The Mom Behind Lactabites
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| Mommy Cha with her family |
Her name is Charisse Santos-Agulto. She has a 2 year old baby boy named Matteo.
She started baking and selling Lactabites lactation cookies since 2014. With her business, she aims to provide a healthy but yummy alternative way to help breastfeeding moms increase their milk supply.
To know her even more, we asked her several questions.
What inspired you to start your own business?
There are 2 things that drove me start Lactabites – work and breastfeeding.
Work. One day I really got tired of my work and needed an outlet to keep my sanity. I want something that will still keep me close to my baby. Lactabites gave me the opportunity to take my mind off work and release all the stress that’s been bottling up.
Breastfeeding. I have my own fair share of joys and struggles of breastfeeding. I am one of those mommies that was really dead on serious to exclusively breastfeed my son but for some reason I just couldn’t really exclusively breastfeed as I have low milk supply. I tried everything, all tricks, breastfeeding positions, meditation while pumping, hacks you can find online, herbal drinks, food, etc. name it I’ve tried it! So since my original plan didn’t work, I wanted to be that person to other mommies that can give them the comfort that mix feeding is okay. I’m not encouraging it but if their situation calls for it who am I to judge and push them to try and exclusively breastfeed? I read an article somewhere that, “some is better than none.” So that’s what I always tell my mommies that we shouldn’t be ashamed, exclusively breastfeeding or not, we are all doing the best we can for our babies.
The best part of being a mom entrepreneur is being able to talk to different mommies and to share our struggles and provide support that they need from one mommy to another.
Earning from just home-based baking is a bonus.
What is the biggest challenge you faced as a mom entrepreneur?
Online sellers of lactation cookies really sprung like mushrooms! Competition is healthy but how do I keep them loyal to my brand with only just 2 cookie flavors? So getting my followers engaged and remain interested with my cookies was my biggest challenge.
How do you balance work and family time?
Balancing work, family time and baking for Lactabites is really hard work. I have to make sure I try to leave the office on time. Rush going home so I can still play and take care of my son even a few hours before he goes to sleep at night. Leave my office phone inside my bag so I don’t get tempted to read work-related messages. Then I only have 2 baking nights for Lactabites.
How do you see yourself in the future?
I hope someday I can have my own business and put up our dream café.
Any tips for moms thinking of starting a business?
1. Ask yourself, “why do you want to have a business?”
2. What’s your goal in putting up one?
3. Know and understand your potential market.
4. Learn to adapt to different personalities you’ll encounter because you cannot please everyone.
5. Enjoy the ride.
What's your advise/message to new moms?
It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to cry. You do want you think is best for your child. So do not let anyone make you feel you are less of a mom just because you are different than their ways of nurturing a child.
What are your top 3 recommended must-haves for moms? Why?
1. Cetaphil - Since my son has Atopic Dermatitis, this is the suggested soap/shampoo for his sensitive skin.
2. Petroleum Jelly - Due to my son's sensitive skin; This is also an additional moisturizer for his skin.
3. Avent - This is a very good investment. Very durable.
Should you wish to try Lactabites lactation cookies, you may order via the Lactabites Facebook Page.
Earning from just home-based baking is a bonus.
What is the biggest challenge you faced as a mom entrepreneur?
Online sellers of lactation cookies really sprung like mushrooms! Competition is healthy but how do I keep them loyal to my brand with only just 2 cookie flavors? So getting my followers engaged and remain interested with my cookies was my biggest challenge.
How do you balance work and family time?
Balancing work, family time and baking for Lactabites is really hard work. I have to make sure I try to leave the office on time. Rush going home so I can still play and take care of my son even a few hours before he goes to sleep at night. Leave my office phone inside my bag so I don’t get tempted to read work-related messages. Then I only have 2 baking nights for Lactabites.
How do you see yourself in the future?
I hope someday I can have my own business and put up our dream café.
Any tips for moms thinking of starting a business?
1. Ask yourself, “why do you want to have a business?”
2. What’s your goal in putting up one?
3. Know and understand your potential market.
4. Learn to adapt to different personalities you’ll encounter because you cannot please everyone.
5. Enjoy the ride.
What's your advise/message to new moms?
It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to cry. You do want you think is best for your child. So do not let anyone make you feel you are less of a mom just because you are different than their ways of nurturing a child.
What are your top 3 recommended must-haves for moms? Why?
1. Cetaphil - Since my son has Atopic Dermatitis, this is the suggested soap/shampoo for his sensitive skin.
2. Petroleum Jelly - Due to my son's sensitive skin; This is also an additional moisturizer for his skin.
3. Avent - This is a very good investment. Very durable.
Should you wish to try Lactabites lactation cookies, you may order via the Lactabites Facebook Page.
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