Each parenting story is unique and deeply personal; looking very different even from child to child. As we strive to provide items that give parents confidence and support, we’re so honored to be by your side for it…even if just for a moment. Perhaps your Tula is a staple item in your everyday activities, or maybe discovering our carriers opened up your world to a community, lifestyle or entirely different path. We love hearing your stories and we are excited to be alongside you, from chapter to chapter.
Today, we share Jen’s #mytulastory. Jen is a long time Tula fan who’s enthusiasm for our brand is infectious!
What’s your story? We want to read more stories under the #mytulastory hashtag! Tag us on Facebook and Instagram and share your stories with us!
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How did your babywearing journey begin?
In 1994, my son Logan was born. I was an active mom, and I found that babywearing allowed me to lead a very full life while parenting. I had a lightweight, aluminum frame carrier that took us everywhere; from the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade to the Chili Cook Off, babywearing allowed me to participate fully in life.
2. When did you learn of Baby Tula Carriers? What were some of your initial reasons for liking them?
In 2013, Laura, a dear friend who lives in Arizona, constantly raved about her Tula. We had plans to attend MommyCon LA together and to participate in setting the babywearing world record. While there, she insisted I try her Tula-Semi Easy Care #1.
The minute I put it on, I was smitten. It felt so differently on my body than any other carrier I had worn before. I remember walking around while Tulaing my Elliette and thinking, “Wow!” “This is what babywearing can feel like?” When I returned Laura’s Tula, I knew I needed my own.
I was intrigued to learn that there was a community behind Tula, something I had never before encountered with a baby product. I hopped on to Tula Love, a little Facebook group that had maybe 10,000 members, and was inspired by the amazing families who loved Tula as much as I did. Learning that Tula was a San Deigo company made me want to support them even more and I was on a mission to learn everything about Baby Tula.
Ula and Mike’s story inspired me. I was moved by their histories, encouraged by their commitment, and energized by their passion! I wanted everyone to know how amazing this carrier was, and that it was created by the most generous, hardworking, wonderful people.
3. How did you begin to support/represent Baby Tula?
I was spreading the Tula love on a regular basis long before being asked to be an Ambassador. I attended Tula events, cheering from the rooftops about my love for this product. My enthusiasm for Tula was undeniable and it was an enormous honor when Ula asked me to be an Ambassador.
4. What is something that you love about Baby Tula and/or the community?
This community has brought the most wonderful people into my life. Tula helped me to find my village here in San Diego, and I am grateful for the many friendships that have grown because of it. Additionally, I love bringing new families into the babywearing world with Tula.
5. As your children grow, what’s a lasting memory or idea you’ve gained during your babywearing days?
Lasting Idea-The knowledge that babywearing has such deep cultural roots worldwide is fascinating. It’s something anyone can do and it has undeniable benefits that can enhance any parenting experience.
Lasting Memory-I will never forget supporting Tula in the Kensington Parade! I felt like a cheerleading, babywearing Super Woman on a mission to spread the Tula Love.
6. What excites you about Baby Tula now?
I love that Tula is now more accessible than ever. I am thrilled with the blanket line and eager to see what’s ahead for this company. Having been a fan for so many years, the growth alone is something that I am thrilled to have been a part of…Clearly, the best is yet to come!
7. What’s something people not already know about you (in relation to Baby Tula)?
Being a Tula fan was a true passion, and as a credentialed teacher who believes in life-long learning, it was important to me that I back up my passion with education. In 2015, I was trained by the one and only Joanna McNeilly through the Center for Babywearing Studies.
8. Do you have a “unicorn”/DISO (Desperate In Search Of)? Do you own it?
Oh, so many DISOs, so little time. I have found that my Tula taste has grown and changed over the years. With my rainbow girl, Elliette, my rainbow carriers were unicorns. I am very fortunate to have had some very generous friends who’ve allowed me to host some magnificent Tulas…..to me, a unicorn, is a carrier made out of a wrap that has a story that resonates with me. For example, my SRH Con Fuoco will never leave as its story brought me to my knees.
9. Is there a Tula item that you have that has special meaning to you?
Though each of my Tula goodies have special meaning, nothing compares to the Love Soigne ring sling that Ula and Team Tula sent to me just after my daughter Willa was born. Quite unexpectedly, we spent our first two weeks in the NICU and this ring sling was the first carrier that held my last baby, which makes it very, very special.
