We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lydia Simmons. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lydia below.
Lydia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?
In corporate America, there is a prevailing belief that a woman who has recently given birth is both physically and mentally prepared to resume work after a six-week recovery period.
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.
My journey began on Day 1 of childbirth. Experiencing a challenging recovery and silently grappling with postpartum depression for four years due to a lack of available treatment for postpartum women, I decided to take matters into my own hands. In 2018, I created the world’s first superfood postnatal and expanded our business, M.O.O., into a multi-million-dollar CPG Brand for Postpartum.
As our brand gained momentum, consumers started seeking more information about their postpartum journey, prompting us to delve deeper into the subject. Recognizing the need for expert advice and guidance, we developed Motherocity Health – a health tracking app for Postpartum Wellness and Recovery.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I founded and bootstrapped a company that generated seven figures in revenue within three years, beginning with a self-investment of $10k. Starting from my Northern Townhouse basement, we soon faced the challenge of needing more space due to increased inventory. With pallets too large for the basement doors and the garage, we transitioned logistics to a 3PL and set up our workspace in a shared office. All of this happened while I navigated through the hardships of Postpartum depression. I share this not to highlight the struggles but to ensure that no mom faces the debilitating effects of Postpartum without the necessary support.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Before launching M.O.O., I faced a setback when I was fired from my position at a prominent global engineering firm just three months after giving birth. The reason? An executive claimed he could hear my baby crying in the background during a call. Despite being on leave, I felt compelled to pick up a crisis call from the office, leaving my baby alone (and not crying) on the third floor. The challenging part was not only the separation but also the lack of acknowledgment for the juggling act mothers often endure. Despite the difficulties, I triumphed.
Contact Info:
- Website: Motherocity.com
- Instagram: @motherocity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherocity
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiasimmons/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@motherocity
Image Credits
Courtesy of Motherocity Health