ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Hi there my name is Jo, I am the founder and owner of The Mamahood Collective. I live on a sheep and beef farm that my husband Chris manages here in stunning Hindon, Otago.

We have three beautiful children, Florence 7, Quinn 4, and Thomas 14 months. We also have our Miniature Schnauzer Molly who is 12 (slightly biased but we think she is the best dog ever), our very chilled out cat Casper, 6 farm dogs, and our pet farm animals which consists of a cow, chooks and some of the cutest sheep in the world!

Since becoming a Mum 7 years ago, I have felt the need to begin a new venture and follow a passion of mine. I am very passionate about all things Mum life and love helping, supporting and learning from other Mum’s who are also in the thick of ‘Mamahood’. With Florence I had a really difficult time breastfeeding, and my milk supply (I will write a blog about my story in more depth). I triple fed her for 16 weeks. It was exhausting, and it was difficult and it stole my beautiful newborn days/weeks with her. It definitely showed my stubborn trait (as my husband would tell you). Hence the Lactation Range that I have developed. This was an important line for me to include in The Mamahood Collective as I had so much trouble with my milk supply I wanted to be able to have something that I can offer to support Mum’s in the same position - to help support them on their Breastfeeding Journey.

Previous to becoming a SAHM I was a teacher. I completed my Bachelor of Education in both Primary and Early Childhood, but found my passion to be teaching in the 0-5 years. The caring and nurturing role of teaching, supporting and learning from my little sidekicks has transferred over to this space where I want to be able to create a supportive, safe, fun and non-judgmental space for Mum’s to enjoy and participate in.

Mamahood is a really tough gig, it has been the toughest thing I have done in my entire life. I love being a Mum, however the feeling of loneliness and losing myself and my purpose over the latter years has been very real. I feel like I need this space just as much as you may feel like you need it too! Together we can chat about all things that relate to being a Mum, but also, other interests like food/recipes, self-care (I really need some encouragement here), fitness (help here also!), pregnancy, birth stories, postpartum, breastfeeding, fashion, sports (I am Netball crazy!) and anything else we find interest in.

Ten Fun Facts About Me:

  1. I am turning 40 this year! ( I am trying not to let this number worry me!)
  2. I haven’t had a night away from my kids at all … so that is 7 years! - I plan to change this this year however, which is exciting!
  3. I love fashion (I originally wanted to be a fashion designer when I left school. Shopping for new outfits used to be a favourite pastime pre kids - oh how times have changed! Now it's mostly all for my tribe!) Maybe one day I will fill that void of fashion designing.
  4. I love Netball, and it’s something I really miss playing. We have moved around alot over the past 14 years and it was through Netball that I always met really good friends. 
  5. As a family we enjoy camping trips in our Caravan, fishing, hunting, boating, walks, watching movies, friends and family, chocolate, and lately we have been playing board games with the kids which they love - we have also found that we are all very competitive!
  6. Baking! I love baking (as you probably can tell and I am so proud of what I have come up with forThe Mamahood Collective). I enjoy baking far more than cooking meals and I also have a real sweet tooth. I am also Gluten Free and enjoy changing up recipes to make them suitable to enjoy.
  7. I always forget to take meat out for tea (I really need to become more organised and meal plan and not get distracted by things around me!)
  8. I have Hashimotos which is an autoimmune disease that attacks my thyroid. I was diagnosed with this about 16 years ago, but was unwell for quite a few years prior to diagnosis and this is the reason why I am Gluten Free also. It is an awful disease to deal with. It’s one of those illnesses that you don't understand what or how it affects you unless you have it. I am on top of it and managing it but it does take a lot from me.
  9. I am quite a shy person until I get to know you and feel comfortable. I guess I am an extroverted Introvert - While I love fashion and dressing up, I am at my happiest in my comfies at home with my family enjoying a night in.
  10. I love to enjoy a cheeky vino!