Award-Winning Comfort: Why Aussie Mums Are Suddenly Wearing Colourful Activewear

Faye Tan is the founder of Mama Movement, an Australian activewear brand known for its vibrant designs and commitment to body positivity. Faye launched Mama Movement in 2020 to create colourful, high-quality activewear that empowers women of all shapes and sizes. Collaborating with female Australian artists, the brand offers unique prints and an inclusive size range from XS to 4XL.

Under Faye’s leadership, Mama Movement has grown rapidly, winning accolades like the “Best Workout Tights 2023 Australia” award. As a dedicated mother and advocate for body positivity, Faye aims to help mums embrace their bodies and set positive examples for their children.

For more details, visit their website here.

We sat down with Faye to learn a bit more about her journey as an entrepreneur and her brand, here’s what she shared:

Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur — how did you get started? What inspired you?

Faye: My journey as an entrepreneur began with a personal passion and a desire to make a difference. The turning point came after the birth of my daughter, when I realised how important it was to foster a positive body image, especially as a mother. This inspired me to create an activewear brand that celebrates all body types and brings joy to movement. In 2020, I launched Mama Movement with a mission to spread body positivity through colourful, high-quality activewear. Starting small, I collaborated with talented female Australian artists to design unique, vibrant prints, and our commitment to inclusivity, offering sizes from XS to 4XL, resonated deeply with our customers.

The journey has been incredibly rewarding but not without challenges. Balancing motherhood and a growing business has meant many sacrifices, most of all my sleep! Winning the “Best Workout Tights 2023 Australia” award was a significant milestone, validating our efforts and vision. Today, I continue to be driven by the impact Mama Movement has on women’s lives, helping them feel confident and joyful in their own skin.

What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule?

Faye: To stay focused and productive in my busy schedule, I rely heavily on Trello. This tool helps me manage multiple projects and tasks on the go with my team, ensuring that everything is organised and prioritised. By breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, I can keep track of progress and stay on top of deadlines. Trello’s flexibility allows me to adapt quickly to changing priorities and maintain clear communication with my team.

I also use shared checklists, grocery lists, and a shared calendar with my husband to manage our family life. As mums, we often automatically carry the mental load, but this just isn’t possible for a full time working mum! By having a centralised system for our family’s activities and responsibilities, we can support each other better and stay aligned on our daily commitments. These tools and strategies help me maintain balance and productivity in all areas of my life.

How do you stay organized with such a busy schedule? What are some time management strategies, SOPS (standard operating procedures), hires or hacks that have helped you dramatically in business

Faye: I think it starts with admitting that I can’t do everything. A crucial aspect of my time management strategy is hiring people who have strengths that complement my weaknesses. By bringing in team members who excel in areas where I might struggle, I ensure that tasks are handled efficiently and effectively. This approach allows me to focus on what I do best while trusting my team to manage other critical aspects of the business.

What are 3 things you would wish for if you had the chance?

Faye: Firstly, I would make the world a more body-positive place, especially for my daughter and little girls like her. I want them to grow up in an environment where body image disorders are not a thing, so their precious brain space isn’t taken up by worrying about their weight or appearance but instead focused on things that can change the world. Imagine if every little girl (and woman) used those precious hours worrying about their bodies to instead work on things that could actually change the world.

Secondly, I would create more awareness and education around childbirth and postpartum, ensuring that women don’t feel the pressure to “bounce back.” Many women face significant physical and emotional changes during this time, and greater understanding and support can help them embrace their postpartum bodies with pride and patience.

Lastly, I would mandate that every piece of clothing comes with a pocket. Because honestly, who doesn’t need more pockets?

What motivates you?

Faye: What motivates me is the desire to make a positive impact on women’s lives by promoting body positivity and confidence. I am deeply driven by the idea that every woman deserves to feel comfortable and joyful in her own skin, and I see it as my mission to help create a world where this is the norm. My children, especially my daughter, inspire me daily as well. I want them to grow up in an environment where they feel empowered and free from societal pressures about their bodies. Additionally, the feedback and stories from our Mama Movement community fuel my passion. Knowing that our colourful activewear helps women feel better about themselves and embrace their bodies motivates me to keep pushing forward and innovating.

What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?

Faye: One of the best and most worthwhile investments I’ve ever made is committing to a Pilates membership to attend classes three times a week. This routine has significantly improved my physical health, reducing stress and increasing my overall energy levels. The strength and balance I’ve gained from Pilates have not only benefited me personally but also enhanced my productivity and focus in running Mama Movement. It’s an investment in myself that has paid off in countless ways, allowing me to bring my best self to both my family and my business.

What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs invest their time in?

Faye: I highly recommend that entrepreneurs intentionally choose to find a way to put space between themselves and their devices. While this can feel so hard in today’s digital world, it’s essential to step back from the constant digital noise to gain clarity and perspective. Some of my best ideas have come in the shower, where the absence of distractions allows my mind to wander and innovate freely.

Additionally, engaging with women in business groups and gaining inspiration from other women has been incredibly valuable. These interactions provide fresh insights and new perspectives that can be transformative for your business. Activities like spending quality time with family, engaging in physical exercise, or enjoying nature can also significantly boost creativity and reduce stress. These moments of mindfulness and relaxation are invaluable for recharging and coming back to work with renewed energy and focus.

What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

Faye: Get really clear about your WHY — your core purpose and mission — and ensure it remains at the centre of every decision you make as a business.

To keep up to date with Faye and her journey, connect with her on Instagram.