
By Gabriella Chapman
“A mother’s love is extremely important for the healthy emotional outcome of her children,” says therapist, Janet Esposito.
In most cases, it is the mother who is the primary caregiver, and how she loves her children greatly impacts their lives. Acknowledging this, 28-year-old Channey Wong launched her business ‘MommyandMe’ to provide a support system for mothers that’ll help groom them into the best influence they can be for their children.
In an interview with Village Voice News, the young mother said that she can attest to how tough the journey of motherhood and parenting can be given her experience.
Wong’s parents separated a few years after her birth, as such she grew up with her mother. “If there is one thing I learned growing up is, it takes a village to raise a child. And a mother should never have to do that journey on her own. My mother worked hard to ensure I had a great education and to instill the best principles in me. She has been one of my biggest motivators in my life and in my venture,” she said.
Her business, ‘Mommyandme’ started when she became pregnant with her first born. “I faced many challenges being a first time mom. Finding the right doctors, finding clothes and personal care products, baby items, more so support. One of those challenges included mental health. Sadly, motherhood does not come with a manual. I am thankful I had a great team to be there for me. But then I asked myself, ‘how many more moms are out there that are having these same struggles with no support system?’ That’s when I decided to start Mommyandme,” Wong shared.
The business started two years ago as an online store that offers curbside pickup in Georgetown or delivery to your doorstep. But now It has grown into much, offering clothing and personal care items for both mom and baby, tips to moms and daily encouragement and support for parents especially moms.
“Mommyandme was founded on the idea of assisting struggling moms from their pregnancy throughout motherhood. It is not just a business for us but a safe space for moms to talk and seek support when needed. Our business is not a large scale company therefore we are able to give each customer the attention and time they desire, for them to browse and select from our online store. Our sales representatives are available 24hours to assist. Which physical store or online store in Guyana can you get that kind of service? Also each month, a percentage of earning is used to help a mom or family in need,” she shared with this publication.
This business is one that Wong holds close to her heart, as she is passionate about helping others and bringing out the best in other people. “It gives me a great sense of achievement to see others happy, grow and learn in whatever way I can help them. What really is my purpose if I can’t share what I have? I aspire to be happy and to make others happy,” the young woman said.
In the near future, Mommyandme hopes to establish a household name in Guyana, having a website and a storefront for the business, as such, creating job opportunities for young mothers.