FEARLESS FOUNDERS | NAVIGATING MOTHERHOOD & ENTREPRENEURSHIP | WITH ERIN FROM MAMMAE
Introducing Erin, the visionary behind Mammae. A devoted mother and entrepreneur, Erin navigates solo parenting while nurturing her big ambitions to empower mothers on their breastfeeding journey. With a background climbing the corporate ladder and working with high-profile natural beauty brands, Erin's entrepreneurial spirit has always burned bright.
At the heart of Erin's world is her daughter, Poppy Mae, whose impending third birthday on May 7th holds a special significance, marking a poignant remembrance of her heterotopic twin loss. Without the presence of these two beautiful souls, Mammae wouldn't exist. Erin's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of motherhood. As she shares her voice and her journey with the portier community in honor of International Women’s Day, Erin inspires us all to embrace our own unique paths and celebrate the strength of women
How did the idea for MAMMAE come about? Was it one of those brilliant lightbulb moments during a 3 a.m. feeding session?
The idea for MAMMAE didn't strike me as a brilliant lightbulb moment during a 3 a.m. feeding session. Instead, it evolved from intensive research and personal experiences, rooted in my family's lineage of midwives and lactation consultants. Breastfeeding, while a natural process, presented numerous challenges that I, like many mothers, faced. These challenges led me to recognise the importance of understanding the biological signals behind lactation hormones like oxytocin and prolactin. Delving into the impact of stress on these hormones, I became increasingly aware of their critical role in promoting successful breastfeeding outcomes. However, many expectant mothers are not adequately informed about this, leading to unnecessary stress and anxiety. I believe it's essential for mothers to have access to this knowledge as part of their preparation for birth and beyond, creating a more supportive environment for new mothers and their babies.
Having emerged from these challenges, I devoted myself entirely to breastfeeding, prioritising it above all else, even when physically and emotionally drained. With determination, I overcame countless obstacles, learning to honour my body's maternal wisdom and deepen my connection with my child and my body.
Was there a pivotal moment in your journey that empowered you to take the plunge to launch and pursue your business endeavours?
There wasn't a pivotal moment that I can pinpoint. Launching Mammae certainly wasn't a calculated decision, but rather a culmination of experiences, emotions, and revelations that propelled me forward without overthinking. I knew my ‘why’, and that was merely enough. During early motherhood, navigating immense hardship in my relationship with Poppy's father led me to turn to creativity as a form of solace. This brand has been my saviour and guiding light. While there wasn't a single defining moment, launching Mammae felt like a natural progression, rooted in an unwavering belief in my vision and a determination to forge a brighter future for myself and other mothers. It was about reclaiming my power and identity, a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Aside from my beautiful daughter, I have never felt more proud of anything in my entire life
Balancing the chaos of motherhood and the demands of running a business can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. How do you prioritise your commitments and set boundaries?
Oh, the elusive art of balance and boundaries. Honestly, mastering this delicate dance feels like a perpetual work in progress. In this season of my life, I find myself immersed in the depths of a business, single parenting, and self-discovery, which more often than not, still feels highly uncomfortable. Some days, it feels like my darling needs my attention and care more than ever, whilst other days feel easygoing but with endless work deadlines, having no end in sight.
As for setting boundaries and prioritising commitments, it's just a constant work in progress. I strive to listen to my intuition and honour my needs, whether it's prioritising family time or setting aside little moments for self-care. While there may not be a perfect formula that I can share, I've found that being flexible helps me navigate the ever-changing landscape of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Oh, and learning the technique to time-block my week and my days, has been a total saving grace and keeps productivity and satisfaction at a high! Mums’ if you’re not yet implementing this practice, I highly recommend you do! Amidst the beautiful chaos, I've just come to embrace the fluidity of life's seasons. Each moment brings its own set of challenges and demands, and I've learned to surrender to the rhythm of it all. It's not always easy, but this acceptance has opened doors to growth and wisdom that I never anticipated. My mother's constant reminder echoes in my mind: 'You're a mother first, above all else.' This grounding mantra always keeps me centred.
How do you believe your experiences as a woman and mother have shaped your approach to leadership and decision-making within your business?
My journey since becoming a mother has most certainly shaped my leadership philosophy, guiding me to lead with empathy, integrity, and authenticity, without fear of judgement - qualities that I believe are indispensable in any leadership role. It has taught me to embrace vulnerability, celebrate diversity, and approach decision-making with a holistic perspective that considers the well-being of both myself, my team and my community.
In what ways do you advocate for gender equality and support other women in your Industry?
At Mammae, we're committed to driving positive change and uplifting women in all facets of their lives. Advocating for gender equality and supporting women in my industry is deeply ingrained in both my mission and values. At the heart of my advocacy efforts is the commitment to amplifying the voices of mothers in particular. Through our Mammae Mothers initiative, we provide a safe and supportive platform for mothers to share the ‘stories untold’—the joys, challenges, triumphs, and struggles of motherhood.
Our diverse communication platforms serve as a beacon of empowerment, offering a space where mothers can openly discuss and connect over their experiences, whether it's overcoming breastfeeding challenges, navigating parenting ups and downs, relationship struggles, or celebrating moments of joy amidst the chaos.
It's not just about storytelling; it's about fostering connections and solidarity among mothers, transcending geographical boundaries and forming lasting bonds of support and friendship. Mammae is a space of belonging, to feel held, heard and supported.
Furthermore, through our exclusive Mammae Ambassador Program, mothers have the chance to not only share our purposeful products and stories with their own community but also have the opportunity to earn residual income through commissions on sales generated by their unique referral links. It is my goal to help mothers achieve financial independence, once again.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business, and how have you overcome them?
As a single mother, the journey of balancing the roles of a full-time stay-at-home mum and a full-time working professional has been nothing short of daunting. The constant uncertainty of not knowing if there would be enough to cover basic necessities each week, while also planning for our future has been an immeasurable strain. However, the determination to not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity fuels my resilience. It requires constant mindset awareness, relentless determination, resourcefulness and dedication to both my daughter and my long term future aspirations.
I've learned firsthand the true meaning of strength, resilience, and perseverance and I am proud to impart these qualities in the eyes of my daughter. While the journey may be fraught with many unforeseen challenges, it's also filled with moments of immense joy, love, growth, and purpose. There was a time when I had surrendered to the fact that my experience as a mother was tarnished by the status of my broken relationship and my postpartum depression. But as I continue forward, I'm finding a new sense of rhythm emerging; Poppy and I are both in a process of deep healing, and life is truly revealing its beauty to us, yet again.
Being a founder and a mother requires immense strength and resilience. How do you prioritise self-care and well-being while managing the demands of both?
It's an aspect of my life that I'm still learning to navigate, and truth be told, it often feels uncomfortable to prioritise self care. When I'm given a few hours of my own time, I become so overwhelmed by it. I genuinely still struggle to let go of my conditioning, allowing myself to feel indulged and nurtured. In a world where productivity is glorified and busyness is worn as a badge of honour, finding quality time for self-care can feel overly indulgent or even selfish! There's a constant inner dialogue of guilt and obligation, urging me to put the needs of my business and family ahead of my own.
Through the evolution of Mammae and motherhood, I've equally come to realise that neglecting self-care is not sustainable in the long run. It's a recipe for burnout, resentment, and ultimately, diminished productivity in both my personal and professional life. So, despite the discomfort, I'm learning to lean into self-care this year as a non-negotiable. This newfound realisation has not only influenced my personal approach but has also inspired the messaging for our 2024 campaign - Rediscover to Recover. This initiative will drive our marketing efforts and partnerships throughout the year, emphasising the importance of rediscovering ourselves to reclaim our vitality.
My beautiful mother's words also echo in my mind, often urging me to recognise that my health and wellbeing is essential not only for my own sake but for Poppy's as well. This reminder has shifted my perspective, helping me to see that self-care isn't selfish—it's an act of love and responsibility towards my daughter. By taking the time to nourish my body, mind, and soul, I'm not only ensuring my own well-being but also setting an example for Poppy of the importance of self-love and self-care.
Can you highlight a mentor or role model who has inspired you on your journey, and share the impact they’ve had on your career?
Maintaining a positive mindset and surrounding myself with inspiring, empowering women has undeniably been my greatest gift in business. In reflecting on the countless individuals who have played pivotal roles in my journey, one name stands out prominently: Yanika, the Founder of Biglittlethings and Biglittlegifting. From the moment we connected she has served as both a mentor and a dear friend, guiding me through the highs and lows of my business venture, separation and motherhood with the most unconditional love, support and wisdom.
The influence of Yanika on my early business venture is immeasurable. Her guidance, encouragement, and genuine belief in my potential and the potential of my brand have been the driving force behind my success. Thanks to her support, I've gained the confidence to pursue my goals without fear, despite others questioning the potential to scale a niche brand during an economic downturn. So as we celebrate International Women's Day and honour the achievements of women everywhere, I am immensely grateful for the influence of women like Yanika. She is a shining example of the power of female leadership and mentorship. Every woman needs a ‘Yani’ in her life!
Finally, on International Women’s Day, what message would you like to share with women around the world who are pursuing their dreams and breaking barriers in their respective fields?
I want to share a message of solidarity with women around the world who are courageously pursuing their dreams. To all the women who refuse to be confined by societal norms and expectations, who boldly challenge the status quo, and who persist in the face of adversity—I applaud your strength, resilience, vulnerability and determination. Remember that your dreams are valid, your voice is powerful, and your contributions to society are invaluable. As you navigate through the ups and downs of your journey, know that you are never alone.
Together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, not merely survive. So keep pushing forward, keep advocating for yourself and others, and never doubt the impact you can make in this world. Your love, warmth and authenticity inspires and paves the way for our daughters to dream even bigger with the unwavering belief that they really can have, be and do it all. You're empowering our future generation to reach for the stars.
You are worthy. You are woman.
Happy International Women’s Day.
Our Fearless Quickfire
1. Early bird or night owl? My best work comes to me at 3am.
2. Wine or Gin? Impartial to a fine wine.
3. Favourite productivity hack? Setting small, achievable goals for the day and using time-blocking techniques to schedule focused work periods and breaks between my role as a full-time single mother.
4. Best source of motivation? My beautiful toddler, Poppy. Her laughter, innocence, and endless curiosity constantly remind me to see beauty in the mundane and to maintain a balanced perspective.
5. Are you a planner or
lastminute.com? Neither nor. I tend to make decisions intuitively.
6. Must-have item in your entrepreneur/mum survival kit? The ability to surrender and let go when
necessary.
7. One word to describe your parenting style? Intuitive
8. Go-to stress-relief technique? Rescue Remedy
9. Favourite podcast or book for inspiration or business insights? CEO’S Wing Woman by Olivia Jenkins.
10. One thing you wish you had more time for? Movement; prioritising and taking care of myself still feels deeply uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Day by day, small actions can create big change.
11. One word that describes the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship for you? Expansive.
