July 2023 Mental Health
D e A s i a M i l l e r
BossMom Inc
Maternal Mental Health
What inspired you to start your momtrepreneur business?
I started BossMom in 2018 after I had my first and only baby girl. I was going through a divorce and dealing with postpartum depression. I said I would love to create clothes to uplift myself as a mom and thought, “Hmm? Maybe other mothers would want this too”. I started creating things that I’d like. I use some of the funds to give to research, resources form postpartum depression, and maternal mental health.
Why did you name your company BossMom Inc?
I picked the name because I could not stand the term “baby mama” or “BM”. BI said I need to give “BM” a more powerful, influential, and confident meaning. To remind women that being a mom does not take away your voice, goals, or ambition. You now have a forever mini cheerleader lol.
Why is motherhood and mental health important to you?
Maternal mental health is important to me because of my own personal battle overcoming it. Also, it is important to me because it’s not talked about enough in my culture and community. As I would share my story with other black women and moms, it would break my heart how many women were hiding their struggles emotionally and mentally. Older generations were conditioned to “suck it up”, or overlooked that they lived with their mental health issues, instead of speaking on them. I wanted this brand to be a tool to uplift mothers. As well as create a community and safe space for mothers to speak up about burn out moments, depression, guilt, mommy shame, and body shame. I believe simply starting the conversation sets many people free because they don’t feel alone. I’m sorry I don’t always like my kid. I need somebody to say that without judgment, and will pass me a glass of wine lol.
"I wanted this brand to be a tool to uplift mothers. As well as create a community and safe space for mothers to speak up about burn out moments, depression, guilt, mommy shame, and body shame. I believe simply starting the conversation sets many people free because they don’t feel alone".
What kind of products do you sell on your website?
Currently, I have sweatshirts, t-shirts, coffee mugs and tanks. I will be expanding soon with another distribution company to get more products like workout gear, leggings, and bags. Stay tuned!
Have you been able to attend any events to sell your products?
Sadly, I haven’t yet, but that was due to my schedule changing last year. I am a single mommy doing it all with the help of my family. I hope to visit more events this year for sure!
Can you leave our mom readers with one mental help tip that can help them balance being a mom while also taking care of themselves?
Yes! My favorite tip to give is a Jay-Z line, “You can not heal what you won’t reveal”. I encourage moms and women around me to please speak up about what you need. Ask for help. I struggled with asking for help (still working on it lol), and being honest about how I was feeling. If you are not okay mentally or emotionally, then THAT'S OKAY! It’s truly OKAY not to be OKAY. You don’t have to tell the world, but find someone to say it too. I had a nervous breakdown that could’ve taken me and my daughter out because I was trying to go on like I was ok. I learned holistic ways to balance myself. Yes, take yourself out on dates, and get pretty even if it’s just to be in the house. You are still a WOMAN. Do not give that up just because you are a mommy. Also, I am not against medication and CBD. I encourage that treatment if needed. Do not be afraid of therapy either! I’m sorry this is my soap box so I can go on and on lol.
" I learned holistic ways to balance myself. Yes, take yourself out on dates, and get pretty even if it’s just to be in the house. You are still a WOMAN. Do not give that up just because you are a mommy".
Are there any challenges you've had to overcome as a CEO?
I would say keeping up with all the duties, especially marketing. One day I will have a team for this lol. Yes, keeping advertising and running social media is like a third job. I love it, but I have to be intentional about putting content out. I notice when I don’t advertise it does affect sales significantly. I will definitely say interacting with buyers asking for feedback and emails is good to do too.
What are some words of advice you can give to future entrepreneurs who want to start a business?
I would definitely believe in your product no matter who does or doesn’t believe in it. Do not be afraid to fail. I kept putting stuff out because I loved it. It wasn’t about being famous or rich. I want to inspire and create a huge circle of amazing women! Make sure you love whatever it is you are doing.
Outside of your business, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?
I love to go to new places and eat. I am a big foodie ha! I love to travel. I was a flight attendant for Delta for 5 yrs and traveling is my zen! Lol, I love fitness and meditation. Coffee is LIFE, and I plan to open a coffee shop in the near future! Shhh, stay tuned hehe.
Photographer: Robert Dixon
Follow At:Instagram: @smile_dee and @boss_mominc