From a Personal Need to a Business
Mobaak started as something deeply personal (read here for part 1 of our story series). I wasn’t setting out to build a business—I was simply looking for natural, toxin-free alternatives for myself and my family. The more I learned about the harsh chemicals in everyday products, the more I felt the need to create my own. I started small, making aromatherapy oil bracelets and simple wellness products for personal use, never expecting they would spark so much interest.
As I shared these products with family and friends, their enthusiasm was unexpected but exciting. People loved the idea of incorporating aromatherapy & natural products into their daily routines just as much as I did. That was the first time I realized this could be more than just a personal project—it could be something bigger.
Taking the Leap – The Farmer’s Market
By early 2018, I felt ready to test the waters beyond family and friends. With a small collection of products and a lot of hope, I set up a booth at the Modesto Farmer’s Market. But after hosting several events myself under a brand I created called A Makers Marketplace (yes! Look it up on IG)—and participating as a vendor at various other events—I had gained confidence. My community’s support and appreciation reinforced that this growing little business was becoming something truly special.
The response was incredible. Week after week, I met people who were searching for cleaner, more natural products, just like I had been. They connected with the story behind Mobaak and appreciated the care and quality put into each item. It was at the market that I truly saw Mobaak start to take shape—not just as a product, but as a brand with a purpose.
I attended the market faithfully every Thursday and Saturday, and over time, we built a community of our own—the very community that shaped Mobaak into what it is today. Their support gave me confidence and fueled my passion. This community was built from a deeply challenging time in my life, and through it, I found both strength and purpose. The journey of building my brand and finding my people has been priceless.
The Challenges of Starting Small
Of course, those early days weren’t without challenges. Running a business from home meant juggling production, inventory, and customer interactions—all while balancing family life, raising littles, working, providing, and navigating the complexities of domestic abuse. It was overwhelming at times, but every product I created and every customer who appreciated my work brought light to my soul.
Mobaak became more than just a business—it was my refuge, my strength, and a reminder of my resilience. It was a space where I could truly be me, where I felt seen, heard, and appreciated. My community’s unwavering support gave me the confidence I had lost, and in turn, fostered what became one of the most pivotal moments of my life.
Sharing my passion with others wasn’t just about creating products; it became a gateway to knowledge, new experiences, and a deeper sense of peace, love, and clarity. Mobaak wasn’t just growing as a business—it was healing me, one creation & one customer interaction, at a time.
The Farmer’s Market patrons became more than just customers—they recharged me. Their support and encouragement rebuilt a confidence in me that had faded over the years. Mobaak wasn’t just a business; it was giving me life, reminding me that I was capable of so much more. I began to see my own value, realizing that people not only loved my products but believed in my future and my brand.
What once felt like darkness in my life, Mobaak—and my littles—slowly filled with light. And before I knew it, I was radiating with joy over this little business that had become so much more than I ever imagined.
There were moments of doubt, moments of stress, but also moments of pure joy—like hearing from repeat customers who came back for more or receiving messages about how my products were making a difference in people’s lives.
Building a Community
Mobaak grew because of the people who believed in it—customers who shared their experiences, recommended products to friends, and kept coming back. Word of mouth became my biggest asset, and with every returning customer, my confidence grew.
Looking back, those early days were all about laying the foundation—crafting QUALITY products with love, listening to customer feedback, and slowly but surely building something meaningful.
In the next article, I’ll dive into how Mobaak began to expand beyond the farmer’s market, reaching new locations and navigating the challenges of growth—all while staying true to the mission that started it all.
Stay tuned for Part 3!
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