ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Hi, I’m Jo - founder of The Mamahood Collective, mum of three, and a woman who deeply understands just how beautiful, exhausting, and overwhelming motherhood can be.

I live rurally in stunning Hindon, Otago on a sheep and beef farm that my husband Chris manages. Our days are full (and often chaotic!) with our three kids - Florence, Quinn, and Thomas - our cat Ralph, Leo our mini lop bunny, six farm dogs, chickens, pet sheep and a pet cow. Life here is busy, loud, humbling, and heart-filling.

My journey into motherhood began nine years ago, and it completely reshaped who I am.

Like so many mums, I quickly realised that motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be incredibly hard.

With my first baby, breastfeeding didn't come easily. I triple-fed for 16 weeks, navigated low milk supply, tongue and lip ties, and spent many of those early months feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering if I was doing enough. It stole moments I wish I'd been able to simply enjoy.

That experience planted the first seed of what would eventually become The Mamahood Collective.

Before becoming a stay-at-home mum, I was an early childhood teacher. Caring for children and supporting families has always been at the heart of who I am, and I didn't realise at the time that motherhood would simply become another chapter of that passion.

The Mamahood Collective began with nourishing baking mixes and lactation products, created in my kitchen during nap times, after bedtime, and in the pockets of time that mums know all too well. Every recipe was developed with one goal in mind: to help mums nourish themselves while they spent so much of their energy caring for everyone else.

But over the years, I've realised something.

It was never really about the baking mixes.

It was always about supporting mums.

Whether that was through nourishing food, breastfeeding support, honest conversations, or simply reminding another mum that she wasn't alone, my mission has always stayed the same.

Today, The Mamahood Collective is entering a new chapter.

I'm currently studying to become a Baby Sleep and Well-being Specialist so I can continue supporting mums and families in another deeply meaningful way. Because alongside nourishment, I've come to understand just how life-changing compassionate, evidence-based sleep support can be for the whole family.

The products may be changing, but the heart behind this business never will.

My hope is that The Mamahood Collective continues to be a place where mums feel seen, supported, encouraged, and reminded that they matter too.

Because motherhood asks so much of us.

You deserve support.

You deserve nourishment.

You deserve rest.

And you deserve to know that you never have to do it alone.

Thank you for being here and for being part of this journey.

I can't wait to share what's next.

With love,

Jo xx 🤍

Ten Fun Facts About Me:

1) I feel like I’ve always had a deep calling to support mamas in the thick of motherhood. I knew I wanted to create a space where we could connect, feel seen, and support one another through this wild ride that changes us, challenges us - and sometimes even breaks us. The Mamahood Collective was born from that vision.

2) I had my first night ever away from my children last year, and also the first night away as a couple - it was strange, we talked about them a lot, I missed them - but it was also very much needed and we enjoyed ourselves.

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’ll fill that fashion design dream.

4) I love Netball, and it’s something I really miss playing. We’ve moved around a lot 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, spending time with friends and family, chocolate, and lately we’ve been getting into board games with the kids (turns out we’re a very competitive crew!).

6) Baking! I love baking (as you probably can tell), and I’m so proud of what I’ve created through The Mamahood Collective. I enjoy baking far more than cooking meals and definitely have a sweet tooth. I’m also gluten free and love tweaking recipes to suit.

7) I always forget to take meat out for tea (I really need to get more organised and stop getting distracted by the million things around me!)

8) I have Hashimoto’s, which is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid. I was diagnosed around 16 years ago but was unwell for a while before that. It’s a big reason why I’m gluten free. It’s one of those illnesses you don’t fully understand unless you’ve lived it. I’m managing it, but it does take a lot from me.

9) I’m quite shy until I get to know people and feel comfortable I guess I’m an extroverted introvert.

10) While I love fashion and dressing up, I’m at my happiest in my comfies at home with a cheeky vino and my favourite people (Something that has changed since being at home the majority of the time).