Building A Mother Ship

Modish Moms Encourages Bonds, Entrepreneurship Among Millennial Parents

By Darrell Cador

What do you get when you take all things modern, popular and stylish and combine them with the joy and oftentimes challenges of single motherhood? For those already aware Modish Moms has been a dream come true. For those out-of-the-know, your prayers have finally been answered.

Modish Moms is a vibrant and promising 501(c)3 non-profit based in the nation’s capital that caters to single mothers throughout the region in the areas of lifestyle adjustment, parenting skills, and small business opportunities to name a few. Co-founders Courtney Edwards and Ciarra Neal launched Modish Moms in the fall of 2016 with the primary purpose of breaking the stereotype that single mothers don’t assist each other.

Courtney Edwards (left) with Christine Michel Carter (Center), a Forbes-Huntington Post contributor and speaker and Ciarra Neal (right). Courtney and Ciarra are the Co-founders of Modish Moms. PHOTO: ARLINE WILLIAMS // PRINCE GEORGE'S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

Both Virginia State Alums (Class of 2012) Edwards and Neal initially connected while both were attending high school in Washington DC. Ever the driving force these focused young women and devoted mothers to their son and daughter respectively have spearheaded successful events such as back-to-school giveaways, small business workshops, lifestyle seminars and ‘Pop-up Shops’ designed for ‘Mom-preneurs’. Modish Moms have twice been recognized by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for their contribution to the city, with her expressing a sincere love for what the organization is doing as well as what it stands for.  

For those who ask what sets Modish Moms apart in their chosen field of work is that the co-founders stress to all participants that they too are still navigating the landscape of single motherhood, and that the organization itself desires positive input, from within and outside its ranks. Another driving force behind Modish Moms is the apparent absence of support groups aimed primarily at helping single mothers. In the meantime Modish Moms’ work must continue, and with an exciting bevy of upcoming events such as ‘Paint For A Cause’ a paint-n-sip fundraiser at Muse Paintbar at National Harbor (3-24-18) and Modish Moms’ Anniversary Celebration at RedRocks in Washington DC (4-7-17) their 2018 is already off and running toward greener pastures with absolutely no signs of slowing down.