Hello Momma!! It is the official launch date of my little passion project, Momma & Munchkin Merch! I felt it was fitting to launch on a “Momma Tip Tuesday” because of how this little bow business of mine all came about… Self care.
Story Behind the Bows
Becoming a mother is both a beautiful and scary process. You are entering unchartered territory. I have always been academically and/or career-driven and it was an interesting transition for me from #worklife to #momlife. Knowing myself fairly well and my ability to overload my schedule, I wanted to make sure that I stayed on top of my self-care, because, in the end, this would help to make me a better momma. During this role transition, there were so many unknowns and the lack of control over so many elements of this new life was difficult. I knew things would change but it is really hard to imagine the adjustments that occur with this new identity until you’re actually experiencing it. Becoming aware of this allowed me to find elements of myself in various outlets, while incorporating it into my love for being a mom. Through this process, I found comfort in baby bows. Yes.. cute, little, big, bright, soft, frilly, baby bows. To be completely honest, I felt they were really the only thing I could control in the first few months of my postpartum life. I would pick out a cute little outfit each day for my baby girl, and then, I would find the absolute perfect bow to match. This process would bring me simple joy.
I know from talking to friends and family that they expect my little girl will be wearing a bow whenever they see her. It is kind of the running joke. However, I am sure not many of them know the depths of love that I have for these little (or massive) bows. Truly. When you feel the loss of control around so many aspects of a new life, the constant is always going to be something that you hold onto. These bows were that, and I didn’t even realize how much they meant until I started formulating this little passion project and began to self reflect on why they meant so much to me. I realized how much I enjoyed this little routine we had. But more so, how much it had helped me adjust to this new identity. It was a constant in our lives, however small and subtle, it was my little creative outlet. I have always been a creative person, therefore, it is only natural that when I became a momma, I ended up finding yet another outlet for my creativity.
One day, I decided that I did not have a big enough bow collection and felt I should take my self-care to a new level by looking for the perfect fabric and creating my own. This process became therapeutic for me. I learned all about different types of fabric, I was able to pick the cutest little patterns and come up with various designs and styles. I would take my little lady to the fabric stores to look at new patterns and it became part of our day. I was also able to spend more time with my mother. Sewing had always been one of her passions, so it allowed me to connect with her on a new level. We would brainstorm various designs and create prototypes, while learning new styles of sewing to make these bows come to life. It was not only great for my creativity, but it provided opportunities to reconnect with elements of “the old me”, while bringing light to new creative areas I could explore in my new role. Not only that, I was able to learn from my mother and include my daughter in the process, which was a beautiful experience for us to have. So, no matter where this little project takes me, it was all worth the time and effort spent because it is a part of my motherhood story and I would not change a thing.
Here’s the important part…
It is now my hope that I can share my love for these bows with you and your loved ones. I also hope it motivates you to find your passion and to not feel any guilt for putting time and energy into it. Knowing yourself and being self aware is vital when you are transitioning into a new role or identity. We can loose so much of ourselves in this process, so it is important that we adjust, adapt and change to accommodate this new role, but also nourish areas of ourselves to ensure the innate, foundational elements that make up who were are, remain intact. This is vital for our well-being. If you recognize that there are elements of your soul that are not being nourished, figure out what is missing and make small adjustments to spend more time focused on those areas. It does not make you ungrateful or selfish, it makes you a good human and therefore, an even better momma and partner. Mommas feel guilt and shame for considering themselves over other people in their lives, even for a few minutes a day, but in order to truly be present, we need to find ourselves first. Enjoy your babe, enjoy your partner, but also enjoy yourself. If you can find a little passion project or a small act of self care that you can practice on a regular basis, make the time. Nourish your mind, body and soul, and your family will be nourished, in return.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this little story behind my passion project. I hope it inspires you to find your own and go for it.
Momma & Munchkin Merch!
Now, lets talk shop! Please click on the tab “Merch” to check out some of our products in the shop!!
Important things to note:
* I created a lot of our featured product in the Bubba style, but each bow style is available in all of the fabrics featured on the site. So, if you don’t see it in the shop, definitely still inquire about it.
* If you’re local (GTA/Durham), contact me directly for your purchases. Canada Post is very expensive, so if we can do a local pick-up it definitely will save you from the crazy shipping costs!
Email: mommashealthyhub@outlook.com using “Merch” as the subject line.
Currently in the shop…
Bubbas Bows: Our biggest, one-size-fits-all bow that I am absolutely obsessed with! Don’t worry, there are directions and a video for rewrapping the head wrap bow! https://mommashealthyhub.com/product-category/munchkin-merch/bubba-bows/
Knottie Bows: This bow is a medium sized bow, a little less intimidating than the Bubba. It also comes in a few sizes! You can order 0-6m, 6-12m and 12-24m. For custom orders 24m+ you can contact me directly. This bow is available in all of the fabrics on the site!
Email: Mommashealthyhub@outlook.com using the subject “Merch” for custom orders. https://mommashealthyhub.com/product-category/munchkin-merch/knottie-bows/
Boomers Bow Ties: We cannot forget about our little boys. Boomers bow ties are also available in any fabric featured on the site and made-to-order. I will receive your little man’s measurements and make them custom to you!
Email: Mommashealthyhub@outlook.com using the subject “Merch”.
https://mommashealthyhub.com/product-category/munchkin-merch/boomer-bow-ties/
Momma Merch: We are currently featuring a top knot momma bow. This can be for literally anyone, not just mommas! It comes in any of the fabrics featured on the site.
Email: Mommashealthyhub@outlook.com using the subject “Merch” for custom orders.
https://mommashealthyhub.com/product-category/momma-merch/
Momma & Munchkin Merch: We are currently featuring matching Momma & Munchkin Bows (in the knottie or bubba styles). If you see a fabric on the site that you love I will create your matching set as a custom order!
Email: Mommashealthyhub@outlook.com using the subject “Merch” for custom orders.
I hope you love this little business as much as I do.. and thank you for supporting small, handmade shops!
Oh, and in case someone hasn’t already told you today, you are amazing Momma!
xo
