Samantha Gold on Her Elevated Children's Pajama Brand

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I’m Samantha Gold, the founder and CEO of Motette, an elevated children’s pajama brand launching in Spring 2025. Inspired by my experiences as a mom to Blair and Wes, I created Motette to fill the need for stylish, high-quality sleepwear that combines comfort, durability, and timeless design.

Crafted from sustainable bamboo fabrics, Motette pajamas are designed to withstand the daily adventures of kids while giving parents peace of mind. Based in Sydney and launching in the U.S. market, I lead Motette with a mission to bring families closer through thoughtful, cozy products that make bedtime a little more special.

Who are your customers?

Motette’s customers are parents like me who value quality, comfort, and thoughtful design in their children’s pajamas. They’re looking for sleepwear that combines timeless style with durability and sustainability. I created Motette with these parents in mind—families who want cozy, elevated sleepwear to enhance bedtime routines and make family moments even more special.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Prior to starting Motette, I built my career as a CEO in the fashion industry and held leadership roles in the tech sector at Fortune 500 companies. Over more than a decade, I worked on driving business transformation, leading high-performing teams, and scaling brands. One of my proudest achievements was leading a major rebrand for a contemporary women’s fashion company, where I doubled direct-to-consumer sales and built a new leadership team. These experiences gave me the skills and confidence to transition into entrepreneurship and create something of my own.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I decided to take the leap to start my own business after struggling to find children’s sleepwear that blended style, comfort, and durability for my two kids, Blair and Wes. As a mom, I wanted pajamas that looked elevated but could also handle the realities of daily life. Drawing on my background in fashion and tech, I realized I had the tools to fill this gap in the market. I poured my heart into designing pajamas that are as practical as they are beautiful, giving parents peace of mind and kids a little extra comfort and joy.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. My career in fashion and tech gave me the foundation to understand what it takes to build and scale a brand, but I always had the desire to create something of my own. Motherhood was the spark that brought it all together—Motette became the perfect way to combine my skills and my passion for thoughtful, purposeful design. Starting my own business has been a dream come true and one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

As I’m still in the pre-launch phase of Motette, my focus is on building excitement and creating authentic connections around the brand. I’m sharing behind-the-scenes moments of the design process, family inspiration, and sneak peeks of our debut pajama collection on social media to give people a glimpse into what Motette is all about. I'm laying the foundation for a strong, engaged community before we officially launch. While there’s always a learning curve, staying flexible and focused on storytelling has been key to getting the word out and building anticipation for Motette.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered so far has been knowing when to spend money on experts versus tackling tasks myself. As a new entrepreneur, it can be tempting to try to do everything on your own to save costs, but I’ve learned that this approach isn’t always efficient—or effective. Hiring professionals for areas like branding, photography and web design can save time and ensure a higher-quality result. It’s all about finding the right balance between being resourceful and knowing when to trust the experts to bring my vision to life.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud of bringing Motette’s vision to life and staying true to my purpose throughout the process. From sourcing the perfect bamboo fabrics to refining designs that blend comfort, style, and practicality, every step has been a labor of love. Seeing the samples come together and knowing they’ve been tested and approved by my own kids makes it feel so real.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

One of the biggest wins from the last year has been finalizing the designs and fabrics for Motette’s debut pajama collection. After testing over 12 factories to find the perfect partner, I’m thrilled with the quality and comfort we’ve achieved.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

What’s next for Motette is our big launch in Spring 2025, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring our debut pajama collection to life! Over the next few months, we’ll be focusing on building momentum with a stunning photoshoot, connecting with our community, and refining every detail to ensure the launch is seamless and memorable.

In the years to come, I plan to grow Motette into a trusted brand for parents seeking stylish, sustainable sleepwear. Expanding our product offerings, creating meaningful partnerships, and exploring new channels. Most importantly, I want Motette to continue to be a brand rooted in love, comfort, and thoughtful design, creating products that families cherish for years to come.

What is your top productivity tip? 

My top productivity tip is to prioritize and plan with intention each morning. I start the day by outlining my top three priorities—tasks that will have the biggest impact—and focus on tackling those first. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day chaos, but having a clear plan keeps me grounded and productive. As a mom and entrepreneur, I’ve also learned to give myself grace; not every day will go as planned, and that’s okay. Progress over perfection is always the goal!

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

To avoid burnout, I make a conscious effort to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. I schedule breaks throughout my day, whether it’s a workout, a dog walk or a coffee with a friend.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

My approach to work-life balance is all about integration and prioritization. As a mom and entrepreneur, I’ve learned that it’s less about perfectly dividing time and more about being fully present in the moment—whether I’m in a meeting or reading a bedtime story. I set clear boundaries, like dedicating certain hours to family and unplugging when I need to recharge.

I also try to involve my family in the journey, like having my kids test Motette samples or sharing wins with them, so they feel connected to what I’m building. It’s not always easy, but staying flexible, focusing on what matters most, and giving myself grace has helped me create a rhythm that works for both my personal and professional life.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known when I started my Entreprenista journey is that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Building a business is a process of learning, pivoting, and growing—and perfection isn’t the goal. I’ve learned that asking for help, leaning on my network, and trusting the process are just as important as the work itself. If I’d embraced this earlier, I might have spent less time stressing over the unknown and more time enjoying the journey!

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

My go-to interview question is: "Can you tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it?"

This question gives me insight into how a candidate approaches problem-solving, handles adversity, and learns from their experiences. It’s a great way to understand their mindset, resilience, and ability to think creatively—qualities that are essential in a growing business like Motette!

Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family:

My best advice for managing a business and a family is to embrace flexibility and focus on quality over quantity. Set clear priorities each day, both for work and family, and be present in the moment—whether it’s tackling a meeting or enjoying dinner with your kids. Learn to delegate where you can, both in your business and at home, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, give yourself grace; not every day will go as planned, and that’s okay. Progress, not perfection, is what matters most in both business and family life.

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

The one app I absolutely can’t live without is Google Calendar. It keeps my life organized, from business meetings to family activities, and helps me stay on top of deadlines and priorities. As someone juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship, having everything color-coded and accessible in one place is a lifesaver. It’s the ultimate tool for staying balanced and on track!

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

My favorite business tool is Mojo because it makes creating professional, eye-catching content for social media so easy. From reels to stories, it helps me bring Motette’s vision to life with beautiful designs and animations that align perfectly with our brand. It’s been a game-changer for keeping our social presence polished and engaging!

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice for aspiring Entreprenistas is to start before you feel ready. There’s never a perfect time to launch your idea, and the best way to learn is by taking that first step. Surround yourself with a strong support system—mentors, peers, this community of Entreprenistas—and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. Most importantly, stay true to your vision and remember why you started. The journey won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it!

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!

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