The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Armed with a list compiled of the most common harmful ingredients used in personal care products, hand in hand with the ‘holy grail’ of evidence-based and anecdotal milk nourishing galactagogues, I set out to redefine a holistic approach to breastfeeding care that was guaranteed to be gentle, safe and effective without any compromise. Mothers would never feel compelled to question “Could this product be harmful to me or my baby?”.
With the objective of encouraging mothers to unveil the emotional, mental and energetic cause of so many breastfeeding adversities, I enlisted an Australian team of green scientists, naturopaths, lymphatic, Chinese and Ayurvedic practitioners, lactation consultants, midwives, herbalists and aromatherapists to skilfully craft a specialised brief of lactation and mother-centred-care wellness formulations.
I have been honoured to encounter business partnerships that have so effortlessly aligned with my personal and business values, philosophies, specialised requirements and capabilities. I have been able to draw upon my abundant industry network that has shared iconic moments and memories in my career within the clean beauty and wellness space. Forging community and relationships are of great importance to me both personally and professionally and this closeness shared with many individuals over the past 17 years in particular has proven to play a significant role in the Mammae conception.
When I presented the very early brand identity document and formulation guidelines, I was completely overwhelmed with the response received from the collective of professionals that I had selectively targeted to be a part of this unique and purpose-led brand – set to create a breakthrough and movement in the mother-centred-care segment.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Taking an unconventional twist on this question, it would have to be the ease with which the ins and outs of this business conception have carried its own momentum. Things have been unstoppable since the day I decided to give it life through a personal Instagram post, holding myself accountable for its evolution.
On a more personal note, the specialised and complex nature of the lactogenic formulations prepared and trialled soon presented as my greatest breakthrough yet; my body had naturally relactated! A defining day in the brand evolution that I will never forget. I knew at this moment there was something tremendously wondrous, unique and powerful about this synergy of traditional plant-based formulations that we had crafted. There was no turning back!
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing the conception and development of Mammae with family life as a first-time mother has certainly shared in its challenges. As a postpartum woman in this highly productivity-driven modern society, I was pressed to break away from my pre-baby conditions, my whole identity really; one that set the pace as an overachieving, “successful” and independent woman to this new and unfamiliar version of myself. So much so, I would constantly remind myself that despite the surrounding stigma, ultimately, I get to choose the pace, both at home and within my workspace and let’s be honest, my toddler is mostly responsible for that!
There is no denying that it takes a dedicated mindset to make this delicate balancing act a priority and it’s a constant process. For me, building a strong communication front in our home has been imperative in bringing about a harmonious work-life balance. Cultivating these strong family bonds promotes empathy, understanding and support. Open communication between my partner and I has created much less demand with a greater perspective and ease within our relationship.
Whilst the last 16 months of developing Mammae have been incredibly taxing on my mental, physical and emotional health as a postpartum woman, I have equally found this time to be somewhat therapeutic in its own sense. Channelling this monumental season into an aligned project built on purpose has allowed me to reconnect with my pre-baby identity again, pouring creative energy and wisdom into a collection that I hope is set to positively impact the lives and outcomes of breastfeeding mothers, with a renewed holistic approach.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
The very most of this brand has been built between the newborn haze of 7pm and 3am. It has been a long taxing, and exhausting journey as an entrepreneur whilst supporting my responsibilities as a new mother and allowing this vital season to be a time of deep healing. In retrospect, my own transformation into motherhood as a ‘mumpreneur’ has prepared me in so many ways for this new business venture; I’ve had the opportunity to channel my creativity, productivity and management skills that I innately employ as a mother within my home, into the complete and complex operations of Mammae.
‘Mum guilt’ is a very common challenge that also tends to creep in regularly. Anytime I am applying myself to the workings behind Mammae or activities other than caring for my daughter, I feel compelled to drop everything and give her my undevoted time and attention. Yet, I can already identify just how confident, self-reliant, and courageous Poppy has become, and for this, I am proud of my commitment and unfailing determination to stay on track, pursue my career goals and launch this incredible mother-centred-care brand, all the while loving and devoting myself to my family. I can humbly say that I am always giving my best and I am the mother that I so desire to be, not in spite of my entrepreneurial endeavours, but, in part, it’s because of it. I am passionate about my role as a mama and equally so with giving back to the motherhood community. The journey into both has only just begun. I’m invigorated by the potential of Mammae and sharing this season with my beautiful blossoming daughter who reminds me of the beauty, patience and presence in each and every day.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Motherhood is a demanding full-time role; it’s tough and exhausting alongside equally rewarding, yet entrepreneurship is really much the same. Both responsibilities will turn you inside out and upside down. They’ll have you crying tears of joy and sheer exhaustion, and leave you questioning your entire being, limitations, boundaries and capability. In the same context, both roles provide an immense feeling of joy, purpose, pride, success and fulfilment.
Operating a business is one of the greatest learning experiences you’ll ever set off on. Not a day goes by that you wouldn’t need to learn something new. Self-development is simply non-negotiable, as is the ability to evolve and adapt with grace and fluidity.
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