Running a business, chasing after kids, and still getting a sweat in—impossible? Nah, just all in a day's work for Katya Libin, CEO & Co-Founder of heymama, an online community of badass mamas sharing inspirational content. Here, Katya talks to us about entrepreneurship, the balancing act of motherhood, and the importance of community.

First up, some rapid fire questions! We’re kind of obsessed with emojis... Which is your most-used one?

I lovveeee emojis! That's probably why my favorite one is heart eyes by far. 😍

Where do you call home?

Home is in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, but really home is wherever I'm with Lili, my 6-year-old daughter.

Favorite way to get your sweat on?

I love Kettlebell Kickboxing—best workout a busy mom can ask for.

What song is stuck in your head right now? 

So embarrassing yet completely awesome, True Colors from the Trolls soundtrack.

It’s Friday night. Where are you?  

Watching Younger with Thai food and a bottle of wine, or hitting up a vegetarian restaurant in Brooklyn with friends.

Now, let’s get down to business. First up: tell us about your day job!  

I started heymama, a content and community platform for modern mamas. We inspire mama ladybosses near and far to continue to pursue their dreams, and give them the connections, inspiration and experiences to hustle on.

What were some of the biggest contributors that brought you to where you are today with heymama? What was your journey like?  

I've always had a super supportive family from an emotional and motivational standpoint, but taking the plunge from working full-time and having a steady salary to going out on your own with your best friend was one of the biggest forks in the road for me. What brought me here is faith, resilience and a determination to make it work. Along the way I've had phenomenal business people help advise and guide me. I feel really lucky to be in NYC, surrounded by people with a ton of experience making shit happen, and ready and willing to lend a hand (or a shoulder to lean on) when you need it.

Let’s talk about entrepreneurship. What have been some of the highs and lows of growing your own company?  

So many! Like six flags over here. Ha. The highs, meeting women who are less alone, more connected, more supported and successful because of heymama. Highs, being in INC magazine, moderating thought provoking panels and meeting new best friends through this adventure. The lows, being super late for pickup where it's dark out and my daughter wants to know why mommy is the last one to get her every Monday... Not being able to offer employees the salaries I'd like because we are so small. Having people on our team tell us they are overwhelmed. Those are tough moments leaders go through.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were first starting out as an entrepreneur?  

To get our taxes and insurances in order... that's important stuff you want to get settled right from the beginning.

What are some of the biggest benefits you’ve seen from members joining the heymama community?  

Lifelong friends, game changing introductions, press, but really an army of people behind you ready to help. It's powerful.



What about you and your family personally? How have you benefited from your involvement in the community?   

I throw the parties my daughter wants to go to! She helps me plan them and loves when we get new clients. For her, she sees mommy's job as pretty cool and we've met some incredible friends through heymama.

What words of wisdom do you think every mom should hear?  

Be the light. I think in a busy world, our kids look to us for the calm in the chaos. Ultimately they will get on your wavelength and adopt your vibe.

Where do you hope to see yourself and the heymama community in the future?

I hope we can have this tribe all over the world, and I hope I can go all over the world to visit them.

Want to learn more about heymama and its community? Check 'em out on Instagram, and see what Katya is up to here.