With so much on their plates, mothers often struggle to prioritize their own mental and physical health. No one understands these challenges quite like other moms. When it comes to overall wellness, few things are more important than community.
Nicole Lewis and Lauren Stone had this in mind when they created Kent County Mom Walks (@kcmomwalks on IG), a group of mothers who gather twice a month—usually with their children—to socialize while staying active.
The women met in Smyrna, and immediately connected over their shared roots in Long Island. Moving to Kent County from Long Island led them both to feelings of isolation thanks to the unfamiliarity and the change in population. Meeting one another made both women feel a bit more at home. They quickly found that they shared a lot of values about the concept of community and having a support system—especially one that includes other moms.
“We just were so grateful for each other,” Stone explains. “We were like, ‘Okay, how can we expand on this?'”
The Mom Walk group developed naturally. After starting their Instagram account, their numbers grew. The Instagram account has over 300 followers, and each walk attracts anywhere from five to 15 moms, usually with their kids in tow. The moms walk through parks, enjoy playground time with their kids and have time to socialize with other mothers.
“I have two kids, and it takes a lot to get them somewhere where I can do something active,” Lewes says. “This gets them out of my house and to a park…Even if it’s not fast-paced, it’s great to clear your head and get your body moving.”
For Stone, the walks provide peace of mind. “As a mom, it can feel like you’re in a very vulnerable position when you’re just out and about with your baby, so walking with even one other mom is so nice.”
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The women love the sense of community that has come with forming the group. They’ve branched out into other events like girls’ nights. Lewis even hosted a potluck style “Moms-giving” at her home.
The group has also been collaborating with small businesses that market to mothers. Itzy Ritzy, a popular chic diaper bag and other mom accessories brand, sponsored a walk in the fall. Each mom at the walk was given a stroller caddy in exchange for some video content of them walking together and using the caddies. Similar partnerships have been formed with locally owned small businesses as well.
Along with a walking group, this community has become a networking opportunity for working moms. It’s increasingly common for mothers to have a “side-hustle” or own a small business. By partnering with local businesses, the moms have been able to connect with like-minded women in more ways than one. They’re getting to know one another not just as moms, but also as women who own businesses and have diverse skillsets and passions.
Keep up with Kent County Mom Walks by following them on Instagram.
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