Another amazing tour in the books! The Reno leaders Ti and Kayla, took me around the city to see some pretty amazing hot spots.  If you do not know these incredible women yet, you need to!  Ti owns Advanced Health Chiropractic and Kayla owns KC Medical Management. These lovelies are both Reno natives and HUGE powerhouses.  Definitely connect with them if you are in the Reno/Sparks area.  [Ti@themobnation.com Kayla@themobnation.com]

If you follow us The MOB Nevada on Instagram- you may have seen the stories at all of the different stops.   I fell in love with the city and I cannot wait to be back.  

The staff was excellent, well trained, and amazing with this kids.  When we walked in story time was going on.  Story time, small craft, and healthy food!  Plus delicious coffee for parents and care givers!  What is not to love? 

The owner, Ellen, was a doll.  You can tell she has poured her heard into this venture.  I sincerely hope you all support it, and spread the word. 

The Lucky Childe is great for birthday parties, play dates, vendor events, and more!  We even hope to host MOB Meetups there soon. To stay up to date on their events and their official launch please follow them on Instagram. 

Kayla was most excited about the selection of gluten free options.  
It was clear this is a neighborhood hang out, everyone that walked in was greeted like family.  This is the perfect place to bring your laptop and get some work done.  They even have a small resource area for small business owners!  
If you have toddlers- they offer toys and books for them to play with at the table.  The toys are sanitized after every use. 

It was hard to leave, we could have stayed there all afternoon enjoying mimosas.  We finally ventured across the parking lot back to The Nurturing Nest.

How incredible is this place?  RENO, you are so lucky to have such a community hub dedicated to parenting, birthing, and families.  WOW. 
The boutique is packed full of every single thing you could possibly want for your baby and toddler.  We all went on a shopping spree!  My haul is pictured below.  
In addition to having a gorgeous boutique, they also offer classes and workshops.  Nurturing Nest is also the home to Bright Heart Birth Services.  Bright Heart offers Doula support, placenta encapsulation services, and birthing education. 
These women are dedicated to this community and have such heart for the mamas.  They are for sure a must visit and must support.  Keep them in mind next time you need a baby shower gift!  Follow them on Instagram to keep up to date with all they offer:
https://www.instagram.com/brightheartbirth/
https://www.instagram.com/nurturing_nest_reno/

Simple Ice Cream Sandwiches offers build your own DONUT ice cream sandwiches.  Are you serious? ​
Visionary is a vision board workshop bar- offering "Drink and Dream workshops".  I cannot even handle how rad this place is.  Vision Boards are my obsession and I teach workshops so I was in LOVE.  I am hoping to hold a workshop here very soon! 

The detail in these shops are second to none.  Every inch of the spaces are filled with cool art, random decor, and collectibles.  Even the bathroom is cool. 

I got this amazing yellow skirt- which I wore to the MOB Meetup!  

Our group had a wonderful time, everyone said they would definitely be back.  They went up and beyond for us.  You gotta love a space with kind owners!

Follow them on Instagram, to watch for news of their official opening. Final Draught will be offering deliciously crafted sandwiches, draft beer, bottles to go, and growler fills.  The space is HUGE so it is perfect for corporate events, parties, birthday dinners, and meetings.  The atmosphere is still intimate enough for ladies night out or date night.  

Thanks for the fun time RENO! I will be back in a couple of months!   I will also be headed to Bakersfield, San Diego, Honolulu, Palm Springs and Dallas soon.  
If you have a business you would like me to tour, please DM me on Instagram. 
-Aria <3 

​Angela is a certified health coach for the young, old, and the expecting.  Her main focus and passion is helping kids and families be healthier by offering private coaching and workshops that help people get on the path to better health. She is also open to teaching in Eugene-area classrooms to show kids the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, and reduction of technology in a fun, accessible way.

Her certification is through the Sears Wellness Institute, started by Dr. William Sears. That program uses the L.E.A.N. Method, which stands for Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, and Nutrition.  Angela enjoys showing families how to be healthy on a budget. “I am able to get most of my clients on a path to healthier living for less than $50 a month.  I feel good about making healthy options accessible to everyone,” says Angela.

She was inspired to start her business when her seven- year old daughter was diagnosed with severe ADHD. “Her dad was treated for it as a child and had a bad experience with medication, so I looked for other ways to help reduce her symptoms. After a lot of research and implementation, her symptoms improved. After about two years, her tests showed no signs of ADHD,” Angela explains.

The experience gave Angela the confidence and understanding to help her son, her husband, and herself improve their health and reduce the need for medication. She began using her knowledge to help friends and family with health problems. When she learned Dr. Sears had started a school, she jumped in and learned everything she could.

Angela says, “I believe very child has a little bit of ADD. It's called being a kid, but 1 out of 8 are being treated or are misdiagnosed for it and the numbers are increasing. At least 1 in 3 kids has a condition that is considered life changing, and it is my job to help educate parents and kids on how to reduce the risks and symptoms – just like I did for my daughter.” 

She says Dr. William Sears is a mentor and was excited to meet him at a Juice Plus conference and at the Bellies, Birth, and Babies Expo.

Her biggest struggle is having confidence and finding new clients. Since joining Toastmasters and the MOB Nation, her confidence has improved. Since her focus is on education, she sometimes finds it hard to make the jump from sharing information to making a sale.
She advises new business owners to not give up. “They say it takes 3 years for a business to fail or succeed, but the average owner quits after the first year when they see they are spending more than they are making. Networking and building relationships is key. And as a business owner and with a degree in Management, I believe that any business owner should either know how to work the books or find someone who can. I have seen way too many businesses fail or struggle because they don't understand how it works, she says.

Despite her challenges she loves working for herself because she can set her own scheduled and put her family first.
Her best referrals are parents, teachers, health providers, therapists, and others in the health and wellness field who are interested in adding a nutritional aspect to their work.

It is that time of the week again.  I am excited to share with you this weeks picks for #MOBCRUSHMONDAY. 
After typing this up and thinking about what truly makes me crush hard on these businesses, I realized that I have an unintentional theme again.
Mamas making movements, changing lives and making the world a better place.  

 Slumberkins is definitely accomplishing all of the above! ​

​ [Photos from Website].
The Slumberkins story is amazing as are the two creators Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriad.  Kelly and Callie used their backgrounds in psychology and education, to create toys that teach children important lessons and life skills. Each insanely adorable creature comes with its own positive story geared towards self-worth and inclusion. 

These mamas made their debut at a small craft fair in Vancouver Washington.  Each of their items was hand sewn, by them, in their own living rooms.  They quickly gained a huge following and avid collectors of all ages. [Yes, it is okay if you want to buy one for yourself]. 

They have since appeared on Shark Tank, where they stayed true to their concept and brand.  They did not get a deal, but remained positive every time asked about the experience and let us all know- BIG THINGS were on the horizon.  WOW! BIG THINGS indeed. Rapid growth, new characters AND a new partnership with The Jim Hensen Company! [Yep- THAT Jim Hensen]. 

I have MOB Crushed hard for quite a while, not just because of their inspiring story, meaningful products, or impressive growth.  Slumberkins is also on #MOBCRUSHMONDAY because they are so down to earth and dedicated to helping other Mom-Owned Brands succeed.  They often collaborate with smaller brands and provide education to mamas just starting out.  We were lucky enough to have them as guest speakers at a MOB Meetup last year.  I love watching them grow and cannot wait to see what the future holds. 

One. Hundred. THOUSAND. Ounces.  I am currently drinking a Coconut Lacroix, and trying to picture over 8,300 of these.
In addition to this, she also runs a page dedicated to helping breast pumping mamas find the best products and resources.  
This woman lives up to her goddess title for sure.  One of the things I love most about her is that she is SO connected to the women on a personal level.  I once heard about her spending HOURS responding to every single Instagram DM she had, to provide links, resources or just emotional support.  I also just find her vulnerability and realness as she documents her journey so inspiring.  What a champion for moms and babies everywhere!
I encourage every Mom-Owned Businesses to get involved with this woman.  If you have products you think she should review, get in touch with her.  One ounce at a time also has sponsorship space available on her website to support her mission.  

My last MOB crush for this week is Radiant Beautiful Things 

As a warrior, survivor and daughter of a "Queer Mama" these speak to my heart!  Give them a follow on Instagram and join the revolution mamas! 

That is all for this week.  Please show some love on the Instagram post and in the comments.  Please let me know, who is your MOB crush?

​<3 Aria 

Every Monday, I will be sharing my MOB Crushes and bit about them.  I have a lot of them, because like I said, I am OBSESSED with powerful women living out their dreams.  

This weeks post has a pretty common theme.  Bad ass maker moms that are unpologetically themselves and attracting a huge following of moms LOVING their vibe.  Brands that do not hold back and are 100% real.  I love it.  

When I first opened my brick and mortar in 2011, the one that led me create The MOB, I struggled with being authentic.  I was not sure my voice would be "accepted".  Even as an artist and creative who empowers people to express themselves, I still struggled on my branding/social media presence.  [And of course- I did not always attract the right types of customers and missed out on some rad potential clients]. ​

I wish I found these mamas back then!  

Drawings by Nicole MAN! NICOLE!  Change Maker, Artist, Weird Mom, Visionary, Creative Genius.  This woman is a champion and cheerleader for the mamas.  Her designs feature the nitty gritty of motherhood- but in a way that make's it sexy and rad AF!  I dig her.  Her work is important, I feel like her art will save a ton of postpartum mamas.  #Mombod love. 
*side note* The weird mom club glasses are perfect for the days you have had no sleep!  Cover up the bags, throw on some lipstick [like mine from my girl Katie with Arbonne] and you are ready to take on the day! 

Pipsticks and Drawings by Nicole are featured in my IGTV- my first ever IGTV videos, dedicated to these rock stars!  Unboxing the deliveries! 

I posted a GIVEAWAY on the MOB Nation Instagram. Win the book AND a little surprise from my next #MOBCRUSH Bee and Mae. Do not want to wait for the giveaway to end? 
Use code MOB10 for 10% off "The Weird Mother Book".  

Amanda of Bee and Mae created an entire movement.  "Mothers are magic".  I love this and her execution of it.  Other designs in her shop like; "pretty good mother" and "mediocre vibes" speak to my soul.  We are magic- but we are not perfect. Some days all we can be is "pretty good".  The struggle is part of the magic.  With this brand, we are not only accepting of the struggle- but proudly wearing it on our chests like badges  of honor! Bee and Mae's Instagram celebrates magical mothers of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and lifestyles.  

Hopefully you are now crushing hard on these MOBs.  Check them out, follow them on social media and enter to win the GIVEAWAY! 

**MOB Nation chapter leaders share their #MOBCRUSH on Mondays, in the localized Instagrams stories.  
Follow along:
Pacific Northwest [Oregon and Washington]
Texas 
Nevada 
Socal 
Hawaii 

​Danielle was inspired to start her Halisi skincare and deodorant line as a way to improve her own health. “I have an auto-immune disease that really took a hit on me in my 30's. I started making sure I was eating clean and only putting healthy things in my body. Then I had a weird issue with an unknown lump under my arm that no doctor could figure out. I started doing my own research and realized it was caused by the aluminum in my deodorant,” she says.

She realized that what she put on her body was just as important as what she put in it and tried the natural deodorant options available in stores. She quickly realized none of them worked. “At one point I even said, ‘I smell like apricot sweat!’ I got to work immediately trying to find out what was needed to make my own deodorant. Everyone thought I was nuts and I would smell horrible, but I finally figured it out,” she explains.

Danielle’s friends and family began asking her to make deodorant for them. She also expanded into creating other skincare items based on their needs. She launched Halisi on her daughter’s birthday, August 20th, 2016.

A mother of five, ages 1 to 14, she loves to cook, sew, bake, and create. She says, “For years people would tell me to go into business selling one thing or another, but none of them felt right to me. I really struggled with finding out the perfect career path for myself after taking so many years off to be a stay at home mom.”

Danielle is self-taught, and says that instead of a mentor, she looks at the big companies making claims about what their products do, then looks at their ingredient lists, researches active ingredients, and is determined to make the same things, but without the any of the harsh and toxic ingredients.

She says her biggest struggle has been being taken seriously. “I've definitely had my share of side eyes when I tell them what I do! I think some people just expect that if you're making skin care from your home it can't be good or that you should have extensive degrees. But they can't see the hours of research and effort that goes into everything I do. I am just fortunate that those who buy my products are believers and tell their friends,” she says.

Danielle’s advice to someone considering their own business is to make sure it clicks! “I spent so many years creating gifts and custom craft projects for people and they were always so insistent that I do it for a business, but it wasn't right. Don't force it but work hard to get where you want to be!”

Her ideal referrals are looking for better, healthier options when it comes to their skincare and personal care items. She also loves to hear from clients who have received amazing results and want to share it from the rooftops. “Being able to have someone with access to any products they want choose mine and then tell people about it is amazing,” she says.

Danielle loves being a MOB member because “Not a lot of people understand the balance, or should I say, struggle, that comes with being a mom first and a business owner second. Work doesn't stop when the kids need you and vice versa. I've done work while sitting in bleachers, wearing a baby, and taking sporadic photos of kids in the pool so having people that can empathize with you is such a blessing,” she says.  

“I don't get to clock out of any of my jobs and many people outside the MOB just can't relate to me. Having a tribe who get you is such an amazing feeling.”

She loves working for herself and being the boss. "I make the schedule, I make the rules, I make the products. The entire company is about me being able to control every aspect of it. I went in to healthcare in college and was so excited to help people. But doctor politics and unhappy patients really wore me down. I didn't want to work for or with people who had questionable ethics and I just wanted to make people happy,” she explains.

Danielle says the MOB community was the thing she didn’t know she needed. She was a member for a year before jumping in and participating. “I’m saddened at the missed opportunities, but there really is no better time than the present to dive head first into this wonderful community! A friend told me she added me, and I thought it wasn't the place for me since my business was so new and little. The reality was I didn't need a successful, booming business to be a part of the family. There were so many other mom's just like me who needed help and encouragement,” she explains.

MOB Alliance members receive 20% off her products.

You can find Danielle online at:

www.halisiskin.com
www.facebook.com/halisiskin
www.instagram.com/halisiskin

Hi friends!  Aria, here!  I had a blast with our friends at San Diego Mom's Blog.  We toured around Point Loma and North Park to visit some great Mom Owned Businesses.  

Niki and I both purchased items from See Saw for our kiddos.  It was hard not to bring one of everything home for my daughter.  I fell in love with the art supply section and the chalkboard wall.  

See Saw is right next door to, Wee Gather .  Wee Gather had a camp going on, so we were unable to stay and play in their Mini Play Home.  The door was open when we walked by and the sound of children's laughter was pouring out of the space.  Wee Gather and Mini Play Homes been on my MOB crush list for quite a while, so even just the small peek inside made my day!  

​We then made our way to the North Park location of Communal Coffee [Another MOB Crush].  I want to move back to San Diego, just for this coffee shop.  I actually visited both locations on this last trip and both are gorgeous.  The North Park location shares space with Native Poppy .  Between the fresh flowers + journals + coffee + colorful walls- I WAS IN HEAVEN.  I would be there EVERY DAY if I could. 

We ended the tour with dinner at Waypoint Public .  Waypoint is definitely on my top ten list of family family restaurants.  The food is amazing, cocktails are creative and there is a kid's area!  The MOB Nation has officially sponsored their "Cub Space".  We provided toys from Discovery Toys and books from Renee's Book Corner.  Your kiddos can play in the enclosed space or bring one of the busy boxes to your table!  You can learn more about both of these alliance member partners on our member directory.

Thank you to everyone who made our fun day possible.  I cannot wait to do it again.  If you would like to be featured, send us a DM on our MOB Nation Instagram.  Until next time.  -Aria :)