We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nailah Starks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nailah below.
Nailah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I always knew that I wanted to help the children of incarcerated parents because my mother was incarcerated. As the eldest of four siblings, I had to mature quickly. Thus, my childhood went from being about me to advocating for and supporting my siblings. Of course, I did this because I wanted to and felt a sense of obligation to. Consequently, I did have to learn many life lessons the hard way because I was essentially left to my own devices as I attempted to raise us all. Our mother did her best to raise us from prison, but there are just some things a parent must physically be there to help their child or children experience. There are too many times to recount instances where family members weren’t able or willing to take us to visit momma or keep consistent communication lines open. I felt hopeless, lonely, and broken. It felt like the one person I wanted to tell everything to was being purposely kept from me. All I wanted was to see my mom, know the truth, receive a letter, and hear her voice. For years, it seemed, this wasn’t a viable option. And it sent me into a deep and great depression. The only thing I knew to do at the time was write. I had dreams of my poetry falling into the hands of every broken-hearted child with an incarcerated parent and them feeling like there was someone out there who heard, felt, and saw them. I knew as soon as I could, I would break this vicious cycle of the carceral system dividing and conquering families.
Naturally, I did not have such a fervent desire to help mothers until I had my son. The second I gave birth, I finally understood the indescribable and unconditional love our society is so fascinated with. The first few months of his life were extremely difficult for us both. I had hit the biggest learning curve of my life. To partner with his relentless scream-filled cries and my tedious workload for school, I endured a devastating season where I was sorely unsupported mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I was ignored, manipulated, used, lied to, and lied on. I had to fight for my freedom and sanity every day. As a college student and single parent, I understood the constant struggle of trying to create a successful life for you and your baby. I have been homeless, unemployed, and down to my last before. What I vividly remember most is walking 4 miles every day to my son’s daycare, then to work, and back all before going to Dillard University for classes. No one ever stopped for me. I felt shame, disappointment, embarrassment, anger, and confusion. In those moments, I vowed that no other mom would have to experience that again and that I would do my part to make this a reality.
Nailah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Growing up, I loved reading, writing, and playing school. Naturally, I had it in my heart to become a teacher. And God hasn’t failed me yet. I am currently a 6th-grade English and Social Studies teacher. I love helping my students explore a deeper love of and appreciation for writing and reading. I do believe teaching is a purpose of mine and use what I have learned to teach students as well as other mothers how to believe in themselves. None of this is possible without allowing God to transform their lives and circumstances.
The Mommy Dearest Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that serves pregnant, young, and incarcerated mothers with invaluable resources that ensure no child is motherless and no mother is helpless. Our mission is to give mothers the help they need to raise their children successfully. We ensure they are given the freedom, opportunities, and resources to focus on their education, personal growth, and development. We exist to advocate for a world where women and children come first because, in our hearts, they do.
We financially, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually help our mothers to elevate themselves as women as well as mothers. Our key program is our New Baby Bundle in which we select new or pregnant mothers who present a more severe need and purchase everything they do not have to welcome their baby into the world. This May, we are hosting our first in-person event helping mothers to rediscover the woman within. We will accomplish this goal by pampering, educating, and empowering them. We are also preparing to go into jails and prisons to speak to mothers and encourage their families.
Essentially, I want supporters of The Mommy Dearest Foundation to know that their love, support, and donations are not taken lightly. Every pack of diapers, bag of clothes, box of food, can of formula, pair of shoes, etc. is one less devastating day a mother will experience. Supporting us means supporting our moms and their children. They are directly impacted by everything you do. Most of our moms are single and are doing this thing alone, but with your help, we can ease their burdens even by a little. And trust me, every little blessing helps greatly.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Initially, I had planned on launching my organization (at the time I didn’t have a name for it yet) years into the future when I was older and more established. I didn’t have a specific date in mind; I just figured I’d get around to doing it. Junior year of undergrad, I received an email about this opportunity for business owners called Boss on Campus (hosted by The Boss Network). The opportunity required students to attend Saturday meetings for a few weeks before being expected to pitch their idea for a $5,000 grant. At the time, I had a charm bracelet business called N&N Charms, which I considered pitching. Though I was late signing up, God allowed another girl to drop out so that I could have a spot. From that moment, I knew I would give this chance my all! As Dr. Cameka Smith (founder of The Boss Network) had told us plenty of times within the course of the Boss on Campus initiative, “Those that show up, go up!” I honored my word by attending every meeting on time, actively listening, taking good notes, implementing what was taught, and writing extensive summaries of each class. I had prayed and heard that though N&N Charms was a good idea, it was not a God idea (there’s a huge difference). So I decided to pitch and perfect my God idea, The Mommy Dearest Foundation, and guess what? You guessed it! I won first place and was awarded the $5,000 grant. This was the initial capital I used to start my foundation sooner rather than later.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Well- it’s the most amazing and beautiful occurrence of fate that my business partner is the woman who gave birth to me, my mother, Tamika Starks. What makes us such a dynamic duo is that she has years of experience being a young mother engaged in domestic violence as well as a mature mother (and grandmother) who is incarcerated. On the other hand, I have the unique experience of being a mother in this day and age as well as being the daughter of an incarcerated mother. Together, we can connect on a deeper level to each of the ladies that we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mommydearestfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themommydearestfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089286228432
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MommyDearestFDN
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themommydearestfdn?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc