Interview with Dina Maktabi from Kensington Mums
When Dina Maktabi felt lonely after the birth of her first child, she started her own social media website to connect with other mums. Today Kensington Mums is an award-winning site going from strength to strength.
What’s your career background?
Before Children (BC) I used to work for the NHS in early cancer research trials. This allowed me to work with young children as well as adults.
I got to witness so many happy stories as well as sad stories which made me value life even more and appreciate the little things in life such as good health and a happy home.
When and why did you decide to start Kensington Mums?
As a first time mum, I struggled a lot as I was the first one from my group of friends to have kids. I did not have family around and really found it difficult to transition in my new role as a mother.
I realised there was a lot of activities for babies to do but not much support helping mums to cope with their 24/7 job as a mum.
What is Kensington Mums?
Kensington Mums was established in 2011 and has become an award-winning social media website connecting mums in their journey through motherhood. We organise ‘mumthly’ events and meet ups so that mums can connect, network and meet like-minded Mums.
Why do you think mums’ networks are so important?
Mums network is important because as a mother we need to be able to share our experiences, advice and recommendations with others. We learn so much from one another as a community support.
They say that a happy wife, makes a happy home. I would like to add that a happy mum makes a happy home. As mothers, we also juggle so many different roles and responsibilities from being a teacher, friend, nurse, entertainer, driver, cook, personal shopper, sister, wife just to name a few.
It is nice to have a feeling of belonging in a support network where all mums are going through the same thing.
What events have you got coming up?
Our meet ups are normally held around Kensington and Chelsea Borough, but we welcome all London mums to attend. We recently held a Mother’s Day event with high profile speakers, and are planning an exciting summer event (it’s our 5th anniversary this year!) so stay tuned for more info.
How do mums find you?
Mums can subscribe with us via our website www.kensingtonmums.co.uk its free. They can also download our free KM app on iTunes and Google Play so they be kept in the loop with the local scoop. We can also be reached on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest @KensingtonMums. That’s a great way to keep up with Kensington Mums.
How important is social media in managing and growing Kensington Mums?
Social media these days, is a way to connect with the outside world, to get inspired and perhaps even get motivated.
Maternity leave, makes you want to reach out to other mums, learn new skills, or maybe start a business, and social media makes all of this possible. It is just a matter of taking action.
Just to give you an example, we once had a Kensington Mum on holiday in Germany stuck for the name of a suitable nappy cream that she can find there, within minutes a Kensington Mums originally from Germany from the community was able to help her within minutes.
This is the power of social media these days. Kensington Mums keeps growing via social media and word of mouth recommendations to connect with like-minded mums and share our unique motherhood journeys.
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
Being called ‘Mum’ is a true blessing and one of my proudest accomplishments in life.
Who inspires you?
Everything I owe, I owe to my mother. She has been my biggest inspiration. My kids also inspire me everyday, with their words and experiences.
What tips do you have for mums thinking of starting something similar in their area?
For anyone, wanting to start their own business, do get in touch as we are a looking to expand internationally.
My general advice to any mum would be to do your research. Find out if your product or service will be of benefit to the community. Seek advice from your entourage of family and friends. The internet is there with vital tutorials and websites that you can learn from each day.
You can find out more about Kensington Mums on their website.
