MIRTE MAAS
Founder, Little Bean
MIRTE MAAS
Founder, Little Bean
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
I'm Mirte Maas, founder of Little Bean, a pregnancy-safe ingredient checker app. Originally from Holland, I moved to New York in 2009. While pursuing a successful modeling career, I also attended Columbia University part-time. I struggled to find safe beauty products when I became pregnant with my son Kayden in 2021. To simplify this for others, I created the Little Bean App, a quick tool for evaluating the safety of beauty product ingredients during pregnancy.
IF ANY LINE OF WORK NEEDS INSPO, IT'S MOTHERHOOD. WHAT TYPE OF MOTHERS INSPIRE YOU?
I draw inspiration from mothers of diverse backgrounds who embrace a range of parenting styles. While I cherish my role as a mother, I understand the significance of balance in my life. I believe it's acceptable and sometimes necessary to rely on trusted caregivers or family members to share childcare responsibilities. In today's world, where many women pursue careers, prioritizing self-care and maintaining a sense of personal identity alongside motherhood is crucial. This balance allows us to be fully present and engaged with our children, enriching both their lives and our own.
SOMETIMES WE'RE ALL BAD MUTHAS (AS WE SHOULD BE). WHEN DID YOU GO AGAINST TRADITIONAL ADVICE?
I've discovered that while routines are valuable for children, I've tailored ours to fit our unique needs, even if it deviates from the conventional approach. As night owls, we often work and dine late, so we put our son to bed after 9 PM, allowing him to wake up later. This routine has worked well for us, but with him starting school twice a week, we've adjusted his sleep schedule accordingly, with earlier bedtimes. Balancing motherhood with nurturing a strong relationship with my partner sometimes means straying from our child's "ideal" routine.
BETTER WORLDS START WITH BETTER MOMS. HOW CAN THE MOTHERHOOD COMMUNITY IMPROVE?
Less judgment. I firmly believe that every mother instinctively knows what's best for herself and her child, regardless of societal pressures. While my child's well-being is my top priority, I don't subscribe to the notion that putting them first in every decision is the only way to parent. I find it disheartening to see the pressure imposed by phrases like "breast is best" or the expectation for an unmedicated birth. Parenting is diverse, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Imposing such ideals can lead to unnecessary self-doubt and shame. Ultimately, a happy mom leads to a happy baby, and each mother should do what feels right for her and her family without fear of judgment.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO MUTHA YOURSELF AND ENSURE YOU STILL HAVE SOME 'ME' TIME?
I make it a priority to indulge in my passion for Padel, hitting the court 2-3 times a week. For me, Padel isn't just a sport; it's a chance to unwind, connect with friends, and let go of stress (which is what all of us mothers need, right?). Each morning, I dedicate 5 minutes to my gratitude journal, though I'll admit, I occasionally forget—and that's perfectly fine. I truly believe mindfulness and gratitude, whether through meditation, hobbies, or physical activity, is so important for a balanced and fulfilling life.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?
Experiencing depression in my late twenties was a challenging journey, but pregnancy marked a turning point for me. It instilled a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment, encouraging me to pursue my aspirations and create my own company. Witnessing the joy and happiness of my son has been incredibly fulfilling, providing me with a profound sense of purpose. In his happiness, my own struggles seem insignificant, reminding me of the beauty and resilience of life.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
I'm Mirte Maas, founder of Little Bean, a pregnancy-safe ingredient checker app. Originally from Holland, I moved to New York in 2009. While pursuing a successful modeling career, I also attended Columbia University part-time. I struggled to find safe beauty products when I became pregnant with my son Kayden in 2021. To simplify this for others, I created the Little Bean App, a quick tool for evaluating the safety of beauty product ingredients during pregnancy.
IF ANY LINE OF WORK NEEDS INSPO, IT'S MOTHERHOOD. WHAT TYPE OF MOTHERS INSPIRE YOU?
I draw inspiration from mothers of diverse backgrounds who embrace a range of parenting styles. While I cherish my role as a mother, I understand the significance of balance in my life. I believe it's acceptable and sometimes necessary to rely on trusted caregivers or family members to share childcare responsibilities. In today's world, where many women pursue careers, prioritizing self-care and maintaining a sense of personal identity alongside motherhood is crucial. This balance allows us to be fully present and engaged with our children, enriching both their lives and our own.
SOMETIMES WE'RE ALL BAD MUTHAS (AS WE SHOULD BE). WHEN DID YOU GO AGAINST TRADITIONAL ADVICE?
I've discovered that while routines are valuable for children, I've tailored ours to fit our unique needs, even if it deviates from the conventional approach. As night owls, we often work and dine late, so we put our son to bed after 9 PM, allowing him to wake up later. This routine has worked well for us, but with him starting school twice a week, we've adjusted his sleep schedule accordingly, with earlier bedtimes. Balancing motherhood with nurturing a strong relationship with my partner sometimes means straying from our child's "ideal" routine.
BETTER WORLDS START WITH BETTER MOMS. HOW CAN THE MOTHERHOOD COMMUNITY IMPROVE?
Less judgment. I firmly believe that every mother instinctively knows what's best for herself and her child, regardless of societal pressures. While my child's well-being is my top priority, I don't subscribe to the notion that putting them first in every decision is the only way to parent. I find it disheartening to see the pressure imposed by phrases like "breast is best" or the expectation for an unmedicated birth. Parenting is diverse, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Imposing such ideals can lead to unnecessary self-doubt and shame. Ultimately, a happy mom leads to a happy baby, and each mother should do what feels right for her and her family without fear of judgment.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO MUTHA YOURSELF AND ENSURE YOU STILL HAVE SOME 'ME' TIME?
I make it a priority to indulge in my passion for Padel, hitting the court 2-3 times a week. For me, Padel isn't just a sport; it's a chance to unwind, connect with friends, and let go of stress (which is what all of us mothers need, right?). Each morning, I dedicate 5 minutes to my gratitude journal, though I'll admit, I occasionally forget—and that's perfectly fine. I truly believe mindfulness and gratitude, whether through meditation, hobbies, or physical activity, is so important for a balanced and fulfilling life.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?
Experiencing depression in my late twenties was a challenging journey, but pregnancy marked a turning point for me. It instilled a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment, encouraging me to pursue my aspirations and create my own company. Witnessing the joy and happiness of my son has been incredibly fulfilling, providing me with a profound sense of purpose. In his happiness, my own struggles seem insignificant, reminding me of the beauty and resilience of life.
"In today's world, where many women pursue careers, prioritizing self-care and maintaining a sense of personal identity alongside motherhood is crucial. This balance allows us to be fully present and engaged with our children, enriching both their lives and our own."
"In today's world, where many women pursue careers, prioritizing self-care and maintaining a sense of personal identity alongside motherhood is crucial. This balance allows us to be fully present and engaged with our children, enriching both their lives and our own."
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MORE BAD MUTHAS
SIVAN AYLA RICHARDS
Read more
about shopall.muthaCo-Founder, + LUX UNFILTERED & Founder + Designer, TAN + LINES