Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to I’geal “cherie” Turner, Mot, Otr/l. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
I’geal “Cherie”, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
To be honest, my purpose found me. My journey truly began when I embraced the roles of Occupational Therapist, wife, and mother. Balancing a career with motherhood can certainly be challenging. Some aspects come easily, while others require considerable effort. I have worked hard—and continue to do so—to fulfill these important roles.
One unexpected challenge arose when I returned to work after maternity leave: sustaining my breastfeeding journey. As a healthcare provider in scrubs, I found myself undressing multiple times during my shifts to express milk, alongside other colleagues who were also new mothers. It was a time-consuming, inconvenient, and often uncomfortable process.
In that moment of juggling my professional and personal responsibilities, the idea for my first business venture, Mommy Scrubs by Mot8vate, was born. I realized that each of these roles, while distinct, has guided me toward my true purpose: to support lactating mothers who wear scrubs. My patent-pending pump-friendly scrub top is designed to help these hardworking women stay comfortable and professional while navigating the demands of pumping at work. Ultimately, I strive to empower them, ensuring they feel supported and confident in both their careers and their motherhood journeys.
I am truly grateful to be living my purpose five years after first envisioning it. Initially, I struggled to move forward due to severe postpartum depression and anxiety as a new mom, which left me feeling mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially unprepared to launch Mommy Scrubs. At times, it feels like I’m five years behind, but I remind myself that everything unfolds in its own time. I am exactly where I’m meant to be, guided by God’s plan for my life. While some may only dream, I have the privilege of bringing my vision to life. I feel incredibly blessed to be fulfilling my purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Now that I’ve found my purpose, I’m on a mission to empower nursing mothers in healthcare settings to sustain their breastfeeding journeys with functional apparel, supportive accessories, and helpful resources. I want to help create a seamless balance between motherhood and career demands. I am thrilled to be the only woman of color in this space, breaking barriers while advocating for and supporting our lactating healthcare heroes.
After more than a year of product development, research, and branding, I’m thrilled to announce the official launch of mommyscrubs.com on August 1, 2024! Our patent-pending scrub tops are now available for purchase in two classic colors: black and royal blue, with plans to expand our color options as the business grows. Navy blue is likely to be next on the list since it’s such a popular scrub color worn in healthcare settings. I also aim to introduce postpartum-friendly scrub bottoms and supportive accessories that will make the workday easier and more comfortable for our moms.
I’m genuinely excited to provide a time-saving, game-changing solution that I wished I had when I was pumping at work. I’m working hard to build brand awareness, generate leads, and achieve sales. Social media has been a bit of a challenge, so I would really appreciate any support—likes, follows, and shares on Instagram @mommy.scrubs mean the world!
Alongside our website launch, I am in pursuit of various revenue streams, including retail distribution at Target, scrub stores and B2B partnerships with local hospitals like Baylor Scott and White, where I’ve worked for the past 6.5 years. I’m exploring options for third-party vendor contracts, including Amazon, and we also offer wholesale opportunities. It’s an exciting time, and I am tremendously blessed to support lactating healthcare moms on their journeys! I feel incredibly grateful for the support of my dear friend and fellow business owner, Kelli Mumphrey, the owner of MilkSpace LLC. Kelli has been a valuable mentor, guiding me through various aspects of running a business and including me in collaborative opportunities. Together, we share our faith and encourage one another on this journey.
I’m thrilled to share that I’m expanding my business knowledge through some fantastic accelerator programs! Recently, I was accepted into The Dec Network and MAVS Business Assist programs, where I have the opportunity to attend workshops and receive invaluable mentorship from seasoned business experts.
I’m also honored to be a grant recipient of Texas Woman’s University Center for Women Entrepreneurs’ StartHER Award and the Fast Break for Small Business Program. These achievements inspire me to keep pushing forward as I explore new vendor opportunities and learn from others on this exciting journey. I’m particularly excited about my first vendor opportunity at The Black Moms Fair & Baby Expo on November 23, 2024, in Frisco, TX, hosted by The Mtoto Agency. It’s a fantastic chance to connect with the community and showcase Mommy Scrubs.
This is just the beginning, and I couldn’t be more excited of where I am headed!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First, my faith and relationship with God are the foundation of everything I do. My goal is to bring glory to God in all my endeavors, and serving lactating healthcare moms with the vision He has given me has been a guiding light. I encourage everyone to embrace faith and build a supportive community around them. Starting an entrepreneurial journey can feel isolating at times, but having cheerleaders is crucial. My family is my biggest support system. Those tough days can be the hardest, but that’s when you need to believe in yourself and your mission. Faith can look different for everyone, but prayer has sustained me throughout this journey. It is important to know your WHY! At times, your WHY may be the only motivation you have to keep you going on your journey.
Next, consistency is key. It’s a simple truth, but one that truly sets successful people apart. As a mom of two young children, I know how challenging it can be to maintain consistency without being intentional. Some days, I feel stretched thin and pulled in multiple directions, but I have to make sure I invest in my business, even if it’s the last thing I do that day. I must admit that this area is still a work in progress for me; it requires intentional effort on a daily basis.
Lastly, embrace the uncertainty. It’s okay to not have all the answers and to feel uncomfortable. If you’re scared, take that leap anyway. If you’re stressed, move forward despite it. Remember, you miss every shot you don’t take. Bet on yourself, but always use wisdom. For instance, I didn’t quit my job as an Occupational Therapist to launch my business; I knew my family depended on that income. I’m grateful for my supportive husband, who believes in my vision and has invested in this journey with me. I’m bold enough to believe that all my business goals will come true, and I challenge you to have that same belief. It’s only crazy until it happens!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with healthcare professionals who can make executive decisions regarding workplace support. Whether it’s within Supply Chain or other areas, I want to partner with those who recognize the value of Mommy Scrubs and are committed to enhancing their employees’ benefits. By showcasing that you truly care about your workforce, companies can make a meaningful impact on community perception. I aim to partner with RN lactation specialists and hospitals to promote Mommy Scrubs as an essential resource for new mothers. Additionally, I seek to collaborate with breast pump companies and workplace insurance providers to include Mommy Scrubs in maternal benefits packages.
We offer a low-cost solution that helps a significant portion of your workforce immediately. By purchasing Mommy Scrubs wholesale and distributing them to lactating mothers returning to work after maternity leave, companies can boost morale and potentially reduce absenteeism and staff turnover with a simple yet effective change.
In addition to that, I’m eager to partner with scrub stores, birthing centers, boutiques, nursing schools—especially Texas Woman’s University, where I graduated—and any other organizations where lactating mothers in scrubs might be found. Together, we can make a real difference in their lives. While we’re grateful for the Pump Act, Mommy Scrubs provides a practical solution that allows these moms to maximize their time and efficiency, enabling them to focus on their important work responsibilities.
I also envision potential partnerships with sports teams that have athletic trainers or staff members who are lactating and would benefit from our products. As a Dallas resident, I’d love to collaborate with the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks and Texas Rangers to support their staff in this way.
I have a goal to be the first postpartum wellness scrubs line sold at Target, so I’m keen to connect with anyone involved in Target’s accelerator program. One of my biggest challenges right now is brand awareness. I believe that once Mommy Scrubs is recognized, opportunities will naturally follow. To boost that visibility, I need post-launch marketing, which requires funding. That’s why I’m actively seeking collaborations and partnerships with investors and businesses for grant funding—preferably non-dilutive options—so I can remain debt-free and continue to bootstrap my business.
Mommy Scrubs can find a place in a variety of healthcare settings, including pharmacies, pediatrician offices, vet clinics, massage parlors, nail salons, laboratories, dentist offices, OB-GYN practices, and more. If you or someone you know would like to discuss opportunities with Mommy Scrubs, please reach out to me at [email protected] or 214-898-2706. I can’t wait to explore how we can work together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mommyscrubs.com
- Instagram: @mommy.scrubs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mommyscrubs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-turner
Image Credits
Photographers: Dantrail and Catherine Majors
@majorsphotography_dc (Instagram)
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