Same. This isn’t a “collect-3-business-cards-by-the-time-you-leave-without-actually-talking-about-anything” kind of meet-up. It’s also not a refer-5-people-by-the-next meet-up-or-else vibe.

Instead, you bring the many parts of you and you connect with women who are committed to doing the same. It’s about supporting other ambitious moms however you’re able, and receiving whatever they can give.

Real relationships take time and need space for deep conversations. These gatherings give you that time and space.

We learn from each other. We get to know each other. We grow together.

Like “networking,” but way better.

This is for you if you identify as an ambitious mom in any way, shape, or phase of life/business. Maybe you’re planning for your first baby, maybe your 3rd kid just graduated from law school. Maybe you have a side hustle you want to take full-time, maybe you’ve been around the entrepreneurial block.

Motherhood never leaves you. Your entrepreneurial spirit never leaves you. This community holds space for both those parts of you.

And we all have so much to learn from each other, and so many ways we can support each other along the way. 

The vision is for our group to feel intimate and well-curated, but not overly exclusive. Different backgrounds, industries, and family dynamics make our community richer. The people in the room matter more than anything else because it’s all about deep connections and meaningful conversations.

I’m aiming for ~30 moms each event—some regulars, some newbies, always ambitious women who want to connect personally and professionally. If that’s you, you’re welcome.

***Babies and kids (aka the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers) are always welcome. Childcare is never provided. 

Yes, each event is pay-as-you-go*. There are NO upfront membership fees because being a mom and a business owner is hectic (and expensive) enough, so you only pay for what you’re able to attend.

And I’m really protective of how each meet-up feels. No to a constant barrage of pitching and hard selling. Yes to getting to know the humans behind the labels of “business owner,” “community leader,” “mom/stepmom,” etc.

So, why charge at all when there are some many free events and groups online and in the area?

Because like the IKEA Effect, you pour more into yourself and our shared experience when you invest not just your limited time and energy, but also your money.

Tickets are a business expense. (Permission to channel your inner David Rose here…) And your potential for clients, collaborators, funders, tools, resources, and a community of like-minded mamas is worth a lot more than what it costs to get in the door.

Plus, this community is an extension of my business and personal brand, so I’m committed to this group and everyone in it in ways volunteer group leaders (and their non-paying members) might not be. I’m also an enthusiastic facilitator, strategic advisor, and consultant with a huge array of experiences and industries under my belt, so I bring that energy and know-how before, during, and after our gatherings.

*I’m working on a community pay-it-forward fund where attendees can access the room when cost is a barrier. More to come here—open to any ideas you have!

How many times have you found yourself feeling alone as a business owner and a mom? How many times have you felt like a burden calling up a friend or business contact in desperate need to vent or brainstorm or verbally process? How many times have you felt cooped up in the same 4 walls or at your go-to stomping grounds?

This is your outlet. Your jumping off point. Your time and space to find your people.

It means you don’t have to choose between mom friends and business savvy peers. It means you don’t have to compartmentalize a conversation when your brain is thinking about breast pumps or school spirit days at the same time as inventory or ad spend.

It’s magical when your mom friend is ALSO your business bestie. This is a roomful of women you see every month waiting to be (and have) just that.

So yes, “you’ve gotten this far without community.” But imagine how much easier it could be or how much further you could go with the right people and resources in your corner…

Values-alignment is core to how I’ve built my business and how I live my life. All walks of life and points of view are welcome, as long as you’re respectful of how others in the room live, work, and think.

Here’s the Community Creed I’d like all Made For Mothers x Central Illinois attendees to follow:

1. We commit to the process.

   That means showing up as yourself, for yourself, and with an open mind to others. It also means being part of the community as often and as fully present as possible.

2. We listen to our intuition.

   This space is meant to open the door to new ideas and possibilities, but ultimately, you know your capacity, your vision, and your values best. Take what you need, leave or adapt the rest.

3. We share generously.

   By pouring into others, giving advice, and revealing resources, we’re not only elevating everyone else’s experience, we’re also synthesizing our best ideas at the same time.

4. We hold each other’s truths in confidence.

   We’re coming to this space with our vulnerable business ideas and life situations, so anything shared here stays here. Other people’s thoughts, experiences, and big visions are not ours to spread (or judge) without their consent.

And here are my personal values (and how I define them, which is a super important step!):

◗ Conscientiousness: Bringing empathy and awareness to my life and work
◗ Contribution: Feeling connected to something bigger than myself
◗ Exploration: Creating space to experiment and staying open to different perspectives
◗ Integrity: Living out my values and practicing what I preach
◗ Intentionality: Taking and encouraging confident, meaningful action

Short answer: yes, as long as you’re local to Central Illinois.

Longer answer:

• Vendors can pay a small tabling fee to sell directly to attendees at that specific event. This is ideal for mom-owned business that have a special product. Think: a maker, vintage seller or boutique owner, a permanent jewelry or tattoo artist, specialty food or body products.
• Sponsors can choose 1 of 3 tiers and pay a quarterly or annual rate for ongoing brand presence. It’s not about a sales table or a banner no one looks at. It’s logo placement, recognition, a seat, a shoutout. Actual partnership. Sponsors are explicitly not pitching or selling to the room from the front of it—instead, they’re part of the Made For Mothers experience.

Either way, catch me at a meet-up, email me, or book a call to chat more.