Building a Business With My Toddler: How Motch Became Ours, Not Just Mine

Building a Business While Raising a Toddler

Starting a business is overwhelming, especially when you're also a mom. For a long time, I feared that by diving into building Motch, I’d lose precious time with my daughter. The idea of being physically present but mentally absent haunted me. But little did I know, building this company was going to be one of the most special experiences of our lives—because Motch isn’t just my company, it’s ours. Learn more about our story here.

The Spark: Aria’s Passion for Fashion

Before Motch even existed, Aria had a natural love for fashion. Since she was a young, we had been sewing our own mommy-and-me matching outfits, and as she grew, so did her love for designing. She’d grab fabric and ask me to tie it around her, turning scraps into one-shoulder dresses with nothing but her imagination. No pattern, no instructions—just a vision in her mind and the determination to bring it to life. Hairbands became straps, blankets transformed into flowing gowns, and every outfit she created came with a proud little twirl.

Even though we daydreamed about the idea of sharing our love for matching outfits with others, starting a business while raising a toddler felt overwhelming. But Aria’s love of the process made all the difference. She isn’t just along for the ride—she’s part of it. We started with her favorite designs—one-shoulders, bows, and those princessy puff sleeves—bringing to life the styles she loved most. Knowing she could be involved in every step of the journey made it clear: this isn’t just about me building something - this is something we are creating together.

The Struggle: Balancing Business and Time with Aria

However, when the reality of running a business hit, my worries resurfaced. People often ask me how I would balance being a mom with starting Motch. And I won’t lie—there were moments when I thought I’d have to choose one or the other. The stress of meetings, the fear of missing out on time with Aria, and the pressure to succeed loomed over me.

I found myself scheduling meetings with manufacturers and suppliers when Aria was busy playing, ensuring she wouldn’t be “disruptive” while I worked with others. But it didn’t feel right. It wasn’t the journey I had envisioned for us. This business, after all, was just as much her creativity and passion. How could I have to keep her out of something that was just as much hers as it was mine?

A Pivotal Shift: Keeping Aria Involved

That’s when I made a decision—I would only work with partners who embraced Aria’s involvement. I wanted her to be part of every step of the process—design, decisions, and all. So, I started vetting manufacturers not just for their quality or efficiency but for how they responded to her presence.

When I met with the manufacturing company we eventually partnered with, I brought Aria along—this time with confidence. I wasn’t worried about their reaction because, good or bad, it would tell me everything I needed to know. And they completely surprised me—in the best way. They were excited to meet her and welcomed her into their space without hesitation. The way they treated her (while still checking every other box) made it clear we had found our match and that Motch could become the reality we envisioned.

The Right Partners: How Aria Became Part of the Team

Not only do they always welcome her into meetings, they go out of their way to make her feel included and happy. When they know she’ll be visiting, they set aside a small stash of homemade healthy cookies just for her. They bring out toys, books, and activities so that when she isn’t interested in the meeting, she can still have fun. But more often than not, she’s right at the conference table with us—feeling fabrics, sharing her thoughts, and giving her little nod of approval. And after every alteration, she’s the first to try on the garments, giving her feedback to make sure they fit and feel just right.

A Learning Experience: Growing Together Through Motch

But the best part? They truly embrace her. They don’t view her presence as disruptive—they treat her like a valued member of the team. And she is.

From the start, the first colors we chose—hot pink, red, and purple—were Aria’s favorites. She helped decide the colors of brand itself. Watching her brainstorm beside me, jotting down ideas, is one of the most heartwarming experiences of this journey.

Balancing Business and Motherhood: Finding the Moments in Between

There are, of course, parts of the business Aria can’t be involved in—late-night emails, website edits, and a lot of the number-crunching. But I’ve done my best to make it work. Sometimes that means we’re playing hide and seek and I use my hide time to sneak in a quick task under a blanket. When she’s asleep, I work into the night to get things done.

But even then, I know that everything I do, every decision, is with her in mind. I want her to feel proud of Motch, to see it as something we both created together. And she does.

A Moment That Proved the Journey Was Worth It

The truth is, the balance is tricky, and I'm still learning how to manage it all when times are busy. One night, after a particularly exhausting stretch of late-night work, I was feeling the weight of it all—wondering if I was achieving my goal of making this a fun, family-centered experience.

Then, Aria saw her piggy bank on the dresser and asked me what it was for. I explained that saving meant you could eventually buy something bigger, something meaningful. I jokingly asked her what she would buy if she saved her money her whole life, expecting her to say something wild, like an elephant. But instead, she shocked me with her response:

“I’d save my money to buy things to make and sell, and then I’d use that money to buy more things to make and sell.”

I was speechless. It was such an unexpected answer, and I could feel my heart swell. We had never talked about saving for a business, yet she had pieced it all together in her own way. In that moment, I knew I was on the right track.

Final Reflection: Business as a Bonding Experience

Building Motch has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s not just about creating a business; it’s about showing Aria that anything is possible if we put our minds to it, and teaching her lessons that will last a lifetime. But in turn, Aria has taught me a lot too. Doing this with her has redefined what success means to me. Success isn't about how popular we are, how big the company grows, or how long it lasts.

Success is already here. It’s in the joy we share, the lessons we’ve learned together, and the fact that we’ve built this company side by side. Aria is learning what it means to be part of something, to create, to dream, and to keep pushing forward. I’m learning to celebrate and honor the process, the hard work—not just the outcome. This kind of success has nothing to do with numbers or fame—it’s about the experience, the growth, and the bond we’ve strengthened along the way. And beyond that, it’s about the joy we feel in sharing the experience of matching with others and giving families the chance to create their own memories together, every day.

Want to follow along on our journey? Join us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and matching inspiration!

Does matching with your little one bring you as much joy as it does for us? Shop our latest designs and create your own special memories together. [Shop Now]