When you are a new mom, getting access to great quality information and resources, combined with insights and opinions from other moms is so useful. So in Mozambique, one woman entrepreneur is creating the ultimate, go-to resource for parents to be and those who are already on their family raising journey. Carla Pinto, founder of Arco-Íris & Borboletas, is creating a safe space for the sharing of information and feedback so that moms and dads can learn from each other and get access to great resources too.
LoA found out more this month during the last Lioness Lean In events of the year in Maputo, Mozambique.
What does your company do?
Arco-Íris & Borboletas is a Mozambican blog that aims to be a platform where everyone can share their experiences on pregnancy, motherhood and baby care essentially. We want to be a safe space for all women, men, mothers and non-mothers to express their longings, their greatest fears, and their opinions, free of judgment. We also have an online shop that sells baby essentials, nationally and internationally produced.
“When I was pregnant, I felt an urge to know more about different topics, and after searching for a while I discovered that there wasn't a platform that I could approach, so I decided that I would create one.”
What inspired you to start your company?
When I was pregnant, I felt an urge to know more about different topics, and after searching for a while I discovered that there wasn't a platform that I could approach, so I decided that I would create one. But only after giving birth, while dealing with the ups and downs of a postpartum, I managed to materialize the project.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
I consider the "free speech" approach that we promote on the network is what makes us special. First time mothers, they have a lot of unrealistic pressure on their shoulders, there are a lot of expectations that most of the time are unrealistic, and they just don’t really know how to address them. So, we provide a support network, where anyone there is willing to help you in order to overcome all the challenges that she is facing or that she will face in the near future.
“We want to be a safe space for all women, men, mothers and non-mothers to express their longings, their greatest fears, their opinions free of judgment.”
Tell us a little about your team
The team is actually myself and my mother. She is a very talented crafter, and we decided to embrace this project together. She is mostly responsible for the production; she does the clothing and some of the accessories. It’s really amazing to have her in the team.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Yes, my mother has been an entrepreneur since I can remember, so that definitely shaped me as a person. My entrepreneurial journey started in December 2016, alongside my best-friend. We decided to create With Love, a personalized gifts brand. After that, I embarked with another friend to launch a small cocktails company called Mais 1. A year later, with the very same friend from Mais 1, and after her wedding, we decided to create Moz Wedding Planner. Arco-Íris & Borboletas is my first solo project.
“I would like to surpass the digital barrier and promote small events where we can discuss subjects around pregnancy and motherhood.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I would like to surpass the digital barrier and promote small events where we can discuss subjects around pregnancy and motherhood. I would also like to have specialists, such as paediatricians, psychologists and nutritionists available for the network to clarify doubts that the people may have.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The opportunity to be selfless, to help others and to actually see the results of my intentions and actions.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Do not expect your plan to be perfect, just start it and keep adjusting and readjusting along the way. And always remember that YOU being you is your greatest asset.
Contact or follow Arco-Íris & Borboleta
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL carlapinto@arcoiriseborboletas.com
Why LoA loves it….
Some of the most successful businesses are born as a result of finding a gap in the market that is not being filled, and then creating a solution to meet the need. Carla Pinto experienced this at first hand on a personal level, making her ideally placed to create an impactful solution, and one that is now enhancing people’s lives. This is a great initiative and one that is only set to grow as more and more parents seek it out for all their parental information needs. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa