Today we’d like to introduce you to Magda Lasota Morales.
Magda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I founded MLM (Magda Lasota-Morales Brand) in 2019 because I wanted to make the fourth trimester easier for moms by creating a collection of elevated, timeless, reliable maternity pieces.
When I had to go back to work at the end of my maternity leave, I couldn’t find a nursing and pumping-friendly dress that could take me through my busy day. I needed a dress that was versatile and comfortable (and long) enough to hop on a bike in the morning (which is how I got my son Adrian to daycare before heading downtown to work) and “office-y” enough to wear around the office and during presentations. This was the inspiration behind the #LittleBreastfeedingDress.
We are now in the midst of launching our next styles and — when I look back at how far I’ve come — I’m so incredibly proud! Though it might look like I have it together, believe me, I’m still trying to figure it all out and continue to learn every day. I love being a mom, but it’s the hardest and the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. If I could, I would wear a dress any day of the week, but let’s be honest — as a homemaker — most days I’m in my workout clothes serving snacks and rolling out play dough. Ha!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If I learned one lesson so far is that entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart. When you start in a new industry, the learning curve is steep and inevitably, you will end up making mistakes. It’s important to treat your mistakes as valuable lessons, learn from them, and move on.
For a wannabe designer with a big dream like myself, the most challenging part was navigating the secretive world of fashion. The information on the manufacturers, fabric vendors, fashion design consultants and pattern makers wasn’t readily available on Google; rather it required personal connections and I was just starting to meet the professionals in the industry. It took me a couple of years to find the right team of individuals who truly understood my mission as a brand.
In addition, there’s a plethora of worries every entrepreneur experiences on a daily basis: cash flow, deadlines, delayed shipments, mistakes in production, our own self-consciousness… In those hard moments remembering why I even started helps me tremendously.
Some nights I lay awake overthinking literally every little detail, but being able to set my own schedule and spend more time with my young family, makes it all worth it in the end.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The MLM Brand is unique in several aspects: 1) our dresses are made in Chicago in small batches by women who make a living wage, 2) we use organic, sustainable, and breathable fabric such as Tencel Lyocell, merino wool, and organic bamboo jersey, and 3) our timeless designs offer a high quality, fairly priced, stylish and functional alternative to existing nursing wear.
We know motherhood can be challenging and we wanted to make getting dressed less of a chore for expecting and new moms and to make getting dressed during the fourth trimester and beyond just a little bit easier for our customer. Our goal as a company is to design reliable, versatile, functional and comfortable dresses that moms actually want to wear: timeless, stylish silhouettes made for multitasking moms in all seasons of motherhood.
MLM Brand is still a very young company. What I’m most proud of is taking the leap of faith and saying yes to this rollercoaster ride of launching my own maternity fashion label. It’s not easy or glamorous, but it’s extremely rewarding.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Poland with my parents and a younger sister. I was a studious, sensitive, journal-keeping and people-loving child. My curiosity and love of traveling led me to the US where I ended up studying political science with an intention to become a lawyer. Looking back at the child I was and how much I loved arts, I wished I had the courage to pursue something I was really good at AND passionate about. But back in the day in Poland, kids were encouraged to learn a “real, practical” skill, and fine arts just didn’t fit in that category. It’s quite remarkable how my life ended up giving me a nudge to embark on the biggest creative journey of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mlmbrand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlmbrand_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themlmbrand
Image Credit:
Headshot and family: Anna Sodziak Photography, Brand: Julianna Pressley Photography
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