Speaking with Jenna, you get the sense that deep down she knew all along MUMMA MILLA would change everything for her and her family. Nursing bras rarely leave new mothers overjoyed. They are often uncomfortable, fiddly to use, and unappealing. That’s definitely not how you would describe a MUMMA MILLA piece. Whether the day or night nursing bra, the scallop edged cami or the sports bra, Jenna has created products that she envisioned and wished for during her own breastfeeding journey.

Now an it brand, which counts Sienna Miller as a fan, MUMMA MILLA was carefully thought out by Jenna to offer something nursing mothers were so far lacking - chic and stylish leakproof options. Perhaps, what’s most impressive is not just the fact that the brand has customers across the world but that its founder persevered for 3 years perfecting its launching piece. Jenna took her personal experiences to create a product that wasn’t available yet, and then she turned that product into a successful business.

As a mother of two and an inspiring entrepreneur, Jenna is showing us all that motherhood, while with its challenges at times, can lead to new beginnings creatively and can present a new path for determination to set in. She tells us how it all started, how it’s going and how motherhood makes her happy.

By Alice Codford

ON MOTHERHOOD

Alice: Do you feel that motherhood has changed you as a person? If so, in what ways has it shaped and influenced who you are today?

Jenna: Yes! In more ways than one. I feel like I met myself in a new light and feel so privileged with my role. Life becomes simplified – it’s peeled back to the things that really matter the most – and I love how my kids have shown me a new way to look at life. We get to do all the fun things we did as kids, again!

Motherhood also gave me a newfound respect for my parents, in particular, my mum – it made me realise what was sacrificed to give us the best opportunities for life.

How did you find your pregnancies?

Jenna: I enjoyed both of my pregnancies – I was reasonably lucky I didn’t suffer from intense sickness throughout. Mums who experience Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) are superheroes! In saying that, the second time around was a lot harder on my body, and, it didn’t help having to go through my third trimester during a very long, summer heatwave!

What are the most important lessons or values you try to teach your children?

Jenna: Kindness, sharing and giving them the opportunity to learn and reflect from their mistakes. One thing we like to refer to quite often is that “Just because other people do it, doesn’t mean you have to.”

“Life becomes simplified – it’s peeled back to the things that really matter the most – and I love how my kids have shown me a new way to look at life. We get to do all the fun things we did as kids, again!”

What has been one of the lowest points of motherhood for you? Were you able to overcome it, and if so, how did you navigate through that challenging time?

Jenna: Giving birth to my first son was something I will never forget. It was magical – but recovery post-birth was not the nicest experience. I was in the hospital for quite a few days after with blood transfusions, iron transfusions, infection and low milk supply.

In hindsight, I wish I had more postpartum support and guidance. This is one of the reasons I love providing informative and educational pieces for MUMMA MILLA. Postpartum is so hard, you’re not meant to do it alone -- it’s OK to ask for help - I am proud of myself for navigating this time!

What have been the highest points of motherhood for you so far? Are there any particular moments or experiences that stand out as especially joyful or fulfilling?

Jenna: All the milestones! Seeing your children do things like sitting, eating, walking and kicking a ball for the first time gives me the greatest joy! George has started pre-primary and seeing him write my name was so special.

After a particularly tough day of juggling children, a business, and life in general, what do you do to recharge or unwind? What helps you find some calm amidst the chaos?

Jenna: Laptops and phones down! Getting down on the floor and playing some Lego with the boys is the best re-set.
I also love a pilates class and sitting on the grass outside to soak up the sun with the kids is something that re-energises me too.

Have you found it easy or challenging to maintain your friendships since becoming a mother? And have you found it easy to make new mum friends along the way?

Jenna: Absolutely! Kids and work come first which I’m so fine with – but this means catching up with friends is rare. I do feel lucky that my closest girlfriends have this mutual understanding of how busy life is – because we’re all in the same boat – with kids, work, schedules, life! So when we do catch up we pick up right where we left off. There’s a really great bunch of mums and dads at the kids schools too – so it’s nice to go through your children’s years together!

ON HER STYLE AFTER HAVING CHILDREN

Has your personal style changed since becoming a mum? If so, how has it influenced the way you dress?

Jenna: Yes! Easy, comfy, mix-and-match staples are my uniform!

I have 5 minutes to get ready, (if I’m lucky) – so I don’t have time to think of an outfit. I just need to grab pieces I know work well together.

“Sienna Miller is my favourite [fashion icon] so it was such a nice surprise to see her in one of our leakproof bralettes!”

What’s your go-to outfit that makes you feel confident and can easily take you from the school run to the office? Any particular pieces you wear on repeat?

Jenna: A pair of Levi’s 501 Original jeans, an oversized jumper, casual sneakers– I’ve lived in a pair of forest green and pink Adidas Gazelles all winter. Accessorising with some of my mum’s and grandmother’s jewellery always helps me feel a little more put together.

I’ve also loved my oversized denim shirt with some red ballet flats.

I haven’t breastfed for a while now, but I still live in my Leakproof Nursing Cami. It’s such a nice layering piece during the cooler months.

Who's wardrobe would you love to raid?

Jenna: Stylist – Dani Michelle’s!

Fashion Icon – Sienna Miller is my favourite, so it was such a nice surprise to see her in one of our leakproof bralettes!

*Sienna Miller wearing the* *MUMMA MILLA leakproof bandeau bralette, £50*

What is your go-to handbag?

Jenna: Always on my shoulder, the Rylan Studio’s Leather Woven Tote Bag.

What is top on your wish list right now?

Jenna: Jade Rachel Fox has made me bookmark the red heart Ladina Leather sandals by Malene Birger.

Let’s talk a bit about beauty, what are your absolute must-have skincare and make-up products that you use on repeat?

Jenna: A bit of tinted sunscreen is my saviour – particularly love the ILIA super serum. I’ve also recently fallen in love with some products from Ursa Major – the Golden Hour Recovery Cream is dreamy.

ON BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR

Can you tell me what your typical day looks like with two children and running MUMMA MILLA?

Jenna: Chaotic and incredibly busy, but fun!

My husband has now joined MUMMA MILLA. This has been a gamechanger for us. We’re both able to divide and conquer with the kids, and put our heads together on the brand. He has brought an invaluable set of skills to the business so I feel very lucky to work with him. He’s not only very smart, but he’s very funny too – so he always manages to make our workplace fun!

*The MUMMA MILLA collection,* *shop here*

Do you find it hard to switch off work at the end of the day? Any tips on how to help with this?

Jenna: Yes, 10000000%
I don’t think I ever switch off. Once the kids are sleeping, laptops are out – till late.
I like to think that if I get as much work done as I can, it will free up time to hang out with the family and kids. So that’s my motivator!

“I’m so grateful for my mother. A business woman herself, she has taught me the ropes.”

What entrepreneur do you look up to the most and why?

Jenna: I’m so grateful for my mother. A business woman herself, she has taught me the ‘ropes’. We’ve worked and created businesses together in the past, and it’s so nice being able to pick up the phone - even when I just need to vent! I’m very lucky to have her.

Also, Steve Jobs. He created a product that almost everyone in the world has – it’s so amazing when you think of it from a product perspective. They continue to launch products that are one-step-ahead, so the competitor can’t keep up – which is so clever, and inspiring.

You created a product that breastfeeding mothers needed: a leakproof nursing bra that looks amazing! Tell me a bit about how you went from an idea to creating the product, to the first sales. What was going through your mind when you started it all?

Jenna: The idea first came to me when I was packing out suitcases for a trip to Greece! I remember having to squeeze in boxes of disposable nursing pads, and I thought to myself there must be another alternative!

I was frustrated with the lack of modern nursing options for mums and wanted to create a bra that not only looked nice, but also caught breastfeeding leaks so you didn’t have to rely on disposables.

Postpartum, breastfeeding and getting used to your new body is something we all experience as mothers – so I wanted the bras to not only make life easier, but to also help us feel ‘good’.

At the beginning of the business, did you struggle with trying to do it all? Starting a new business, developing products and being a mum of 2 must have been tricky at times.

Jenna: I quite enjoyed this phase! The ‘project’ gave me a different kind of mental stimulation. I loved sourcing, researching and developing prototypes in between staying at home with the kids.

This was obviously done in small bite size chunks throughout the day when the kids were a lot younger, and sleeping a lot more during the day!

What are some of your favourite achievements in your business that you're particularly proud of?

Jenna: I remember getting two orders in a row one time– one was from a stranger a few streets down from me, and another one was from the Netherlands.

Being a mother is such a universal experience. So it’s very special to see the bra being worn by mums around the world!

What is next for MUMMA MILLA? Any upcoming news, launches or anything that you can tell me about?

Jenna: We have some exciting new additions in the works for MUMMA MILLA beginning from December and dropping every two to three months.

2025 will be full of surprises!

What advice or words of wisdom do you want to share with other mothers?

Jenna: “Everything is temporary. When you feel you’re stuck in the stages of sleepless nights, or fussy eating – a few months will go by and it no longer happens. So, it’s just a nice reminder to try to ride with it, because it’s not going to be there forever!”

mumma-milla.com

Jenna Nelkovski: The Founder of MUMMA MILLA on Creating a Solution Product for Modern Mothers.