Here at Belly Bandit HQ, a women-owned and operated company, we believe in celebrating the success of all women in business! Our “Moms Who Made It” series is our way of honoring Mompreneurs who inspire us every day.
This week we're thrilled to be featuring Marilee and Jessica, founders of Gathre. These two BFF,’s have created a line of luxurious and functional lightweight leather (yes, leather!) mats – that can be used for diaper changes and underneath the high chair, to parks and beaches. The best part, they’re wipeable and waterproof – what’s not to love!
Describe your business philosophy in 5 words:
Oh that’s a tough one. I think we would say the focus we hope to be known for is “Loyal to brand + customers.”
What inspired you to start your business?
Our children. We were outside eating and playing with our kids one day when we noticed there wasn’t a product that made eating and playing with your little ones wipeable and easy, but also matched the modern mother’s aesthetic. We jumped in and haven’t looked back.
When did you know you, “made it?”
We still don’t feel like we have made it yet and probably never will, but it is encouraging to see all the hard work reflected in growth. It’s sometimes hard to believe and we have to pinch ourselves that we get to live this dream.
Who is your mentor?
We are lucky to be in a partnership and when we don’t know what to do we bounce everything off of each other for help.
What's your #1 tip for moms interested in starting their own business
Give yourself plenty of grace. There will be discouragement, mistakes, and tough lessons but if you can stay positive and persevere you’ll come out the better for them. Just never give up - it gets better every day!
What does “me” time mean to you?
That’s one we still are figuring out. Usually a girls night with our best friends, a date with our husbands, a run for Jessica or a yoga class for Marilee. It doesn’t happen as often as it probably should, but it’s cherished when it does.
What‘s on your bedside table?
It’s very simple right now, but our scriptures, some notecards, and a journal.
Words to live by - Share you favorite quote!
One of our favorites is “That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but that our power to do has increased.” Heber J. Grant.
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To learn more about Marilee and Jessica, these amazing Moms Who Made It, head to: www.gathre.com
