MOMpreneur: n. defined as a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.
Welcome to our latest installment of MOMpreneur Monday, highlighting businesses and brands that were founded by female entrepreneurs and fellow Mommas!
Today’s featured Modern Boca MOMpreneur is Amy Astrowsky, Founder & Designer of Mom Squad Clothing!
Tell us a little about your background and how Mom Squad Clothing was started…
I’m Amy and I am a fashion designer, single mother and triathlete. I have been designing clothing and working with top retailers my whole career. Becoming a mom changed literally everything–from how I saw the world, to how I saw myself. It has changed who I want to be and has completely rearranged my priorities.
“My goals have shifted in both my personal life and work life to show my daughter women are strong and can truly do anything.”
I launched my business on Mother’s Day 2020 at the height of the pandemic. That was not how I envisioned starting my journey as an entrepreneur. In the first 2 years, I have had to navigate being a new business owner during a global pandemic. Then, all the supply chain issues in the past year which also continue to be a challenge. It’s been a lot of work, but I have learned so much since launching.
As for how I got started, well I had a few AHA moments!
1) I am a triathlete. I usually do 3-4 races a year, and for the most part spend my life in activewear….. Even at my office, I am known to show up in some form of legging. I would spend money on what I thought was a quality product, and was always looking/researching the newest brands and trends. Then one day, I just got bored with what I was seeing. All the luxury/aspirational brands had beautiful models in white spandex doing yoga on beaches in some far off location. And I thought to myself: what is this?
I have no interest in white spandex. And as a mom, I am lucky to get my workout in let alone a private yoga lesson on a beach while staying at a villa in some exotic place. I was craving realness, seeing mothers/women my age doing it all. This is when I started thinking to myself that I needed to create what I was not seeing anywhere. I was loving some of the more fashionable items I would see. However, paying $100-150 for leggings or a sports bra was just not practical for me. I wanted the fashion and quality, but at a price I could fit into my budget.
2) The second AHA moment, I was watching one of my favorite shows where this soon-to-be dad was getting help prepping for his life with a new baby while his wife was cheering him on. I had to ask myself, who is cheering her on? Where is her team giving her advice and support? I immediately thought, she needs a MOM SQUAD to support, help and lift her up.
3) Those 2 moments came together and I created Mom Squad Clothing.
What’s unique about Mom Squad Clothing?
I think what sets my business apart is the quality and fit of my Mom Squad Clothing. I have taken my years of experience in the fashion industry and incorporated all of it into Mom Squad. I am particularly proud that I have been able to stay true to my mission to show real women, real moms. There’s no airbrushing or filters on the photos. These are real women, real moms, real bodies and I celebrate all of them.
Why should Modern Boca Mom readers become your customers?
If your readers are anything like me, I was looking for a business that could not only offer me a great activewear product, but also a place that had me in mind as they designed and developed all their clothing. I am proud to say that’s what Mom Squad Clothing is.
As a triathlete, I’m not the most delicate person…..I am hard on my clothes. I wash and dry them…..I sometimes have long workouts, or I might leave my house at 9 am on a Saturday with my daughter and not get home until 9 that night. I need clothes that will stand up to my busy life. Your readers will get quality clothing that has been wear-tested and fully vetted. They will get well-designed clothing that is functional, looks great and is comfortable without spending over $100 on a pair of basic leggings.
What exciting things are coming up for your business?
I am launching a new set at the end of May (2022)! Mom Squad Clothing will actually have a few new launches this year with new products and technology. I am always working on new and innovative products for moms.
What do you love about working and living in South Florida?
We are new to the area. After visiting South Florida (my whole life), we made the leap last year and moved here. I have to say, it has far exceeded my expectations. I wanted to find a place where both my daughter and I could thrive, and I think we found it here. We love how much there is for families to do here–all the fun outdoor options (while the weather is not too hot) and then all the culture and art/performances we have within an hour drive.