Who are you?
Aria Leighty, founder and CEO of the MOB Nation
WHAT did you do ?
I created a space where women who juggle motherhood and running a business can bring their whole selves to what they do. The MOB Nation embraces mom business owners and empowers them to launch, grow, and sustain their business without feeling as if they should hide a part of themselves. I made “MOB” a recognized term. MOB is now a noun, a verb, and an adjective. MOB is a lifestyle and a movement. We have created a micro-economy among “MOBs” by promoting mom-owned businesses and highlighting the variety of businesses run by moms.
HOW did you do it?
I did it by having a strong team behind me and offering something entirely unique - a one-stop hub of resources for all ages and stages of business. The MOB isn’t just about networking, it is also about education, community, and connecting with others who are on the same journey you are. One of the keys to success has been a strong culture of kindness and collaboration over competition. Our members embody that. When new members join they are welcomed, celebrated, and immediately connected to hundreds of women cheering them on and looking for ways to support and promote them.
We have worked hard to cultivate a culture unique to anything else in the networking world. A space where we walk the walk, not just talk the talk. If you show up in the MOB you can be sure you will receive sales and referrals.
WHEN did you start your company?
The MOB Facebook group was created in 2012 and the MOB Alliance, the paid level, was formed in 2016.
WHY are you innovating with this product or service?
As a mom and a business owner I saw firsthand how often traditional networking and business groups didn’t welcome moms to the table. Networking times conflicted with school pick up or drop off, meetings weren’t kid-friendly, and moms were dismissed if they let a child or childcare issue come first.
I knew mom business owners to be productive, innovative, hard working, and capable. I also knew they were having the same challenges I was having. I wanted to create a place where it is ok to be a mom and a business owner. Where no one is looked down on because they are nursing a baby or need to leave early to make it home in time to read their child a story before bed. Where women celebrate and support each other in both their business and personal lives. I wanted to change the conversation around and the perception of what it looks like to be a “mom owned business”. To showcase power and strength.
WHERE are you from?
I have bounced around between San Diego, Honolulu, and Portland my whole life. I have been back in Honolulu for the past year and love it.
INDUSTRY: Women in Business
SOCIAL MEDIA : instagram.com/arialeighty
instagram.com/the.mobnation instagram.com/mobcon2020
WEBSITE: www.themobnation.com
