabbering into the phone, “Oh hi, mommy your phone is ringing, who you talking to mommy?” Of course it was the important call I had been waiting for and was brilliantly planning to coordinate with two naptimes. Not my most professional moment.
Share with us a total win (brag away!)
Walking down the street and my son shouting, “Mommy that lady has your bag!” In general, just getting my idea from the point of conception to reality has felt like a huge win.
What's your relationship with Mamalode?
I was recently discovered Mamalode through social media and became an instant fan of the funny, real, and relatable stories.
About the Author
