We were lucky to catch up with Boyona Graham recently and have shared our conversation below.
Boyona, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Before becoming a mother, motherhood felt like uncharted territory—an entirely new world, language, and experience. For some, it comes naturally, but for many, it can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking. When I had my firstborn, I wasn’t just stepping into this new phase of life; I was doing it in the midst of a global pandemic. My husband and I were navigating parenthood together, without any outside help, in a world that was suddenly full of uncertainty.
It quickly became clear that entering this new territory meant a lot of research. The “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” book wasn’t as thick as a Bible for no reason. I watched countless YouTube videos, read pages of guides, sifted through advice, laws, and regulations, and took numerous classes. Even with all the knowledge I gained, preparing for a baby in the third trimester—when simply moving from the couch to the kitchen left me winded—was no small task.
With so much to do and so little energy, I found myself wondering: Why wasn’t there a service to help moms-to-be with all the practical tasks before the baby arrives? Sure, family and friends can help once the baby is born, but how can they assist if they don’t know what you actually need? And if you don’t know what to ask for, how can they help?
That’s why we created Nesters PDX—to support moms and moms-to-be. It’s a place where expectant mothers can bounce ideas off someone and double-check their preparations. It’s a service that preps your home for the baby without you having to lift a finger. And it’s a thoughtful gift for friends and family to give at a baby shower, taking the pressure off the expectant mom so she can rest, nest, and prepare with peace of mind. We help ease the worries and stresses of pregnancy, so moms can focus on what matters most: themselves and their growing family.
Boyona, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
People might expect me to say I grew up taking care of babies, but the truth is, I never changed a single diaper before having my firstborn. It was a real-life crash course—one that I approached with the person I care about most in the world, and I was determined not to fail. Let me tell you, it was tough. Today, you can find every service imaginable to help parents, but what frustrated me was the lack of support for one of the most exhausted groups on earth: women in their third trimester.
At the same time, I was driven by the idea of building a business that my family could be proud of and a business that I am proud of as a woman and a mother. When the concept for Nesters PDX came to life, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Ideas kept pouring in, day and night. Even after launching the business, I’m constantly inspired by new ways to help moms prepare for their journey into motherhood. What I’m most proud of is that Nesters PDX is a brand-new service designed to support mothers. It’s going to take some time to educate the audience about what we do, but I’m excited for that marathon. I can’t wait to meet and help the many moms out there who need this support.
Nesters PDX offers two core services:
Baby Ready Package:
– A customized shopping list with tips and resources, all in one place
– A list of must-have items for your hospital bag
– A personalized checklist based on your due date
– Sterilizing bottles and pumping gear
– Untagging, washing, and hanging baby clothes
– Untagging and unpacking baby shower gifts
– Organizing diapers and wipes
– Setting up bottle and diaper stations
– Baby Ready Plus Package:
Everything in the Baby Ready Package, plus:
– Purchasing and sanitizing any missing or last-minute items (same-day service, or returns based on product availability)
– Light baby room decor setup
– As the founder of Nesters PDX, my ultimate goal is to build a supportive community for moms in Portland. I want mothers to feel like they have someone to turn to, whether they need advice or a helping hand.
We have a lot of exciting things coming in 2025, including baby shower gift cards, merch, and the chance to become a “Nesters Mom.” I can’t wait to see what’s ahead and continue supporting mothers.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The most profound shifts in both my business and personal life happened when I became a mother. At first, I didn’t realize that motherhood would bring about an identity shift. I thought it was just about adding a new responsibility to my life, not a transformation of who I was. But becoming a mother was far bigger than I expected—it was life-changing and, without a doubt, the greatest blessing of my life.
Motherhood isn’t an easy journey, but through its challenges, I found myself feeling more capable than ever. I felt ready to take on new things and push myself to be more than I had been before. That’s when I decided to start a new business—not just to be content, but to strive for more. After all, I’m now someone my children will look to for inspiration, so I wanted to set an example of growth, ambition, and purpose.
Starting a business also felt like creating a new life, and if anyone is wondering whether they should take the leap and start something new, I wholeheartedly encourage them to follow that calling. It brings a sense of purpose, passion, and drive that only the lucky ones get to experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nesterspdx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesterspdx/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nesterspdx
