Mom Muse | Amanda Walker

Amanda Walker has a vision – a vision of a less toxic, healthier world for our children. After becoming a mom to darling little Grace Mabel (now 2 years old), she put her dream into motion by starting her own line of all-natural, plant-based skincare products for babies. Like so many moms, Amanda believes that by not using products with the laundry list of chemicals and toxins found in so many skincare brands, we can avoid polluting our children’s bodies from the beginning and causing unnecessary health issues. We wholeheartedly agree.

As far back as she can remember, Amanda has been fascinated by wellness, health and all things natural. And, as she shared with us, “Grace Mabel is where I have the freedom to make my passion come alive in the products I create and sell! For me, ensuring that all-natural, plant-based ingredients are used in my products, is really the most important decision I can make as a product developer and mother!” (More in the Q&A below about her inspiration behind starting the company.)

Photo Credit: Gendron Photo

During the product development process, Amanda pays careful attention to the ingredients, bottling and packaging, and is proud that everything is made right here in the USA. Grace Mabel products never contain formaldehyde, propylene glycol, phthalates, mineral oil, parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, colors, dyes or sulfates. Amanda feels strongly about not selling, designing or shipping anything that she wouldn’t lather or rub on her own baby’s skin.

Originally from the Midwest, Amanda is a self-proclaimed “simple girl at heart.” Married for 11 years, she and her husband Joe grew up in the same small town of Alexandria, Minnesota and were high school sweethearts. The couple moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2007 for Joe’s work and have lived in the Seattle area for the last decade – they absolutely love the Northwest with its more moderate climate and outdoor lifestyle.

Photo Credit: Gendron Photo

MSL: Describe your style in five words or less.
Jeans, t-shirt and mascara.

MSL: Tell us more about what inspired you to start Grace Mabel. Was there one particular moment when you decided that starting this business was what you were meant to do?
The notion for this specialty product line was born in a small town right outside of Seattle, Washington shortly after my daughter, Grace Mabel, was born. But truthfully, this idea had ignited far before that day arrived. Having been a teacher for seven years and working with some of the most challenged children with disabilities, my heart has always been to educate and assist in everything I do!

Over the course of my career in education, I couldn’t help but notice the continuous acceleration of disabilities year after year. I knew it was time to get back to the basics and STOP contaminating our children’s bodies with all of these harsh chemicals and start using simple, safe and all-natural products in hopes to start the next generation off on a toxin-free journey.

Photo Credit: Gendron Photo

MSL: What are your short- and long-term goals for the company?
In the short-term, I plan to build my consumer base by connecting with moms through blogs like yours and social media, as well as Zulily and Amazon e-commerce sites, where I know busy moms shop because it’s convenient.

Over the long-term, I want to build my brand by adding additional products for both baby and mom, especially in the area of prenatal care. My goal is to connect with local hospitals in the labor/delivery units to help moms get their hands on natural choices right from the beginning, for their baby’s very first bath, for instance. I love connecting with fellow mamas, so I jump at any chance I get to do that.

MSL: Any tips or tricks you can share about how you balance teaching, running a small business and motherhood?
I resigned from teaching when my daughter Grace was born so that I would have time to focus on my family and really build my business. I knew it wouldn’t be fair to her or myself to try and juggle all three at once. I recently decided to incorporate a nanny into our routine a few days per week to help me stay on top of my business and really focus on growing my brand. I would say one important tip that my mom helped instill in me at a young age is “prioritizing” — learning to focus on the here and now, and only adding necessary things to my to-do list has really helped me prioritize my family time and business time so I can maximize both.

Photo Credit: Gendron Photo

MSL: Did your style change when you became a mom?
Yes, I’m definitely more casual now and I’m okay with that! I’d say overall, after becoming a mother, my type A personality shifted a bit, so I’m much more laid back and able to appreciate the here and now. Becoming a mother has been a refreshing transition for me.

MSL: What’s the one item in your closet you can’t live without, that makes you feel both chic and comfortable?
I would have say my skinny jeans, not even the expensive ones, just a good fit. They can go from casual to chic in a matter of minutes, depending if I pair them with flats or pumps!

MSL: Whose style do you most admire and draw inspiration from?
I admire moms that feel confident in their own skin! I think your overall attitude speaks volumes about your personal style. When we feel good, we look good, right?! Honestly, I’ve always admired my own mom’s sense of style. Playing dress up in her closet was always a favorite pastime. I also draw inspiration from other real moms I know, like Jessica Robertson. Her ability to look so put together while taking into account the fact that she has five small children to also prep each day is quite a task I’d imagine!

Photo Credit: Gendron Photo

MSL: Do you have any tips for streamlining your morning routine?
Ha, I wish! My friends would probably say that I always look very put together, but honestly I’d love to hear any tips that might help me in this area. I’ve definitely learned how to effectively cut corners, and what used to take me over an hour, now takes a mere 30 minutes! But, I’m still usually running late everywhere I go…

MSL: What’s your best style advice for other moms out there?
I think you have to find what works for your body style and then own it! If you have at least 3-4 outfits that you really feel confident and comfortable in, you’re set.

Grace Mabel products are available online on the company’s website, on Amazon or in small boutiques in several states, including Arizona, California, Minnesota, Texas and Washington. Check them out for yourself if you have little ones or they make the perfect baby gift!