Mom Crush Monday, Aviva Allen from Healthy Moms Toronto. Helping Healthy Toronto Moms Connect.

photo: Emily D Photography

Being a Facebook-addicted (guilty) mom myself, I can’t imagine being a mother in pre-social media times. There is nothing like the “mom groups” or communities of like-minded mothers that have formed on Facebook. Need advice? Looking for a replacement lovey, where to buy a spare part for your breast pump, a toddler approved recipe, recommendations for a new pediatrician or some emotional support at 3am? Your Facebook mom group has you covered. Not only are they  wonderful for making connections and buying/selling used goods, these groups have helped isolated women find their tribe. One of the groups I am most active in is Healthy Moms Toronto, and with 8000+ members is it easy to find the support you are looking for. It is run by Aviva Allen, Kids’ Nutritionist and founder of the Healthy Moms Toronto Discount Card Program. She is a SERIOUS go getter, very supportive of other mom entrepreneurs and passionate about helping families raise healthy kids. Looking for a new crush.. meet Aviva!

Your Name: Aviva Allen
Kids Names: Lev (7) and Solomon (5)
Company Name: Healthy Moms Toronto

 

What is the Story behind your business?

When my youngest was a baby, Facebook mom groups were just starting to become a thing. While I loved the idea of it, I found many of those groups to be full of judgement and drama and when it came to topics of natural health and nutrition, there wasn’t much support out there. I decided to start my own group that would focus on these topics but more than anything, be a place for like-minded moms to connect and support each other. I began by adding a few friends and colleagues. Fast-forward a few years and we have grown into a group of over 8000 amazing women!

How did the idea for the business come about?

For a while I had been helping local businesses who share the same values promote within our group. Once a month I would share a “perk of the month” – a special offer for our members on natural products or services. One day, a nutrition client of mine suggested I start a discount card and it just clicked! Just over a year ago I launched the Healthy Moms Toronto Discount Card. The card makes healthy living in Toronto more affordable and helps connect our members with businesses who offer the types of products and services they want.

What motivates you?

Being a mom is not easy. In my kids’ nutrition practice, on a daily basis I see moms who, for one reason or another, struggle with feeding their children. In my Healthy Moms group, I see moms struggling with postpartum depression, marital issues, health challenges and so much worry about making the right choices for their kids. I try my best to help make life easier for other moms but what motivates me the most is when I see so many other moms supporting each other in this community that I have built. It makes me really happy to see that! It tells me that what I’m doing is actually making a difference and motivates me to keep doing it.

What is the most challenging part about being an entrepreneur / working mom?

Just over 6 months ago, I left my office and began practicing nutrition from home via phone and Skype consultations only. This has enabled me to multitask! I can run 2 businesses more easily this way and in between client sessions, I can put up laundry or cook dinner. Having my own business allows me to be flexible with my schedule so I can volunteer at my kids’ school on a regular basis. The challenge with working from home is when my husband or kids comes in and see me on Facebook, they think I’m not busy, when in fact I am working!

What is your super power?

Food! Food is what fuels me and allows me to get through my day. I am grateful for my knowledge as a nutritionist and training I received in health supportive cooking, to be able to nourish myself and others. The recipes I develop help other moms feed their families and get those “superfoods” into their kids. My kids love food and I can feel their excitement and love for me when I prepare their favourites.

What is something that you think people should know about you?

My husband thinks that I created the Healthy Moms Toronto Discount Card just so I could save money shopping at all my favourite places. While this was certainly not my goal, it has definitely been a nice perk! The bottom line is, I am a “Healthy Mom” too. I do my best to make healthy choices for my family and enjoy a good deal as much as anyone. Because of this, every decision I make with regards to my business has my fellow Healthy Moms’ interests in mind.

Who is your supporting cast of characters? (who needs a shout out)

My business Coach, Shelagh, for helping inspire me to take my business to the next level. Julie and Heather for their social media support and for making my blog happen. All of our amazing blog contributors. The extremely talented Lonelle who designs everything for Healthy Moms Toronto. My super awesome web guy, Chris. My kids who help me laminate cards and stuff envelopes (I pay them a very fair wage!). And last but not least, my husband Marcus, who had no idea what he was getting into when he married an entrepreneur.