Reflecting on the MOB's Second Anniversary

The MOB was first formed in 2012 as a free Facebook group offering support, resources, and community to mom business owners in the Portland/Vancouver area.

In 2016, the MOB Board of Directors was brought together and the MOB Alliance was born. What started as one chapter and a handful of members has grown to a nationwide movement with almost 400 members in nearly  20 chapters across six states.

As we celebrate our two year anniversary, we want to showcase our very first members who have been with us since the beginning and have seen the growth of the MOB first hand. We also asked a few to share what the Alliance has meant to them.

Tara Lain, Stella & Dot

Tara works with Stella & Dot and Ever Skin Care to help women find accessories they'll love and skincare that works for them.

I joined the Alliance to connect and support other moms in business. The MOB is such a supportive sisterhood of momprenuers. I have grown and learned a lot. I am thankful to be a part of such an amazing group. - Tara Lain, Stella & Dot

Dianna.Fontes, Astro Artistry

Dianna is an artist, advocate, and astrologer.  Dianna.Fontes, Astro Artistry

I don't feel like a founding member. I feel like a person who was lucky enough to sit on the sidelines of a strange magic. I got to watch it do it's work. I still can't really believe that this has become what it is.

I've been through so much with Aria and I've watched her channel her pain and her struggle into this love for community. It's been so healing for her and I am so grateful for that. But it's also been healing for me and for so many others. Sometimes I have a hard time wrapping my brain around it.

I've also had such a hard time the last few years and growing out of that has been so much easier because of this resource. Even though I can't make most meet ups and even though I sometimes struggle with social events I always feel so welcome and so supported online. That is a thing that doesn't happen in most groups.

Anyway, in short, I'd say the love in this group is a living thing on it's own. It's open and willing to see each of us as who we are. It let's us glow as the sum of our parts; mom, partner, business owner, creative, entrepreneur, community member. Never asking us to be more one thing than the other, never shunning us when we are messy or sloppy and never hating on us when we are successful and glowing. Just being there to see us as us. I am really looking forward to being more present in the future always knowing I am just going to be in awe of it all forever.

Candice offers legal planning for estates and businesses in Portland, Oregon.

When I first started my business in 2008, I joined a business networking group that cost me $50 per month and that fee paid for our monthly get-together for lunch where we’d go around the room and have two minutes to describe our businesses before hearing the monthly member-speaker. The other types of groups were out of reach for me because they were held at 7 a.m. before I could even drop my kids off at school.

So when the Alliance was started, joining was a no-brainer. I get access to several networking meetings each month where I can bring my daughter and be myself, plus additional deeper-level networking and bonding through the tight-knit Alliance Facebook group. The members have gotten to know me and the services I offer, so whenever someone in the big MOB group asks if there are any business or estate planning lawyers in the group, I get a whole bunch of tags from MOBs who are supporting my business.

What I didn’t expect was to get so much new business directly through the MOB. I joined it more for support and networking, but my gross revenue grew by 50% in the first year after I joined the Alliance. And it all just feels natural, like I’m hanging out with friends, because that’s exactly what I’m doing.

I highly recommend the Alliance for any MOB who wants to step up her game and be connected with other MOBs who are seriously motivated to build their businesses. Candice Aiston, Aiston Law, LLC

Valerie Cooper, Encore Performing Arts Center

Valerie offers training in classical and street dance styles, acrobatics and musical theater in Beaverton, Oregon. Valerie Cooper, Encore Performing Arts Center

Alyssa Baker, Jamberry

Alyssa connects women with fun Jamberry nail wraps and long-lasting nail lacquers they'll love.

I joined the alliance being fairly young in my business. My hopes in joining were honestly just to build a larger client base and get my name out there as the local Jamberry gal. I never would have imagined all the benefits I've received from being a member. From marketing training, business building, personal development to life long friendships...joining the alliance has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. - Alyssa Baker, Jamberry

Lia Dunlap, The Oracle on Purpose

Lia offers intuitive guidance, breakthrough coaching and strategy to help her clients achieve results. Lia Dunlap, The Oracle on Purpose

I had been a long time member of the main MOB group online and had enjoyed getting to know other moms who were going for their dreams while running their homes. It was at a dreamboard event that I heard Aria talk about her vision of the MOB Alliance: a group of MOB members committed to showing up and supporting each other; sharing their unique talents & resources in a cooperative manner to help grow ourselves and our bottom lines.

As a Life Coach & Oracle who's passionate about helping gifted entrepreneurs create purpose driven businesses that make money, it was an instant fit. A way to be in community with POWERFUL women business owners who were literally putting their all into making the world a better place. Even though, as a busy entrepreneur myself, I am less visible at live events than I'd like to be it only takes a minute to check-in on the Facebook group to connect, get/give support and see what's happening in the community.

I am forever amazed at the level of talent, passion and support I witness in this community and am honored to call myself a founding member. I know that beyond all the incredible tools and resources their is a dedicated safety net for those just starting out and deep well of information and tips from those who've grown their solo businesses into ever growing empires. As I watch the numbers climb and more members, chapters and leaders stepping up I have to smile at the moment of my first MOB Talk when I prophetically joked to Aria about created the Million Dollar MOB. Now, in only two short years, it seems she is well on her way to doing just that!

And I'll add that without Gwen, Ashley, and Brittainie, the MOB Board of Directors & the hidden backbone of the MOB, there would be no Alliance and that would be a true shame. It's clear how much value, strength, wisdom, purpose and perspiration they've all put into making Aria's vision a reality that it should NOT go without being said... WE LOVE ALL OF YOU!

Krissie Lenahan, Live Pure Mama

Krissie shares alternatives to traditional bath and cleaning products they use, and helps them find a healthier alternative.

I've grown so much in these last two years because of the Alliance. First of all, there's the sisterhood. These women have become some of my closest friends. The way they cheer me on and support me in reaching my goals is something I didn't even expect when I joined. Then, for a woman who had no background in business, I found all the educational opportunities incredibly valuable. My business would absolutely not be where it is today without the personal and professional support of these amazing women. This tribe is not like any other and I'm truly so thankful to be part of it! -
Krissie Lenahan, Live Pure Mama

Melissa Murphy, Real Estate

Melissa educates and empowers her clients throughout their real estate buying and selling journey.

When Aria created the Alliance, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of something bigger, a community of women business owners who supported and encouraged each other in ways I hadn’t experienced before. Through the Alliance I’ve connected with the most incredible women that I wouldn’t otherwise know. It’s helped me grow my business for sure, but really I’ve grown personally in ways I never expected. I’m proud to be a founding member of the Alliance and plan to be a member for life. - Melissa Murphy, Real Estate

Olivia Tirta, Perfectly Posh

Olivia helps women find fun ways to pamper themselves through Perfectly Posh. Olivia Tirta, Perfectly Posh

Lani Lloyd, Intimate Portraits with Lani

Lani is an boudoir photographer in Portland and Arizona. Her sessions come complete with hair, make up, and wardrobe shopping to create a memorable photo session.

Being an Alliance member has given me the sense of a dedicated, focused tribe to learn from. Although I'm not a regular poster, I read, watch, and gain insight to what a group of like-minded business women do to improve their businesses, market themselves, and skills to improve my social media and in-person-networking. I feel that I'm constantly learning and I'm also part of every celebration that other MOBs have when they reach milestones. I also love that I have a small group of alliance members that I can refer people to when they post "Does anyone have a referral for...."
- Lani Lloyd, Intimate Portraits with Lani

Selena Maestas, Love YOU More Project

Selena is the mind behind the Love YOU More Project that gives women the encouragement and resources to reclaim themselves and their space in the world.

I joined the Alliance without fully understanding the power it would have on my business. Aria just said this was what was next for the MOB and I signed up! The MOB Alliance has not only brought me the most amazing relationships in my life, it has provided me a support system on all levels. When I struggle in my personal life and my professional life, I know I have women that have my back. These women GET the insane dynamic of being a mom AND running a business. I am Inspired by the women in this group every day. We hold each other up so we can keep.moving forward towards our dreams. Best thing I ever did for myself was become a part of the MOB Alliance. - Selena Maestas, Love YOU More Project

Eva is an artist and mural painter in Portland, Oregon. You'll also find her leading fun and unique art parties for grown ups.

The Alliance is a group of women that support each other in business, motherhood, and personal goals and values. I have been supported in business endeavors as well as in my personal life by fellow MOBs. The Alliance has opened up ongoing opportunities and lasting relationships and friendships. I am grateful for the MOB. - Eva Kelley, Eva Kelley Creative

Veronica Hanson, Pure Romance

Veronica mentors, trains, and motivates her team to reach their dreams.

Being in direct sales has a unique set of challenges. People often don’t take my business seriously, even though I’ve been with the same company for 12 years. When I saw the MOB on Facebook I hoped it would be a safe place to share struggles with other like minded women. The MOB has turned into a revolution of strength, empowerment, and friendships that I couldn’t live without. - Veronica Hanson, Pure Romance