Meet Amanda Stewart: Global Mama and Mochi Kids Founder
“Being eco-friendly is super important to our family and our brand and when I see my kids actively make eco-friendly decisions it feels like such a win.”
WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHAT LED YOU TO THIS CAREER?
I've always been a creative. When my first son was one and a half years old he was diagnosed with autism. I quit my corporate job to stay home with him and do my best to work with him on his development. Being a stay-at-home mom was hard for me and it was never something I envisioned myself doing. By the time I had my second child I was struggling with postpartum depression. I needed an outlet so I began designing and screen-printing tees based on things my son Stephen was obsessed with. Friends and family began asking to buy my designs and that is how Mochi Kids was born! Creating designs based on things kids love is still one of our goals today.
WHAT ARE THE NAMES AND AGES OF YOUR CHILDREN?
Stephen, 7, Camilla, 4, and Jonah, 1.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT THUS FAR?
The fact that I have created a career for myself that I love feels like a huge achievement! I honestly never thought it was possible to make a living doing something I enjoy this much.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A MOTHER?
It is very rewarding when I see lessons that I teach my kids really start to sink in. Being eco-friendly is super important to our family and our brand and when I see my kids actively make eco-friendly decisions it feels like such a win.
AND WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING?
The worry and guilt that I'm not doing enough to train my children to be good people — I am constantly worried about this.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SOMEONE NEW TO YOUR INDUSTRY?
Just go for it! If I can start a clothing brand, you can too, I promise!
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR A NEW MOTHER?
It’s so easy to lose your sense of self when you have a new baby. Don't forget to take care of yourself!
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU? DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS COMING UP?
In 2019 we expanded our line to include sweatsuits and pajamas and we have even more new styles planned for 2020!
Follow Amanda at @mochi_kids