A new interview in the Mommin' It Business Series is here! Featuring mom owned businesses that support pregnant and new moms.

Today I’m speaking with Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel's Labels. Julie is a recovered lawyer and mom of six who has helped her company bring their product to a worldwide market, gain media recognition, and win countless entrepreneur awards. 

Julie is a serial entrepreneur, regular television contributor, published author, sought after speaker and emcee, digital influencer, and blogger.

Tell us about your business. How do you help expecting or new moms?

Frustrated by my children’s things getting lost, mixed up and leaving home never to return, along with my co-founders, I knew we could do better than the scribbles on masking tape that were being passed off as labels. From there, the idea for the product was born: the very best personalized waterproof name labels and tags that were equally cute and durable.

Mabel’s Labels started humbly out of a basement and has grown to be an award-winning, market-leading company loved by Moms and kids alike.

Today, Mabel’s Labels is the best-known brand of durable labels for families, and our growing line of products features baby bottle labels, allergy and medical alert products, sports labels, household labels and seasonal items. They’re extremely durable, they're laundry, dishwasher and microwave safe – and they’re 100% guaranteed.

What makes you unique as a mom & business owner?

I started Mabel's Labels 17 years ago from a basement and it now does 12M in sales a year and employees 40 full-time team members. I also have six children which has made growing a business and a family a very interesting journey!

What's the hardest part of running your business and being a mom?

In the early days, it was managing a start-up while also providing an incredible ABA program for my son who is on the autism spectrum. Oh, and also his five siblings! The most difficult thing is making time for everything that needs to be done, learning how to prioritize and knowing when to take an opportunity and when to say no!

What is one "messy" thing about being a mom/biz owner that you would never share in public?

I have been very transparent about the realities of being a mom and entrepreneur. Now that I have teenagers, I am respectful of their privacy so if there are any teen related issues, I get their permission before sharing.

What's your favorite thing about being a mom/biz owner?

It is the flexibility - but as I often tell anyone who will listen... flexibility does not get your work done for you! Sure, you can volunteer at the school or go to the park in the afternoon, but you will be on your laptop at midnight making up for it. That was the life I chose and I wouldn't have it any other way.

What advice and words of encouragement would you give to expecting or new moms? 

I know when you are in the thick of it, this can be difficult, but there are a few things:

You are the expert of your child. Take on what people share with you, read books, chat with friends - but you were given mama guts for a reason. Don't be afraid to use them.

Cut yourself some slack. If you have a newborn and are stressing about the toddler having too much screen time or your family has had cereal for dinner, that's OK! There are times we just have to get through the day. It won't last forever and your family won't get scurvy if they've had hot dogs three nights in a row!

Know your needs. If you need a break, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are managing just fine, don't let others tell you to take a break. Everyone has different tolerance levels. Know yours and honour them!

Perspective is my secret sauce. When life gives me lemons, I make a gin and tonic! :) Your perspective is the only thing you can try to control. Don't take life or your parenting too seriously. Lose the mommy guilt. I gave it up four kids ago. When I make a mistake, I apologize and try to do better the next time. That's enough. The kids are alright!

How has motherhood changed you?

I think I am essentially the same person I always was, just busier, tired but with way more mom friends!

What is one toy, item, product, book, resource, podcast that you would recommend to a new or expecting mom? 

Well, Mabel's Labels of course! There are so many great products, blogs and podcasts out there. I always try to support those created by MOMS!

About Julie Cole

Julie Cole is a recovered lawyer, mom of six and co-founder of Mabel’s Labels. She has helped her company bring their product to a worldwide market, gain media recognition and win countless entrepreneur awards.

Cole is a serial entrepreneur, regular television contributor, published author, a sought after speaker and emcee and a digital influencer and blogger

Find Julie Cole here:

Website: https://mabelslabels.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/mabelslabels
                    https://www.instagram.com/cole.julie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mabelslabels/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mabelhood
              https://twitter.com/juliecole

Are you thinking about starting your own business, or have you recently launched? I joined Camille Walker on her podcast, Call Me CEO. In this interview, Launching Dreamy Mesh Underwear, Camille and I discussed how I leveraged my 14 plus years of manufacturing at a Fortune 100 pharmaceutical company to grow my own product-based business. I also talk about the ins and outs of creating, launching, and manufacturing! 

I’d love for you to listen to the full interview here. We also discuss: 

• The process of making a business idea become a reality
• Communication and establishing networking relationships
• Reasons to Hire a business coach or consultant
• Using different retail outlets for your product
• Taking time for yourself as a working mom

There are few things that are truly essential after childbirth – mesh underwear is one of those things. That is why I wanted to make mesh underwear more available to women everywhere. For women having home births, for women whose hospitals don’t provide mesh underwear, and for women like myself – who just wanted my supply to last longer. 

If you’re ready to try them, use the Coupon Code: Undies 2021 for $2.00 off your purchase. You can redeem your code here.

And, as an extra bonus here’s a guide about ALL the things that everyone else ignores (or kindly forgets to mention) when you have a baby. Click here to read 10 Things I Learned After Giving Birth That No One Tells You!

A new interview in the Mommin' It Business Series is here! Featuring mom owned businesses that support pregnant and new moms.

Today I’m speaking with Denise Gassner, owner of There's a Monster in My Closet. Denise is a child sleep specialist and educator, that helps new or soon-to-be mamas understand sleep and how it develops over the first 5 years of life.

She is a scientist first and a sleep professional second, allowing her to disentangle the most trusted, most evidence-based information when it comes to developing sleep. This lets Denise focus on the most important aspects of each family’s values and environment and tailor a more proactive approach to sleep behaviour.

Tell us about your business? And how do you help expecting or new moms?

I offer a wide variety of resources and services that help new or soon to be mamas understand sleep and how it develops over the first 5 years of life. I focus on building trusted resources for moms (both free and paid) and offering education packages to help moms understand sleep developments (think of it like the wonder weeks of sleep). This lets moms know what to expect and also how to cope in a way that is both empowering and informed. 

I have one-on-one consulting packages targeted to parents ranging from expecting to having children up to 5 years of age. I also offer a series of educational workshops to provide the most foundational information regarding childhood sleep development. I have quick reference downloads, an active blog, and a website full of the most up-to-date Pediatric sleep science. And, I have a series of lovable sleepy time plush pals that represent the 5 stages of sleep development and come with my comprehensive eBook - Healthy Sleep, Healthy Start - to help new moms get off on the right foot.

What makes you unique as a mom & business owner?

I am a scientist, an entrepreneur, and a mama of two. I have a PhD in Biology and Anthropology, teach at the University of British Columbia, and have been studying and teaching on various aspect of behaviour for nearly two decades. Upon becoming a mom myself, I became privy to the discombobulating world that is baby sleep. Like many others, I sifted through all the “how tos” to get myself and my family a few more zzzzzs, but I wanted more. I wanted to know “why”. I wanted to truly understand sleep and how such a natural state can feel anything but natural in the early years. It has been my mission to help families understand sleep from its core - how it functions, how it develops, and how we can help our children and ourselves to get the healthiest most restorative sleep possible, without rigid or prescriptive methods.

What's the hardest part of running your business and being a mom?

Time. Always time. I’m an educator, a mom of two and an entrepreneur. I wear all the hats in both my business and my household. I have big dreams that I feel like I’m just scraping away at half the time without major traction because there are not enough hours in the day. I’m also a workaholic so balance can be a challenge - I want to be my best self no matter what hat I’m wearing.

What is one "messy" thing about being a mom/biz owner that you would never share in public?

Sometimes I feel like a major poser because my kids are not perfect and their sleep I’m not perfect. And I’m super awkward and uncomfortable when it comes to posing Instagram images/videos (though maybe I’d share that because I feel like I’m definitely not alone on that front).

What's your favorite thing about being a mom/biz owner?

The two are so intertwined and I looooove learning. My background is in primatology and I see my kids as my little primates that I love to try and deconstruct - Their behaviour, their development, their thoughts and feelings and ways of viewing the world. It’s fascinating and it energizes me. I can’t help but look at them as a scientist and I adore finding creative ways to communicate everything I see to other mamas.

What advice and words of encouragement would you give to expecting or new moms? 

Sleep is not something that your baby can do well or poorly. It’s a behaviour like all other behaviours that takes time to learn, practice to hone, and patience as it develops. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s a “right” or a “wrong” to it, but if you’re struggling to find your sleep groove you do not just have to grin and bear it

How has motherhood changed you?

Motherhood hit me like a ton of bricks. I have always excelled at academics and work life. When I was on maternity leave, I felt like I lost my sense of self. I didn’t know how to be “good” at being a mom. Now I realize that I’m the best mom that I know how to be, and that may not look like how anyone else does it, but I have happy, healthy, loving children that are going to take this world by storm. And that’s something I can be proud of.

What is one toy, item, product, book, resource, podcast that you would recommend to a new or expecting mom? 

My Sleep Monster plushies! Eco-friendly, fair trade, sleepy time pals for the littles with access to jam packed, evidence informed sleep info for parents - a “what to expect” and “how to cope” gift to ease the transition and improve mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

About Denise Gassner

Denise Gassner has been researching aspects of behaviour for nearly two decades. She turned her attention to sleep after having her own little humans and becoming fascinated by how unnatural sleep can feel in those early years. Denise is driven to help make sleep less of a mystery for new parents and empower them to make informed decisions that adhere to their unique parenting styles. When not spilling about all things sleep, you can find her heading undergraduate classrooms at the University of British Columbia or hanging out with her husband, two kids, and their pup in beautiful Squamish BC.

Find Denise Gassner here:

Website: https://theresamonsterinmycloset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleep.monster/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresamonsterinmycloset

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-gassner-75405030/

A new interview in the Mommin' It Business Series is here! Featuring mom owned businesses that support pregnant and new moms.

Today I’m speaking with Lulu Lincoln, owner of Teaching Mums, Ltd. Lulu provides support, coaching, and resources to mothers through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Her motto of "Each Mum, Teach Mum, Reach Mum "alone shows her desire to reach every mother through every part of their journey.  Her main purpose is to fill each mother with confidence and support to create balance in business, motherhood, and connection.

Tell us about your business? And how do you help expecting or new moms?

I offer Professional 1:1 Coaching for mothers and I focus on motherhood, business, and education. I am passionate about connecting mums (expectant incl.) with their purpose and passion, whilst still enjoying being a full-time mum. For some mothers this could be returning to work or staying at home and building an income around that. Some mums want to upskill and retrain. This is where I come in. My coaching sessions help mothers to understand how to manage their priorities without negatively impacting their commitment to their homes. I offer resources and support...I work with each family until they no longer need me...then I know my job is done. 

What makes you unique as a mom & business owner?

I am a qualified teacher, coach and pregnancy counselor, as well as a mum, so my business is evidence and experience based. More than a third of mothers are having to give up work because of the cost of childcare. It is a privilege to be able to care for your family, but support has to be provided for mothers that would like the best of both worlds.

What's the hardest part of running your business and being a mom?

Time management, juggling priorities (well) - that's why I have created resources that work, but do not overwhelm.

What is one "messy" thing about being a mom/biz owner that you would never share in public?

The short-comings of my husband or children. I don't mind sharing my own, but not theirs, it's just not fair.

What's your favorite thing about being a mom/biz owner?

My favorite thing about being a mom/biz owner is being able to serve my family each (with joy) and help other  families, via online resources, tools and apps.

What advice and words of encouragement would you give to expecting or new moms? 

The best piece of advice that I was NEVER given is to be kind to yourself... your body, sleep as often as possible, journal, speak out loud about your desires, dreams, and issues. You are loved and powerful. This power is not stolen by our children, but it increases as we adapt to having a brand-new life. There will be  difficult days, but nothing compares to the joy you will feel when your child arrives, says your name, says thank you, I love you…the list is endless. My point is the good days do eventually outweigh the bad days. Decide before it gets tricky that you will never give up.

How has motherhood changed you?

Yes, I was so selfish before I became a mother. It has completely humbled me and made me grateful for everything that I have. I take it a day at a time. I live by my values, to the best of my ability, and teach my family to do the same. What a gift! 

What is one toy, item, product, book, resource, podcast that you would recommend to a new or expecting mom? 

(1) A journal. (2) A soft toy for baby. (3)A breast pump (if you decide to breast feed). (4) A memory box for keepsakes.(5) Re:Vitalise Podcast. (6) Pregnancy Birth and Beyond. (7) The 6-Figure Mompreneur. (8) Teaching Mums Ltd time block weekly calendar. 

About Lulu Lincoln

Lulu Lincoln is a mumpreneur (former teacher) and now homeschooling. Lulu is happily married, has 1 daughter and desires to expand her family. She has worked in education for almost 20 years. Lulu is a Christian, a keen linguist (German & Italian), bibliophile, writer and loves to spend time with her family. Motherhood can often be accompanied by loneliness and low confidence. Lulu support mothers through pregnancy, birth and beyond through coaching and resourcing. Her motto is Each Mum | Teach Mum | Reach Mum. From her experience and education, Lulu offers training, tailored coaching, and resources for mothers, as well as educational resources and coaching for children.

Find Lulu Lincoln here:

Website: www.teachingmums.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialteachingmums/

Today I’m speaking with Tabatha Hartman, a personal brand photography coach, that focuses on teaching others how to utilize the one thing we use most...our phones...to capture those beautiful moments of life, work, and especially our children.

Her passion for photography and her experience gives insight to new moms on how to capture those little moments that you will treasure for life.