This episode we’re joined by CEO and co-founder of Winnie (winnie.com), a child care marketplace, Sarah Mauskopf, to share her journey in building the platform and highlight the challenges faced by working mothers. It’s no secret childcare is a crisis in the US, in mid-2023 it was projected that close to 70,000 daycare centers were at risk of closure. The number of stay-at-mothers rose in the US from 15% to 25%, primarily due to lack of affordable childcare options. And it’s not just the female workforce that’s been at risk; but women’s mental health and relationship health due to the inability to step away from their children for alone time, date nights, or socializing with friends. The importance of affordable childcare and the impact on women's careers and financial independence is critical to our success as a country. The discussion also explores the need for government and employer support in addressing the childcare crisis. We also cover the future offerings and challenges for Winnie, along with the value of flexibility and self-care for working parents.

Takeaways

Childcare is a critical issue in the US, with many daycare centers at risk of closure and working mothers considering leaving the workforce due to the high cost of childcare.

Winnie is a childcare marketplace that connects parents with licensed daycare and preschool providers, offering a comprehensive platform for finding and comparing childcare options.

Affordable childcare is essential for women's career advancement and financial independence, and government and employer support is crucial in addressing the childcare crisis.

Flexibility in work hours and providing resources for self-care are important for working parents to balance their professional and personal lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:18 The Journey to Building Winnie

04:03 Challenges in Finding Childcare

05:12 The Value of Winnie's Platform

06:13 Benefits for Childcare Providers

07:39 Upgrade Model for Parents and Providers

09:31 The Cost of Childcare

12:36 Affordability and Government Support

13:06 Employer Support for Childcare

33:39 Conclusion

Where to find Winnie:

Website: www.winnie.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/winnie

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@winniechildcare

Thank you to Bear Beat Productions for editing.

Find Boss Mama Jama @BossMamaJama

Closing out Women's History Month by asking men what the significance of the month is to them and giving the opportunity to show their appreciation to women in their lives. Hear what a few had to say... When we think of women's history, we often conjure up names like Marie Curie, Susan B. Anthony, and Rosa Parks—and rightfully so. But let's not forget that women's history is also about celebrating the unsung heroes, the everyday warriors, and the quiet revolutionaries who've been shaping our world since day one. The point of Women’s History Month is to take a moment to appreciate women in the past and present who have made a difference and inspired others.

#HypeWomen

Kate is excited to welcome her former colleague and friend, Melissa Carnegie, founder of Kicks and Fros, as she shares her journey in the fashion industry and the rise of sneaker culture for women and the importance of representation and community. In the episode, Melissa outlines her journey to successfully building her businesses as an influencer and fashion changemaker, as well as her new sneaker cleaner kit launch. Most importantly, Melissa shares her journey as a bonus mom and how she has navigated the challenges of building a relationship with her step-daughter. She emphasizes the importance of being a role model and instilling values of hard work and perseverance. Melissa also discusses the unique perspective she has as a bonus mom and the impact she can have on the next generation. In this conversation, Melissa Carnegie discusses her journey of finding her purpose and building a successful career in the fashion industry. She emphasizes the importance of being passionate about your work and not settling for anything less than what you love. Melissa shares how her love for fashion and personal style has come full circle in her career. She also talks about exciting opportunities, such as customizing sneakers for the TV show Love is Blind, and her efforts to build a community of like-minded women in the sneaker industry. Melissa highlights the power of sharing success and empowering women in business.

Takeaways

• Sneaker culture has evolved to include women, who bring their own style and creativity to the space.
• Representation of women in sneaker culture is important for creating a sense of community and highlighting their contributions.
• Growing up as a tomboy can influence personal style and the love for sneakers.
• Events and community building are essential for connecting women with similar interests and creating a supportive network.
• Sneakers offer both comfort and style, making them a popular choice for women in various settings. Creating a product that solves a problem and meets a need can lead to success.
• Juggling multiple roles requires asking for help and building a support system.
• Building a relationship with a bonus child takes time, patience, and understanding.
• Being a role model and instilling values of hard work and perseverance are important for children's development.
• Having a unique perspective as a bonus mom allows for a different approach to parenting and influencing the next generation. Finding your purpose and being passionate about your work are key to building a successful career.
• Don't settle for anything less than what you love.
• Life often comes full circle, and your true passions and interests can lead you to unexpected opportunities.
• Building a community and empowering others can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:09Starting Melissa Chanel and Kicks and Fros

07:38 Representation of Women in Sneaker Culture

10:09 Growing Up as a Tomboy and Sneaker Influence

14:26 The Growth of Kicks and Fros

16:10 Events and Community Building

20:08 Launch of Sneaker Cleaner Kit

23:07 Juggling Multiple Roles

24:19 Getting Married and Personal Growth

25:09 Building a Relationship with a Bonus Daughter

26:36 Navigating the Role of a Bonus Mom

27:39 Parenting and Business

35:27 Influencing the Next Generation

40:22 Finding Your Purpose

43:11 Advice for the Future

45:27 Creating a Purposeful Career

48:14 Customizing Sneakers for Love is Blind

49:26 Building a Community

51:16 Empowering Women in Business

53:07 The Power of Sharing Success

54:47 The Soundtrack of Success

58:06 Where to Find Melissa