Working mamas unite
Sick of a corporate world that often seems to deny the existence of a life outside of the office, working moms have decided to forge ahead on their own.
On Mother’s Day of 2006, Marlynn Schotland established Portland Mamas Inc., an organization that has since brought together over a hundred businesses owned by women who are mothers as well as entrepreneurs.
Portland Mamas Inc. showcases members’ businesses, provides resources and support, and also helps women who are thinking of starting a business. The organization grew out of Schotland’s own need for information and a support group when she struck out on her own with her online business, Event Bliss – selling stationary, gifts and graphic design – in September 2005.
Event Bliss is located in Tigard, and a number of PMI members call the city home, including Kate Rosenthal (who owns Stubby Pencil Studio) and Rachel Heyer (owner of Stroller Strides). Bella Bellies Maternity, owned by Amy Radich, is also located in Bridgeport Village.
“I wanted it to be more than just the typical business organization,” said Schotland about Portland Mamas Inc. “It’s more like a relationship to support each other. Nursing infants are welcome, families are welcome.”
She says that the organization is primarily about figuring out how to balance the two worlds that working mothers find themselves inhabiting. She says that nobody should have to “choose one life over the other.”
“[The women] can be openly passionate about their business as well as their families, and I think that helps a lot of members feel more secure and more charged about their work,” said Schotland.
“It’s a juggling act to be sure,” she added. “But it’s very rewarding to do what we love and on our own terms.” Schotland herself is married and has two young children.
‘What’s my priority today?’
“Everyday is a different challenge,” said Ann Shultz, who works as a marketing consultant and project manager for a variety of companies. She has three children between the ages of four and nine years old. Every morning she said she asks herself, “What’s my priority today?”
“Balance and guilt,” said Lesley Barnes, who owns Apple Eye Photography, about the challenges of raising kids and running her own business. “They go hand-in-hand, and try as you might to find balance, when you do you find more guilt. The two are almost like a seesaw.”
Schotland says the key is knowing how to prioritize. Shultz says it’s time management. The bottom line: It’s about keeping all the balls in the air as best you can and it doesn’t hurt to have a supportive network behind you.
With approximately 150 members, Portland Mamas Inc. provides a way for moms to share resources, both for business and family. One woman may want to learn more about advertising while another may need a babysitter for Friday night. They have monthly meetings featuring guest speakers, business topics, special events, and play dates.
The organization spans many different types of industries and holds industry group meetings to address different businesses and different women’s needs.
“It’s so we can learn to do what we love even better,” Schotland said.
For moms starting up and running their own businesses after perhaps years of working in the corporate sphere, Portland Mamas Inc. is a breath of fresh air.
“The first meeting I went to there were so many things talked about that I could relate to,” said Shultz. “I was really energized about joining.” She says that while it’s not hard to find groups for mothers or groups for working women, it is rare to find a group that addresses the unique issues of working mothers.
“What I hear all the time from [members] is that they are thankful to be a part of an organization full of women facing the same challenges that they face,” said Schotland.
“In Portland Mamas Inc., these amazing women never have to pretend that they don’t have kids,” she said. “They don’t have to apologize for showing up late because their son had a meltdown, they can nurse openly during our business meetings, and when we collaborate together on business projects, our kids can often come along to meetings and have gotten to know each other as playmates.”
“People find my business just because I’m a part of [Portland Mamas Inc.],” said Michaela Santen who owns BumpStyle, which sells maternity tops for expecting moms. “It puts my name out there . . . it’s a good network.”
This is how it used to be: “You go to work and pretend you don’t have this life,” said Schotland.
Now, with Portland Mamas Inc., it’s about embracing both work and family because combined they are a force to be reckoned with.
“There’s a camaraderie within the group that spans age, industry, race and economic factors,” Schotland said. “We all ‘get’ each other, and therefore tend to support each other’s businesses in ways many of the women have found lacking otherwise in the business world. Our members refer fellow member businesses to their friends, family and to their own clients; we have an extremely strong network, and so we naturally also tend to collaborate together on business projects.”
“I get new clients daily who find me on the [Portland Mamas Inc.] Web site and want to support mothers who work,” said Barnes.
The Mom Shop
To get the word out even more, Portland Mamas Inc. is holding an event, The Mom Shop, next Saturday. They want to show people just what’s been going on and what’s available as a result.
“The event will showcase local, family-owned businesses,” said Schotland. “We want to encourage people to shop locally, whether that’s for clothing or gifts or services such as a chiropractor. You really can get almost everything you need from local, family-owned businesses.”
The other issue they want to address through the event is the idea that this “business thing” is just some hobby.
“I think there’s still that misconception,” said Schotland. “Some moms do this as a hobby and that’s great, but for many this is their bread and butter.”
The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Smith Memorial Ballroom at Portland State University.
For more information about Portland Mamas Inc. or to see a directory of members’ businesses, visit www.portlandmamasinc.org.