"Empower Mother Athletes… Why Not Partner with Red Bull?"

As I reflect on my journey through motherhood, I’m grateful for the insights I've gained from the Imua Moms community. I realize that my path is far from typical, but I’m determined to reach out to those mothers who resonate with the unique challenges I face. I am a professional artist, a surfer, and a gym enthusiast, but above all, I am a mother. My motherhood journey is filled with complexity, as I navigate it without a support system to lean on. My mother left when I was just six months old, my grandmother passed away before she could meet my children, and with family spread halfway around the world, I often feel isolated. Imua Moms exists to fill the void, and leave notes for others to build on. Many women have navigated motherhood while excelling in sports or staying active during pregnancy, yet they didn’t leave any notes for those of us who come after them. This could be due to societal pressures, personal choices, or simply being overwhelmed. Regardless, it’s time to ask questions and make some notes for those who want to move forward.

The absence of sitters, mothers, or in-laws to help take the weight off our shoulders means that my partner and I constantly shift roles as we try to balance everything on our own. It feels nearly impossible at times. I find myself working late into the night or early in the morning, trying to meet my obligations, often with interruptions.

I am struggling to find work, and I feel a profound sense of anxiety about not contributing financially to my family the way I once did. As I sit here and write, I have $7.45 left to my name, which weighs heavily on my heart. I feel like a failure. Although I do bring in some money, it’s not enough to save, just pay bill to bill. I am pushing my limits more than ever, feeling more exhausted than I can express, yet the financial stress remains ever-present. I want to remind myself—and others in similar situations—that it's okay to struggle and that we are not alone in this journey. Even if we are. I’m giving my efforets to Imua Moms to one day change this. I can see it, yet it doesn’t exist, which is why I have to at least try.

I dream of a future for Imua Moms where mothers are not only celebrated but also financially supported in pursuing their passions for prioritizing motherhood. It’s disheartening to see the abundance of sponsorship opportunities available for women who fit certain looks, for exceptional athletes, and even for transgender athletes. Yet, the incredible resilience and strength of mothers—who are some of the most extreme athletes in their own right—often go unnoticed.

What if the sports industry developed paid positions or sponsorships specifically for mothers who have made a comeback in their sports? When men face injuries and eventually return, they receive overwhelming support through crowdfunding campaigns, emotional slow-motion videos showcasing their journeys, and praise across social media. In contrast, a mother’s journey often remains untold, leaving her to navigate the challenges of daily life while struggling to make ends meet. The world flourishes because of the invaluable, often unseen labor of mothers, yet it frequently fails to acknowledge their contributions or support them. Motherhood is a profound gift, yet so many mothers find themselves in difficult circumstances, often stretched thin financially or balancing the precious time they have with their children against the need to earn a paycheck. I understand all too well the profound impact that an absent or struggling mother can have on a child’s life, and I share this perspective from personal experience. The challenges they face are very real. Many mothers demonstrate incredible resilience and love, dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to their work and families. Yet, they often carry burdens that can make it difficult to find a sense of thriving. It’s important for us to approach these challenges with empathy, recognizing the joy that can arise from work driven by love, while also acknowledging the heavy expectations that can sometimes feel too much to bear.

We must remember that when mothers are overwhelmed, entire generations can feel the impact.Imagine if the surf industry actively took steps to support mothers on their healing journeys, fostering connections between them and their children. By doing so, it could demonstrate the beauty and profitability of these relationships, creating a win-win situation for both mothers and the industry. This connection could empower new generations to heal the world and move humanity forward. Isn’t it worth exploring ways to fill our world's weaknesses with meaningful work that heals the world rather than fake images and stories on Instagram that destroy mental health?

Imagine if a brand like Red Bull, known for championing the world’s most extreme athletes, chose to focus on the remarkable journey of women as they transition into motherhood and navigate their postpartum experiences. Such a powerful narrative would shine a light on the incredible strength and resilience that mothers embody, revealing them as some of the most inspiring people on the planet. Picture a beautifully crafted story, full of heartfelt moments and cinematic magic, showcasing the sheer determination of mothers in their transformative journeys. There is so much information missing;

people simply have no idea, or have the wrong idea about us.

Just as in the movie "Wonder Woman," where hidden heroes emerge in times of crisis to uplift humanity, mothers have their own heroic tales waiting to be told. They often rise to challenges that demand unwavering courage and grace. If women were given the support and recognition they deserve, we could witness a truly radical shift in our world, one filled with compassion and empowerment. Their stories have the potential to inspire change and demonstrate just how impactful and extraordinary their journeys can be. I conducted research regarding buying groups and discovered an article from Forbes indicating that mothers account for 90% of the purchasing influence in our economy. This suggests that if brands were to support mothers, they would receive reciprocal support from this demographic. This dynamic represents a valuable yet often overlooked opportunity. It appears to be mutually beneficial for both brands and mothers.

Is this dream just a personal want or goal for me? HELL YES IT IS, but it's for other women and the future of our kids. I truly want my children to experience the endless possibilities life has to offer. I hope they’ll witness the beauty in things that the world has yet to embrace and feel inspired to create something extraordinary, no matter how daunting it may seem. Ultimately, I believe that striving for the greater good of everyone is worth every effort we make. I want my son to look at me and all women as champions and superheroes, treating them with the respect they deserve. He should understand that while his strength is important, it's his emotional intelligence that will allow him to love and appreciate women for who they are. I want him to know that his dreams will only be enriched by the love and support of women.

For my daughter, I want her to enter motherhood without any doubt about how the world will treat her. I want her to know that she can be a hero in whatever path she chooses—whether that means embracing motherhood or pursuing her own ambitions. I've made it my mission to break the cycles of negativity that have affected generations before us, so they won’t have to face those challenges.

I am motivated by a deep-seated desire to heal from the absence of my mother and to create a better future for my children. The struggles I've faced have shaped my vision, and I genuinely believe that this is a part of a greater plan for me—to make a lasting change for mothers everywhere. I am going to be the first ever mother sponsored to surf, tell my story and support my family. I am opening doors for our daughters and even our sons!!!!!!!!!

I’d like to reach out to you all today with a question. If anyone can share a reason why mothers shouldn’t be paid and recognized in sports, I would really appreciate your thoughts. Additionally, if you believe that addressing this issue could benefit the world, please feel free to share your insights. I’m eager to learn and gather information, and your contributions would really help me move forward. It would mean a lot to me and to many women who may feel hesitant to speak up, as well as for the children we are raising in this world. Thank you for your support!

Love,

Danielle