Dressing Modern Mommas with Magda Lasota Morales of MLM Brand

In episode 15, Magda Lasota Morales - mom of two and founder of MLM brand - shares her story of starting a fashion brand and designing the "Little Breastfeeding Dress" after failing to find breastfeeding-friendly clothing that met her standards and worked for her lifestyle as a modern mom. "I live in Los Angeles with my husband and our two boys — Adrian and Julian. My husband and I met in college and fell in love head over heels. We got married near my hometown in Poland, surrounded by both of our families and friends from around the world, drank and ate our way through Orlando, London, and Boston before settling down in Chicago for graduate school. After nearly a decade in the city that will forever have a piece of my heart, we made a cross-country move to sunny California. While it’s been hard to make new friends due to the pandemic and social distancing, I’m excited for this next chapter of our lives. I’ve always loved fashion and dresses, but I never imagined this passion would lead me away from my career in research to designing breastfeeding-friendly dresses. I founded MLM because I wanted to make the fourth trimester easier for moms by creating a collection of elevated, timeless maternity pieces. When I had to go back to work at the end of maternity leave in 2014, I couldn’t find a nursing and pumping-friendly dress that could take me through my busy day. I needed a dress that was versatile and comfortable (and long) enough to hop on a bike in the morning (which is how I got my son Adrian to daycare before heading downtown to work), and “office-y” enough to wear around the office and during presentations. This is how the idea of the #LittleBlackBreastfeedingDress came about. I described my journey to launch it here . We are now in the midst of launching our next styles and — when I look back at how far I’ve come — I'm so incredibly proud! Though it might look like I have it together, believe me, I’m still trying to figure it all out, just like you, mama. I love being a mom, but it’s the hardest and the most amazing job I’ve ever had. If I could, I would wear a dress any day of the week, but let’s be honest — as a homemaker — most days I’m in my workout clothes serving snacks and rolling out play dough. Ha! The ways in which women lean into motherhood have always fascinated me. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, a work- outside-of-a-home mom, or a mom that juggles a carefully crafted combination of both, you are redefining what it means to be a modern mom. I know firsthand how motherhood can be challenging and isolating. This is why I truly believe that sharing our stories can bring us closer together. Every woman deserves a community to lean on and I hope you’ll find a piece of it here [at MLM]." In this episode, you’ll learn: How her background in political science, survey research, and statistics crossed over into her starting her fashion brand. The first steps Magda took to get started on development of her first dress design Why USA made was important to Magda Why the goal was more important than the timeline once she decided to start MLM What Magda looked for in a patternmaker and factory and what challenges she face to find the right fit The things she learned from developing her first dress that helped her going forward The must-haves Magda designed into MLM’s little breastfeeding dress How Magda gathered feedback from the market and the questions she’s asking How motherhood affects how she runs her business Why creating community is so important to MLM as well as for Magda personally People and resources mentioned in this episode: MLM website Magda’s email MLM on Instagram Magda on LinkedIn Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.