We were lucky to catch up with Cristina Gamarnik recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cristina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It’s a journey that’s deeply personal to me. After giving birth, I found myself stuck in a whirlwind of emotions, feeling overwhelmed and isolated. It wasn’t until later that I realized I was battling postpartum depression and anxiety. Through years of therapy, self-discovery, and diving into parenting resources, I transformed into a parent coach, driven by a profound desire to ensure no one else felt the way I did.

It all started with local meetups, where I shared my experiences and offered support to new mothers navigating similar challenges. The creation of the first mommy and me class was a pivotal moment. With determination and a sense of purpose, I launched the initiative, building a website overnight and spreading the word through a local moms’ Facebook group. The response was overwhelming; my first class filled up quickly.

Fast forward three years, and the Mommy Center has become a beacon of support for thousands of new parents. However, the journey didn’t stop there. The messages pouring in from mothers across the US seeking guidance highlighted a pressing need for accessible support on a larger scale.

That’s when the idea of an online parenting course, available to parents nationwide, took shape. Teaming up with Carmen Stramara, who shared my passion and expertise from leading Mommy and Me classes, we embarked on a new venture: Happily Raised.

Driven by a shared commitment to empower and uplift parents, Happily Raised aims to provide comprehensive guidance and support, ensuring that no parent feels alone in their journey. It’s the culmination of my own struggles, coupled with a burning desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families everywhere.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

At Happily Raised, Carmen and I poured our hearts into creating a course that every parent deserves. We’ve curated a team of amazing experts to lead each session, covering essential topics every parent needs to know. Recognizing the lack of postpartum support in the US, we’re committed to filling that gap and providing comprehensive guidance.

Our expertly crafted online course covers 18 essential topics, ranging from infant sleep and motor development to relationships and CPR. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing practical, evidence-based advice in a relatable and authentic manner. We understand the struggles of parenthood, including postpartum anxiety and depression, and aim to offer non-judgmental support at an affordable price point. What sets us apart is our unique approach of starting each class with shared joys and challenges from fellow parents, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

Our ultimate goal is to become the go-to online course for every new parent, providing them with the confidence and clarity they need to navigate parenthood effectively.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Absolutely! The story of how Carmen and I met is one filled with serendipity and mutual passion for supporting new mothers. Carmen reached out to the Mommy Center with a desire to get involved as an educator after relocating to OC. From the moment we met, I had a gut feeling that Carmen was the perfect fit for the position. Over the past two years, Carmen has led Mommy and Me classes with grace and expertise, becoming an invaluable asset to the Mommy Center community. Her wisdom, gentle demeanor, and genuine care for supporting new mothers have earned her countless compliments from moms who have attended her classes. It’s been a joy to collaborate with Carmen, and I feel incredibly grateful to have her as my business partner.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Certainly! Our most effective strategy for growing our community has been a combination of maintaining a strong presence on Instagram and harnessing the power of word-of-mouth referrals. Our Instagram following has flourished thanks to our consistent efforts in sharing helpful and engaging content that resonates with our audience. However, what truly propels us forward is the genuine enthusiasm and recommendations from our satisfied mamas. Moms love to share their incredible experiences with friends, whether it’s in Facebook groups, during conversations, or through referrals from other postpartum care providers. It’s this organic word-of-mouth network that continues to drive our growth and solidify our reputation as a trusted resource for new parents in OC.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HappilyRaised.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/HappilyRaised
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/HappilyRaised
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/HappilyRaised
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@Happily-Raised

Image Credits
Samantha Genido www.samraemuaphoto.com