Sunday 15 May 2016

Motivational Mum - Dina Maktabi

Kensington Mums is an award winning website connecting Mums in their journey through motherhood. We caught up with Dina Maktabi, a Mum of two and founder of Kensington Mums to talk about her business and how it all started.


Tell me about Kensington Mums and how the idea came about?

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. 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. In 2014, we introduced the KM app as a way to keep mums in the loop with the local scoop. This is free downloadable app available on itunes and Google Play. We keep adding new features to the website and in 2015, we introduced KM recipes as a platform to share international recipes by our Mums as well as authors and renowned Chefs.

What were you doing before you founded Kensington Mums?

I was working for the NHS and private pharma in the oncology department.

What makes Kensington Mums different from any service out there?

Kensington Mums is a niche community of Mums, and a free to join network support.  All mothers want the best for their children, so we keep mothers in the loop with the local scoop.  We offer them support from one mother to another, we organise events and meet ups to connect liked minded mums together so that they do not feel alone in the early days and even years of motherhood. It is a journey after all that we all embrace together.    


How do you juggle running a start-up company & being a mum?

I am still trying to figure that one out! It really is multi-tasking as its best (sometimes in one hand). I do my work hours and meetings when the kids are in school and then I spend the afternoon with them with after school activities, playdates and homework. Prioritizing would be my top tip and get help at home whenever you can so that you can focus on other important aspects of family life in London.

What are the most crucial things you have done to grow Kensington Mums?

Kensington Mums has always been a free to join network support. We have never charged to become a member. Mums only pay to attend some of our events and meet ups and these have varied over the years.

Would you say Kensington Mums has changed from the first initial idea?

When I first started Kensington Mums, it was just a mailing list and a private Facebook Group. Fast forwards to nearly 6 years on, and Kensington Mums is now an award winning website for Mums in London and beyond. We have worked and collaborated with prestigious brands including Geox UK, Bulgari Hotel and Virgin Active Gyms just to name a few.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned in business?

Just like in any business, it’s a learning curve, but as Mother’s its also important to also trust your own instincts when things do not feel right.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced so far?

As Kensington Mums was growing, the most difficult challenge was finding the right business partner to share my vision with and  also to find the ideal team to work with to grow Kensington Mums.

Were there any times when you’ve felt like giving up?

I have always run Kensington Mums from the heart, my kids are my biggest inspiration and they help me with my ideas and inspiration to grow Kensington Mums. I do not believe that I have ever felt like giving up. In the contrary, I think every country needs a support system like Kensington Mums to make our motherhood journey a bit more fun and exciting along the way.

What can we be expecting from your company in 2016?

We are organising lots of new and exciting events, make sure you are in the loop with details of our second Christmas Fair 2016 in Kensington bringing you lots of Christmas shopping and entertainment under one roof.

What three pieces of advice would you offer to other female entrepreneurs especially mothers starting out?

Do your research setting setting up your idea into a business
Expect lots of sleepless nights and your business will become a new baby to your family
Get advise and support from friends and family members who are able to help

What’s the most rewarding thing about motherhood?

It is a real blessing and ever lasting love. I have best friends for life.

What’s your favourite place to go as a family?

In London- this will have to be Holland Park. It is where I grew up as a kid and now raising my kids, making new memories to last forever.
Abroad- this could be anywhere together as long as there is sun, sea and good food.

What would your perfect weekend be?

It would be great if I get to squeeze a bit of ‘me time’ during weekends, but that’s always hard. Spending time as a family, even if its at home all cuddled up watching TV, its those kind of simple joys I enjoy the most. Having a lie-in the morning and breakfast in bed would be super perfect too.


If you'd like to take part our Motivating Mum interview, please email info@myhospitalbag.co.uk

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