Sustainable, Ethical + Chic Designs for the Modern Mama-MLM

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Magda Lasota Morales, Founder of MLM Brand, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

MLM Brand is a women-built, mission-led company offering fewer elevated maternity pieces that embody timeless design, luxury quality, and sustainability. The versatile wardrobe that’s also pregnancy and feeding-friendly allows a new mom the flexibility, comfort, and peace of mind to focus on what truly matters in those early months of postpartum — her young family. MLM Brand’s customer is a modern, confident, sophisticated, yet relatable mom who wants to feel and look good as she enters this new chapter of motherhood.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Magda, and I’m a Polish transplant currently living in Los Angeles, CA, with my husband and our two boys — Adrian and Julian. I’m a political scientist/researcher turned entrepreneur/fashion designer. When my second son was born in 2017, I decided to pause my career and prioritize my young family while also trying to launch an apparel brand focused on moms. I’ve always loved fashion, but I never imagined this passion would lead me away from my career in research to designing breastfeeding-friendly dresses.

When I had to go back to work at the end of maternity leave, I couldn’t find a nursing and pumping-friendly dress that could take me through my busy day. I needed a dress that was versatile and comfortable (and long) enough to hop on a bike in the morning (which is how I got my son Adrian to daycare before heading downtown to work) and “office-y” enough to wear around the office and during presentations. This is how my first design — the Little Breastfeeding Dress — came to life! It’s been a bestseller since the beginning and remains a favorite style among moms who choose to nurse or use a breast pump. Since the brand’s launch in 2019, we’ve added two more dresses and a tank top and have exciting new pieces in the works. The journey to get here has been a bumpy one (but that’s a story for another day!), and I’ve learned a lot about myself, my business, and the entrepreneurial world along the way. Seeing moms wear and love our pieces is by far my favorite part of the business, and it inspires me daily!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are many things I’m proud of as a business owner. Dreaming up a business idea and actually launching the brand, my first sale, making it through the pandemic, and seeing moms wear and love our designs, are the ones I think about most frequently. However, my biggest accomplishment to date is creating the best version of life for my young family in this season of motherhood. As a default parent of two boys and a wife of a medical professional, I’m proud of creating a lifestyle that makes me feel fulfilled while also allowing me the flexibility to be present for school functions, afternoon activities, and when the kids are sick. It’s my personal definition of success.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Wearing multiple hats and prioritizing all tasks that need to get done daily, weekly, and monthly is so hard for a business owner. It can be overwhelming at times! For me, finding balance was the biggest personal goal I’ve added to this year’s vision board. As a mother and a business owner, I feel like I’m always lacking balance. I get caught up in ensuring that all the creative, financial, administrative, and marketing tasks get done on time and that I lose sight of my personal health being. To keep myself organized, productive, and at peace, I don’t try to do it all every day. I schedule time for workouts, content creation, calls, and emails, and most days, I try to stick to that schedule. Afternoons are for my boys and family time. Whether it is playing relaxing jazz music in the background, lighting a candle, going for a walk at the beach… I’m trying to do more of what makes me happy. My mental health is important — I can’t be a good mom and a creative business owner if I don’t take care of my body and my mind.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Be consistent. There will be days when you will question yourself/your business, and you will feel like crawling under a rock. You will want to give up. All entrepreneurs feel this way from time to time. Remember, it’s okay to take a break but don’t give up. The difference between those who succeeded and those who failed is that those who are successful today didn’t give up when things got hard.
Be passionate about your idea and remember why you started, especially on hard days. Your idea is important, and there’s room for you at the top. Remind yourself about your “why” often, seek inspiration in everyday moments, and take lots of deep breaths. You’ve got this.
Celebrate small wins. There will be many ups and downs on your journey as an entrepreneur. Celebrate every order, every happy customer, making it through a hard, busy day. I like to share my wins on social media with my community or toast with a smoothie or a bottle of champagne!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mlmbrand.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themlmbrand
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlmbrand_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magda-lasota-morales-66774330/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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