We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacy-Ann Louie and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Stacy-Ann, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to create a space where women can make their desire to breastfeed a reality. Where are they are supported to understand their bodies, their babies needs and just how they can fully provide what their babies need in a sustainable way. For breastfeeding to be possible I believe that women need to be empowered throughout their breastfeeding journey with evidence based information, immediate community lactation support, followed by ongoing lactation support that reflects their individual needs.
What should our readers know about your business?
I am proud to be a black-owned free-standing lactation practice in Duluth, Georgia. Our practice provides full breastfeeding care, pumping, breastfeeding classes, hospital grade breast pump rental, bottle feeding and postpartum doula lactation care. I provide free weekly breastfeeding group support to the moms in our practice and maternal mental health support to all mothers. I collaborate with other providers to provide the best care to the families we support. Through all the services I offer my goal is to provide a space to experience lactation as a part of motherhood, feel empowered and supported.
I always knew that I wanted to
have my own business, but I didn’t know that I could do this with lactation. As I
learned more about the disparities and gaps in care of lactation in Georgia and the
US, my desire for the business side grew. I wanted to provide easy access to
community lactation care to that was reflective of what parents are seeking and
deserve. I started Gwinnett Breastfeeding part-time sharing offices and partnering with like-minded professionals. I spent countless hours reading, seeking guidance,
and attending business development workshops. I took risks and made decisions that
didn’t pay off; from those lessons, I made better decisions. But most importantly, my
business moved from a part-time service to a full-time practice because I showed up
as myself in every room and every space and provided lactation care in the way I
know we desire and deserve.
As easy as that sounds it wasn’t and still isn’t. I did this 100% out of pocket, no grants, no loans. So, I built from the ground up. As my income grew it afforded me to add more to the business. However, this meant I was consistently reinvesting my profit into the business. It was hard and at times I felt that I needed to call it quits. One of my biggest challenges growing my business and still is today is breaking down barriers to entry for myself. The business of lactation is fairly new. The roadmap I thought I could use wasn’t built for me. Therefore, I am learning daily how to navigate and continue to build my business while providing opportunities for other IBCLC’s to also grow within my business.
Some of the lessons I have learned is that partnership and collaborations are integral to growing the type of lactation business I have. Don’t be afraid to do things together and ask for help. Lactation can be isolating for parents and lactation consultants, too so I have learned that it is critical to surround myself with other IBCLC’s who I an call on at anytime to share my struggles and triumphs
I am a lactation consultation because I have a servant mindset. I know that the way we are cared for impacts the way we feel and how we show up for ourselves and others. I want to empower the very person who is the core of every community – mothers. At the start of my journey I remember seeking the advice of Shaconna Haley, Professor, Doula and owner of Inner Holistic Doula who is so inspirational to me. While speaking she said that we should always seek care from those who are invested in us. This was like a light bulb moment me professionally and personally because I have gained the most from those who are invested in me. I want the families, mothers, babies I serve to know I am invested in their care because they deserve the best.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, so if my best friend visited today, I would take her to the Trap Music Museum and Atlanta Botanical Garden, explore Ponce De Leon Avenue, eat Korean BBQ in Gwinnett County and visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. She would have to go to church with me , visit the parks in Gwinnett County with my kids and hang out on my patio with girlfriends.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Doula and business owner today without the support and mentorships I received. My first birth was the catalyst to my entry into the birth world and lactation. My son showed me the power and beauty of motherhood and how quickly all that I desired can slip away without the support and guidance of skilled professionals. The unrest I found in my prior career was replaced with an interest for all things birth related. I wanted to know and understand more about holistic women’s health. Along the way I turned my passion for breastfeeding into a full fledged career. I received direct internship under Christy Coursey, IBCLC, Dr. Madhuri Viswanadham and Aleah Walker, IBCLC. Postpartum Support International Georgia Chapter (PSI) for provided me with a full scholarship to become a mental health group facilitator due to my interest in supporting women dealing with postpartum mental health issues. This made it possible for me to better support women who are experiencing postpartum mental health challenges in a support group format and within my lactation practice. I have an incredible supportive group of IBCLC friends and colleagues, cheers to all the IBCLCs with whom I have worked. I want to highlight the members of Thrive Lactation Collective, Metro Atlanta Milk Alliance, Kiana Ayers, RN IBCLC, Tashara Johnson, IBCLC, Amy Fletcher RN IBCLC. They say all you need is one good friend; in my case I have struck gold with and incredible group of supportive friends, especially my mommy friends. They are my rock. My father who provided me countless hours of business advice and support. I draw on the wisdom I gained from my mother. Last, but definitely not least huge shoutout to my husband Keith Louie for his incredible support and unwavering love. He continuously to he helps to make my dream a reality.
Website: https://www.gwinnettbreastfeeding.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gwinnettbreastfeeding
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/stacy-Ann Louie
Twitter: none
Facebook: https://facebook.com/gwinnettbreastfeeding
Image Credits
The first 3 pictures are by Molly Kate Jones Photography, the 4th Melissa Giles Photography and the last Molly Kate Jones Photography