Meet Lindsay deOliveira | Cool” Mom & Founder of Soothe Beginnings”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay deOliveira and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I spent a decade managing others’ multimillion-dollar businesses as a Licensed Optician. When I had my daughter in 2021, my priorities shifted as I transitioned into a stay-at-home mom. During my daughter’s early months, I battled Postpartum Depression as my newborn battled reflux and colic. I wouldn’t wish that experience on anyone. While navigating motherhood, the challenges I was facing made me desperate enough to purchase anything that would stop my daughter (and I) from crying. Pacifiers were a specific hurdle we had to figure out. We purchased so many pacifiers that either she hated, or I hated because I knew I wasn’t giving my daughter the best. No pacifier existed that was hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, easy to clean, and mimicked proper latch. Many new moms, like myself, struggle to figure out breast vs bottle feeding, and a pacifier not mimicking that was frustrating. I had a product idea. My mindset then shifted to this being bigger than a product; this could be a company that I can have while still being a primary parent. Taking a risk can change our future, but also be the best example to set for my child.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Soothe Beginnings offers eco-innovative soothing for the modern baby. The Soothe Beginnings Starter Kit has a cap and shield made of recycled paper and an eco resin. The cap can be personalized. Included are three interchangeable pacifier nipples for both breast and bottlefed babies. Most parents struggle with figuring out pacifiers like we did. The nipple shapes are based on research for quality and proper latch. *Assembled or not, no piece poses a choking hazard*. Every part is dishwasher friendly, making it so easy for new parents to keep hygienic. The line will come out with teething and weaning nipples, to make babyhood to toddlerhood less stressful. We are a one-stop shop for giving your baby the best. Soothe Beginnings will be launching in January of 2024, and pre-orders launching ahead of that. Getting to this point was full of hurdles and challenges that would have made many people give up. I’ve had my daughter in tow with me all along the way, even touring distribution facilities pushing her stroller. The best lesson I learned is to get comfortable being uncomfortable. There are so many last-minute pivots that feel like the end of the road. If you face that head on, a solution presents itself in time. That mentality translates to being a parent; we are all fumbling to figure it out. With Soothe Beginnings, I want to help babies (and parents) stop crying.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a transplant from New England, I always have to show off the incredible Aquarium Atlanta offers. It’s an incredible experience for those with young kids and those without. Another place that is a must-see is Callaway Gardens. We live down the street from Pine Mountain and enjoy everything it has to offer. Uptown Columbus has so many cool new spots opening up with great food, like the Mix Market.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The StartUp Columbus community has been pivotal in growing as an entrepreneur and getting my business off the ground. Ben MacMinn runs a fantastic program and network of successful people paying it forward. He introduced me to Gregg Warren of ATDC. Gregg is the closest thing I have to a partner in this venture. I wouldn’t be where I am- having investors and a launch date- without him. Doors and opportunities have been opened up to me that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. Using the resources around you, and just saying “yes” to networking introductions is essential when starting out. You would be surprised all the help you receive if you simply just ask.

Website: www.soothebeginnings.co

Instagram: @SootheBeginnings

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-deoliveira/