Back in February a Macaroni Kid fan reached out to let me know she know someone who would be a great fit for my monthly Local Mom Boss article. Here is a little bit of what her email said:
"I met her through meetup.com after I was in the hospital for depression during my first pregnancy. I am so glad I met her. She helped me connect with other moms and single moms...Before I joined Mamistad I felt I was at rock bottom, then I found Mamistad I was able to build my own support system of moms helping other moms. I will forever be greatful for Cynthia and Mamistad. Aside from having an awsome system, she is one of the kindest person I've ever met."
Her words reminded me so much of exactly what so many new mothers need! I knew I had to reach out and find out about this amazing woman. Here, we meet Cynthia, the founder of Mamistad.
1. What is your name? What is the name of your business?
My Name is Cynthia Tinajero and I created Mamistad, a local Moms Network catering to first-time pregnant and new moms by creating moms groups based on due/delivery date and post-delivery work plans. I also connect them with local mommy services.
2. What inspired or encouraged you to start your business in our area?
In 2005 I created Mamistad in Falls Church when I was pregnant with my one and only baby girl. My own precious mom had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's which led me to leave my life in California to care for her in Texas. Within months I met my future husband and a year later, we were married and living in Virginia with my mom. We wanted to start a family right away, though I was not prepared for the sense of isolation and depression that would set in just a few weeks after becoming pregnant. I was constantly seeking other pregnant moms to ask questions of and hopefully, start a friendship with. I finally found several moms via the internet. Meeting them online was one thing, but making sure we met in person was the true game changer. Getting to know these ladies and sharing experiences with them changed everything for me. Knowing that they ladies were as nervous, clueless and even anxious about becoming a mom as I was, made me feel normal and more able to handle the ups and downs of pregnancy. Supporting each other and empathizing with one another were the key ingredients that made us life-long friends.
3. What do you love about your work?
Though I adore babies, I LOVE watching moms being born! I love meeting Mamistad members in person and seeing them again after their babies have arrived. The transformation is profoundly beautiful.
4. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?
If you are as blessed as I am, to start a business out of your passion, don’t give up on it. Even if others don’t get it, as long as your heart is in it, you are a success.
5. What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it, especially right now?
Though I often have to force myself to stop working, I need to exercise (Beach Body workouts and treadmill mostly) or I start to lose focus. Spending time with my husband and daughter is definitely number one though. We love hanging out together - we’re very silly and we laugh a lot!
6. What can we do to support you in the community?
Just spread the word. :) To me, New Mamas are unsung heroes. Having a new baby is daunting enough but these days, I feel they are getting lost in the shuffle. We need to check in on them and make sure they are heard and feel appreciated - not just congratulated. I think moms groups help moms feel seen. I firmly believe that Women are incredible, Moms are limitless and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.
7. What is your (or your family’s) favorite spot in our area?
We love the Mosaic District-the family atmosphere is always fun. We each have our favorite restaurants and of course the shopping is great! The farmer’s market is awesome and our fur guy is always a big hit!
Cynthia, thank you so much for being our Mom Boss this month! We really enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to hearing more about Mamistad! For more information, please visit their website at https://www.mamistad.com.
Know someone who would be a great Local Boss? Email me at aliciacarmody@macaronikid.com and tell me about them!
