We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Siobhan Hamilton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Siobhan below.

Siobhan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Bread, we believe that everyone deserves to feel empowered and in control of their finances. Our mission is to transform the lives of individuals and families who have struggled with financial management, providing them with the tools and support they need to take charge of their money and their future. We’re dedicated to creating a platform that not only educates and guides but also nurtures a sense of security and well-being. Through Bread, our users no longer feel overwhelmed or lost in the complexities of money; instead, they feel taken care of, supported, and equipped to reduce stress in their households. We’re here to revolutionize the way people interact with their finances, turning financial challenges into opportunities for growth, confidence, and peace of mind.

I created Bread because I’ve experienced firsthand the overwhelming feelings of shame and lack of control when it comes to spending money. Like many others, I struggled to understand how to manage my finances in a healthy way, leading to stress and anxiety in my life, and with my partner and kids. This mission is deeply meaningful to me because I know what it’s like to feel lost and frustrated with money, and I want to empower others to break free from those negative emotions and gain control over their financial well-being, but with the twist of psychology that doesn’t mean intense behavioural change. Helping people reduce stress, feel taken care of, and create harmony in their households is not just a goal for me; it’s a personal mission born out of my own experiences and challenges with money.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi!

My name is Siobhan Hamilton, and I’m proud to call Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, my home. As a mom of five wonderful kids (four energetic boys and a precious baby girl!), I bring a unique perspective to my work. With a background in Clinical Psychology, I delved into the world of entrepreneurship after the birth of my third child, fueled by a desire to rekindle my passion for psychological research.

One of the pivotal moments that inspired me to start this journey was the realization of a common challenge in my own life: money management, especially budgeting alongside my husband. Our financial habits couldn’t be more different—I’m a classic spender, while he’s a meticulous saver. Despite trying various apps, Excel sheets, and even dedicated “money dates,” we couldn’t find a solution that truly resonated with us. This struggle was compounded by my upbringing, where discussions about money and financial literacy were scarce, leading to lingering feelings of shame and confusion about financial matters throughout my adulthood and marriage.

Drawing from my expertise in research, I embarked on a deep dive into the psychology behind why so many people grapple with money. This journey spanned several years, punctuated by the arrival of two more beautiful additions to our family. Through countless conversations and interviews, especially with fellow parents—primarily moms—I uncovered a shared sentiment: daily anxiety about money and a yearning for a solution that could swiftly illuminate where their money was going and provide actionable steps amid income fluctuations. At the core of these conversations was a fundamental desire—to feel in control and ultimately secure and safe with their finances.

This invaluable customer insight became the bedrock for the Bread app’s development. It goes beyond traditional budgeting and banking apps that inundate users with numbers, expecting them to care. Instead, Bread is designed to nurture and support you. It transforms your finances into friendly, visual representations, offers guidance on your “Safe to Spend” amount to keep you aligned with your aspirations, and empowers you to ask any financial question, allowing for informed decisions and purposeful spending.

My vision for Bread is not just about managing money; it’s about empowering individuals and families to take charge of their financial well-being, fostering a sense of control, confidence, and security.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Being a mom of five kids with a shift-working husband and zero business background, my days are a non-stop whirlwind of responsibilities. I wake up at 5 am every morning, embracing the challenges that come with being the default parent and managing a bustling household. Despite the chaos, I find joy in fueling a part of my brain that has long been dormant through my entrepreneurial journey with the Bread app.

Resilience has been a constant companion on this journey. I started with an idea, poured my heart and a significant amount of capital into building what I thought was the solution—only to realize that it wasn’t hitting the mark as I had hoped. It was a tough realization, but it became a valuable lesson in refining my vision and approach.

Along the way, I partnered with cofounders, hoping to share the workload and amplify our impact. However, the partnership didn’t unfold as expected, and they eventually decided to part ways, leaving me feeling redundant. Instead of letting this setback define me, I saw it as an opportunity for growth and adaptation.

What keeps me going through these challenges is my unwavering desire to solve real problems for our users. This journey isn’t just about building an app; it’s about creating meaningful solutions that empower individuals and families to navigate their financial journeys with confidence and control. Each setback is a stepping stone, and I am committed to rising stronger and more resilient with each challenge faced.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn, is the belief that being a stay-at-home mom for past ten years puts me at a disadvantage in the professional world. There’s often a societal perception that following the traditional path of school, marriage, and motherhood somehow diminishes one’s capabilities or relevance outside of the home. I’ve personally faced moments where I’ve been made to feel less than or out of touch because of my focus on raising my children.

However, through my journey, I’ve come to realize that motherhood is anything but a weakness. It’s perhaps the toughest job there is, requiring a level of multitasking, resilience, and problem-solving skills that rival any corporate role. As a mom, I am the CEO of my family, responsible for managing not just tasks but the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of those who depend on me.

I’ve had to unlearn the idea that moms are somehow less capable or at a disadvantage in the professional world. Give a busy mom a task, and she’ll get it done—there’s immense truth in that statement. I no longer apologize for my lifestyle because it’s not a hindrance; it’s my greatest asset. Motherhood has taught me to navigate through the darkest nights of the soul five times over with my kids, making the challenges of a startup seem manageable in comparison.

In essence, motherhood is my power source, shaping me into a more capable, resilient, and empathetic individual. It’s a role that has prepared me for the complexities of entrepreneurship and has given me a unique perspective and strength that I bring to every aspect of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.breadapp.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_breadapp/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-hamilton-b8656483/