Today we’d like to introduce you to Bree Lumsden.
Hi Bree, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story begins with the birth of my first child, not because that’s when my career began, but because that marked a major turning point in my life and career. My daughter was born in March 2017, and in May 2017, after nearly ten years of a career in marketing, I chose to extend my maternity leave (I like to say I took a Canadian maternity leave) by resigning from my position.
Becoming a mother profoundly changed my relationship with work. And even though I was glad (and deeply grateful) to be able to make the choice to take a hiatus from my career and focus my energies within my home and family, this re-orientation of my career identity (read: crisis) was only one of the many aspects of my life that dramatically shifted after I became a mom. The many paradoxes and complexities of the change were beyond anything I had expected.
My experience through this shift is what sparked the vision for my business today.
When I was about six months postpartum, a friend recommended a podcast about the identity shift of becoming a mother. When I listened, I heard my lived experience being articulated in a way that I didn’t yet have the words for. It was so cathartic not only to start making sense of the massive identity shift I was experiencing but to also know that I wasn’t alone. That is was a normal part of becoming a mother (or parent).
What began as relief and catharsis quickly became indignation – if this is so normal, then why is NO ONE talking about this?! The spark for The MotherWell Movement was lit – I knew that I needed to do something in this space. To shine a light on the profound transformation, in all its beauty and messiness, of becoming a mother. To make space for every mother to be supported, guided, and connected in her journey of becoming. Over the next two years or so, I began to dream and envision what it might look like to address this gap in support for moms.
I launched The MotherWell Movement in January 2020 with the a simple mission: to inspire and empower women in the transformative journey of motherhood.
At launch, this mission came to life through monthly in-person wellness workshops. And in the 2 1/2 years since then, while the mission has remained the same, how it has come to life has evolved. I’ve made some major pivots (hello, global pandemic), added new offerings (yoga, social hours, book club), listened to the community, teamed up with some amazing partners and brands, and experimented a LOT with how to best provide support to moms. Along the way, I’ve also had to reckon with my own insecurities and challenges as an entrepreneur, community builder and mom of a preschooler (with another one on the way, expected in October of this year.)
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been smooth! The biggest struggle was to bring the MWM vision to life in the midst of the pandemic. From launch, it was very clear to me that in-person gatherings were essential for fulfilling on my vision for MWM. I whole-heartedly believe that physical presence, eye contact, etc., provides a different kind of experience/energy exchange than the online space. And then, we faced a situation where in-person gatherings were just not doable. So pivoting to create gatherings that fulfilled on our commitment to creating experiences that would leave moms feeling seen, nourished and equipped while taking place in an online space was quite the challenge. But we got creative, and I’m proud of the ways that we continued to show up for the moms in this community in meaningful ways. I’m also REALLY glad that we are now able to safely meet in person again!
And personally, like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced moments of profound discouragement and insecurity. I’ve had to dig deep and lean on community, therapy, and my own wellness practices to persevere through the highs and lows of building a business while also balancing it with tending to my own well-being and the needs of my home and family. I’m very much still a work in progress, but grateful for the way this journey has shaped me and the work that I do.
As you know, we’re big fans of The MotherWell Movement. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The MotherWell Movement (MWM) is a community of women learning, guiding, and supporting each other through the complex and transformative journey of motherhood.
Through in-person gatherings and focused workshops, we help women share their stories, find strength in connection, and embrace who they are becoming, so they can thrive in the joys and struggles of motherhood.
MWM is not like other Mom Groups. At our gatherings, you won’t find us talking about parenting tips or baby milestones, you won’t even see children at our gatherings. Instead, you’ll see a group of moms in a beautiful and tranquil outdoor gathering space enjoying delicious sips and bites, talking about identity, ambition, and mental health. You’ll see a group of women who, together, co-create a space of safety and non-judgment for honest sharing and connection.
In the MWM community, we make space for each woman to be seen for her whole self. We don’t provide simplistic how-tos or quick fixes. Instead, we offer tools for inner work and thoughtful prompts for introspection, self-discovery, growth, and deeper connection.
We envision a world where every mother is supported, guided, and connected in her journey of becoming.
Currently, we have offer three types of gatherings to help realize this vision:
GATHER – seasonal social hours, book club, meetups – opportunities to meet and make friends!
YOGA – a group outdoor yoga class followed by mingling time and refreshments (light breakfast, happy hour, etc.)
GROW – wellness workshops in which we partner with an expert or professional to offer tools and resources to provide practical support for inner-work, wellness and growth
Something that also sets apart MWM that I am really proud of is our price points for these offerings. I am deeply committed to offering keeping our pricing accessible. I don’t think that wellness should come at a premium, and I go to great lengths to keep costs low so that our ticket prices are affordable.
I am profoundly grateful to do this work and truly believe that connection and wholeness bring about transformational change—the kind that strengthens families and communities, ends cycles of trauma, and shapes generations to come.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Authenticity and alignment with my core values. Commitment to continuing to show up, willingness to learn and pivot.
Pricing:
- GATHER – $29-39
- YOGA – $15-27
- GROW – $39-59
Contact Info:
- Website: https://motherwellmovement.com/
- Instagram: @motherwellmovement
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherwellmovement
Image Credits
Chandra Wicke Photography
