Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenelle Zingg.
Jenelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was nursing my son to sleep one night when I decided to search online for work from home options for stay-at-home moms. As I sorted through get rich quick schemes, I came across a blog about selling on Amazon that encouraged beginners to start by selling their used books from around the house. Then, I was able to get permission to sell groceries on Amazon. After listening to a number of podcasts and watching every credible YouTube video I could get my hands on, I decided to launch a private label product. Since I was at the end of my breastfeeding journey with my son, I decided to be on the lookout for a solution for breastfeeding moms. A lactation massager seemed like a great tool since I had experienced two bouts of mastitis and wanted to help other moms avoid it and treat it with a tool that I wish I would’ve had. The Lumama Lactation Massager by Mammaease can help alleviate the pain from engorgement, mastitis, and plugged ducts. It can also help initiate letdown when pumping breast milk. I was able to improve on a lactation massager that I saw on the market by sourcing a more gentle, attractive, yet effective massager. Now that I’ve received such positive feedback about our lactation massager, I’m looking to add a professional-grade massager as well as a line of additional products that will provide solutions for moms on their breastfeeding journeys.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the obstacles I faced, in the beginning, was self-doubt and fear. I had been listening to podcasts and watching videos about how to launch a private label line of products. It took me many months of research and analysis paralysis before I was encouraged to take the leap by a good friend. The next challenge I faced was a cease and desist letter informing me that we were infringing on a trademark that I received six months after launching my lactation massager. Thankfully, we were able to negotiate a timeframe to sell the current inventory and identify a new name for our massager. I would advise other new e-commerce sellers to take the time to do a trademark and patent check before choosing a product and name. I had a patent check done but not a trademark check. Good to know the difference too. I’d also recommend that new sellers try to identify a friendly mentor who they may be able to email or text questions to when they are starting out. Social media is a great resource with Facebook’s many Amazon and beyond seller groups but it’s nice to actually know someone in real life who can provide trusted advice.
Please tell us about Lumama Lactation Massager by Mammaease.
What really gets me excited about this way of making in living (besides not trading my time for money) is that I get to be an advocate for breastfeeding moms and their little ones. I love offering a seat, drink, or food to women I encounter who appreciate the support. I remember feeling grateful for people and businesses that were breastfeeding friendly when I was nursing my son. And although I’ve released the frustration I felt from the judgment of others, I do recall being shamed for feeding my son in public. I was offered restrooms to breastfeed in by strangers and told unkind things by unaware, insensitive family members. So, I feel strongly about speaking out against judgment and education regarding breastfeeding health benefits and the right of breastfeeding moms to nurse wherever and whenever they choose. Although breastfeeding is a natural act, it is not something that we automatically know how to do. The importance of supporting new breastfeeding moms in the first few days of life, diagnosing tongue and lip ties early, and the value of providing lactation consultations cannot be overstated. I also feel passionate about encouraging new parents to follow their intuition when it comes to the health of their babies. You are the best advocate for your child and their well-being.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Matt Loberstein on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXF7riLk0WlsDzgY0Ao4CUA
Samer Brax on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdRLPqO3WicqPYIL0Ms_epQ
The Amazing Seller Podcast: https://theamazingseller.com/
Ladies of FBA Facebook Group with Jess Hill: https://www.facebook.com/groups/484048308643830/
The Tim Ferriss Show Podcast: https://tim.blog/podcast/
Abraham Hicks Publications: https://www.youtube.com/user/AbrahamHicks
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mammaease.com/
- Phone: 7604739344
- Email: info@mammaease.com
- Instagram: @lumamalactation
- Facebook: @lumamalactationmassager
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