Lindsay Applebaum Stuart of Mamalux on the beginning stage of business

Describe your business in a few words?

Mamalux is a first-of-its-kind leakproof sleep solution for breastfeeding moms. Our Kickstarter launches on 10/19!

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I spent the first 10 years of my career as a sports journalist for the Washington Post and Sports Illustrated! So this has been a real shift for me. In the last few years I've transitioned into more of a brand marketing role, which helped prepare me to launch a business and think about how to get it out into the world.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Definitely not! I wanted to be an NFL beat writer. Dreams change, I guess!

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?

My business hasn't launched yet! But my strategy is working well so far. I'm building out my organic social media channels and running ads to drive email signups ahead of our launch on 10/19!

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?

The biggest general challenge I've had to overcome is being the only person with skin in the game, and realizing that all of the motivation to keep going has to come from myself. I'm used to having at least some kind of "boss" above me, so it's been an adjustment. Now I feel more empowered and driven than I ever have before.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Being invited to join two startup accelerators. In addition to providing financial investment, office space and tons of resources, they've given me so much confidence in myself and my business.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

I do believe in work/life balance, and I'm kind of lucky that it's been forced on me because I have two small children who I can't exactly put aside in favor of work. I try my best to put the phone down and be present with my kids (but obviously, I'm human and have a screen addiction like everyone else, so my track record isn't perfect). The other things I do to break up the day are making sure I walk at least 10,000 steps and practicing yoga every single day (even if it's just 10 minutes). Physical movement always helps me reset my mind and break free of the work-work-work mindset.

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

After our (hopefully successful) Kickstarter, Mamalux will re-launch on Shopify in the winter. Some immediate plans are adding plus sizes and expanding our existing product line. Eventually, I'd love Mamalux to partner with larger retailers – and my BIG dream is to be seen as a baby registry essential one day!

What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

It's inspiring to be surrounded by so many female entrepreneurs, many of whom have similar stories to my own and have found success. It gives me confidence that I can do this too – especially when I have a place to ask all kinds of questions along the way!