A podcast host, parenting coach, and entrepreneur, Ava Gao tells us about redefining motherhood, empowering fellow mothers and strengthening relationships within the family.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Ava Gao, the founder of The Curious Mama, gets it done like a boss.
Psst: enjoy discounts on one-to-one coaching sessions and The Curious Mama’s annual membership plan from 14 to 21 August 2023.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
In 2020, I launched my Instagram account as a way of sharing my parenting reflections. It was a creative outlet after choosing to take a career break to focus on family and spending time with my firstborn. People responded to my sharing, saying it was insightful. I had friends asking me about parenting tips and managing motherhood. Also, I was exploring designing my life in a way that would allow me the flexibility of time to work and be with family.
I started The Curious Mama in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, I learnt how to start and run an online business, taking online courses like Circle of Security Parenting, Sociology of Motherhood, and the Montessori Certification. I’m grateful for the learning and support from people I’ve met in my entrepreneurship journey so far. That includes fellow Launchpad members and mothers I’ve coached in my one-on-one sessions, masterclasses and workshops.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Finding time and energy. Being a mother to two children under five, mothering takes a lot of energy. But I also love my work. I support mothers to thrive in motherhood and learn effective strategies to parent their children with confidence, connection and curiosity. I’ve learnt to honour my energy, prioritise, and outsource whenever possible – be it housework to part-time helpers or work tasks to freelancers.
How do you stay motivated and energised?
Being clear about my work and purpose helps me to stay motivated and energised. I know I’m here to serve; I understand there are ebbs and flows in entrepreneurship. In some seasons, I take on the role of a scientist to experiment with my offers and messaging. In other seasons, I focus on creating content and workshops that I facilitate or coach in.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
I’ve done a lot of inner work on perfectionism, productivity, money mindset and visibility over the past three years as a business owner. I’ve noticed that my self-doubt comes along when there’s a strong fear of being judged. That stems from my childhood experiences. Through my work and training in nervous system regulation and mindfulness, I’ve learnt ways to manage these fears and be authentic in my work and sharing. Understanding my energy and nervous system has made a huge shift in the way I relate to my work.
Favourite places to work?
I love working in cafes and quiet co-working spaces that allow me the flexibility to pop in whenever I can.
Can you share a work ‘mantra’ that you use?
My work mantra as a “Manifesting Generator in Human Design” is, “Follow joy, purpose and abundance”.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
Matrescence and parenting with curiosity and connection! I talk about it a lot in my podcast, Making Mama Magic.
Your go-to self-care activity?
Having a relaxing meal by the beach. I love PS.Cafe and East Coast Commune at East Coast Park. I also enjoy doing yoga and somatic movements – they help me to reconnect within my body and express myself in movements.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
Do what makes you happy and joyful. Even when things don’t go right, there are lessons to learn about yourself, your embodied work and the people around you.
Get in touch with Ava Gao online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
