Dear Radiant Mothers,
Have you ever felt invisible or overlooked?
I had always dreamed about the moment when I would have a little one. I dreamed of the moment when I would pick names, decorating nurseries and how I would dress my bump. As I am sure many of you have.
I had quite a few of rude awaking's, especially having been pregnant during one of the most difficult events of the decade in 2020.
One disappointment that has stuck with me, and then followed me into my second pregnancy, was the lack of maternity clothes as a whole
My excitement was met with tiny sections at big stores and having to live in some of the most unflattering dresses of stripes and tie-dye that were very boxy on the body for 9 months. It was not exactly the moment I had dreamed of.
The second time around I had more funds to play around with and scoured stores to discover that no store really carried anything that made me feel like myself. The thought of online shopping felt like such an enormous task when the reality is that sizing can differ so drastically while pregnant.
While online there was a wider range of selections, I didn't want to face having to try-on and then return just to find what fit me the best, especially while having to deal with being sick throughout my whole pregnancy with zero energy. The items were more fashionable but also very expensive.
I felt pretty invisible to the current fashion market, but I also Just assumed that a lot more women than I had realized just stayed in their pre-pregnancy clothing using hacks that were all over the internet.
So, I tried all of those hacks, but I was working in retail through-out my whole pregnancy and found many of the hacks were very uncomfortable.
When I came back to my store after maternity leave, I found out that the small maternity section there had been completely discontinued. Once again, I couldn't help but feel overlooked but I just kept assuming I was one of the few who wanted maternity.
After coming back to work though is when I discovered the truth.
Many Moms wanted maternity as I was constantly being asked in all my shifts where the section was. I watched as their faces fell when they realized another option, while it was small, was very much gone.
The truth is, is that Moms want maternity, but the industry has been failing us. The selections in-store are all so very small, unfashionable, and many of the better options are stuck behind a wall of uncertainty via online.
I felt an outrage, and a call to action
The dream of Little Love Of Mine was conceived while talking to everyday mothers. I strive to find and carry those more flattering, stylish options. It's also important to the values of my dream to make these options as affordable as I possibly can.
Now you might be asking why I would create an online store, when it is known to be a part of the issue. Well Dear Mother, do not fret, as this is just the beginning of a much bigger dream.
Remember you are valued; you are seen and will be heard.
We are not invisible
- Little Love Of MIne