Getting to Know Us: 5 Questions with Our Founders
What was the inspiration behind the formation of this platform?
Jamilah: Some of my biggest supporters have been women so I think in any space I inherently look to uplift other women and find community. When I first moved back to California, I was the only person in my immediate friend group with a child. It was very isolating. I was surprised to learn that a lot of people had preconceived notions about what it meant to be a mother. Even though I didn’t subscribe to many of those ideas I was still put in this box and I didnt like that experience. Fortunately, I have been blessed to meet some kindred spirits who share a similar perspective about motherhood. My dream is to create a space where mothers are encouraged to nurture their sense of self and celebrate their whole identity in addition to who they are as parents and guardians.
Pier Jea: The formation behind this platform is two prong. I was inspired to form the platform out of the desire to gain understanding of my own motherhood experience and from my appreciation for the journey.. I was the first of my friend group to become a mother and I became a mother at a young age. I constantly questioned if I was a good mother and doing the right things to support my children. There also was a time when I lost myself in motherhood and believed there was a certain way to behave, dress, and speak. I want to empower women to define and create their own versions of motherhood. There is beauty and power in our uniqueness as individuals and becoming a mother does not erase that. I hope this platform encourages mothers to become the healthiest version of themselves and parent from a space of their choosing. It is perfectly fine if your motherhood experience does not look like your neighbor’s, cousin’s, sister’s, or your friend’s. Your motherhood journey will be as unique as you.
What does Untethered mean to you?
Jamilah: To be tethered means to be tied or restricted so untethered has always been about freedom of movement, freedom to just be. Women are given so many directives and it can feel very depressing. I find a lot of peace intentionally pushing back against narratives that aren’t mine and standing in my own truth.
Pier Jea: Untethered means freedom. Freedom to be yourself, freedom to make a conscious decision to be who you are apart from the role of parenting. Instead of allowing motherhood to define who I am, I want to bring my whole self to my motherhood experience.
What are some challenges you faced on your motherhood journey?
Jamilah: I really struggled to find my version of motherhood. When I first started my parenting journey there were a lot of loud voices sharing advice about what motherhood should mean and I needed to find my own voice. It took some time to learn that motherhood is a unique experience and that my individual style was a strength to be celebrated. I may not be the best at one area but I am great at something else and that’s okay. It was so freeing to ground myself in the knowledge that I am more than enough.
Pier Jea: There are two major challenges that I have faced: 1) having a consistent community and 2) making it a priority to take care of myself. Community is important because I don’t believe parenting is a journey meant to be traveled alone. Taking care of others is the center of motherhood. I often found myself neglected because I gave my attention and energy to everyone else and everything around me. This isn’t sustainable. Now, I take care of myself first and allow the overflow of my love, time, joy, and attention be the source from which I parent.
What other projects do you have outside of Untethered Moms?
Jamilah: I have an art platform called HellaSplattered. My work includes mixed media paintings, murals, prints, and most recently a children’s book. Black art has always been an intimate part of my life. My grandparents and parents were intentional about reading me stories authored and illustrated by Black artists like Faith Ringgold and Elizabeth Catlett. My mother encouraged me to sew my own dolls, create my own quilts, and draw my own “masterpieces” at an early age. Now that I am raising my own family, it is abundantly clear how important it is to provide a diverse range of content to children. These images have the power to shape positive self image, attitude and emotional wellbeing.
If you had a super power what would it be and why?
Jamilah: If I had a superpower I would either be able to manipulate the elements or be able to time travel. I grew up loving Captain Planet and Avatar the Last Airbender is one of my favorite shows. I dig the idea of being in relationship with the earth. I would love the ability to time travel because I like the idea of being in communion with my ancestors. I would struggle with leaving the historical timeline alone though if I had that skill.
Pier Jea: If I had a superpower, I would definitely want it to be flight. Have you seen these gas prices? I love flight because I’ve found peace in the air. Time feels non-existent and perceptually it is a reminder that when taken from a bird’s eye view, our problems really aren’t that big.
