Three Washington University alumnae have established businesses within the childcare sector, addressing areas of childcare, motherhood, and pregnancy that are often overlooked. Drawing on their professional expertise and personal experiences, they are spearheading the creation of practical solutions to common challenges encountered by mothers.
One of these alumnae is Chelsea Hirschhorn, the founder of Frida, a company that offers a range of products for fertility, baby care, and postnatal care. Encountering difficulties in soothing her sick child with inadequate hospital-provided tools, she identified a need for enhanced baby care products in the market. Today, Frida has expanded its product line to include postnatal and fertility items, establishing a strong presence in the baby care industry.
Several other alumnae have also significantly contributed to the childcare realm. Sara Reardon specializes in assisting women with pelvic floor disorders stemming from pregnancy and childbirth, while Anita Rajendra offers subscription-based maternity apparel and patented nursing scarves. Likewise, Lindsay Gordon provides specialized tutoring services for children with unique needs.
Alumnae address overlooked aspects of motherhood
Laura Gomez has developed a platform that connects families with babysitters.
These enterprising women share a common bond: their education from Washington University and their personal roles as mothers. Their educational and personal journeys have shaped their leadership approaches, business choices, and ultimately, the triumph of their initiatives.
Anita Rajendra, for example, decided to leave her position at Coca-Cola to launch her own venture after a pregnant colleague voiced concerns about the expense of maternity attire. She established a thrift store for maternity clothing, offering cost-effective, quality garments for expectant mothers. This endeavor advocates for sustainability through clothing recycling while alleviating the financial burden on prospective mothers.
Anne Geddes, another alumna, revolutionized the baby product industry with her creation of a collapsible baby stroller. Maternal health advocate Maggie Lucas developed a BabyCare app to enhance prenatal care, particularly for mothers in resource-limited settings. Simultaneously, psychiatrist and mother Jenny Brooks identified the need for improved mental health support for new mothers, prompting her to establish the New Mom Support Network.
In essence, the personal experiences and academic backgrounds of these three alumnae motivated them to launch entrepreneurial endeavors that enhance lives, particularly those of women navigating the challenges of motherhood.
