We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriela Gerhart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriela, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I was not really planning on starting a business initially, all I wanted to do was help new moms and dads transition into parenthood, my passions and interest helped it evolved into a business. I have always loved babies and pregnancy even as a little girl I would be playing the “pregnant women” creating my belly with a pillow and walking/wobbling around our living room. Years later, when I came to America, through an Au-pair program, I saw the need to create a place focusing on motherhood. The business really evolved from me listening to my client’s needs while I was working with them as a “baby nurse”, baby doula. I recognized that these moms needed a place to find quality information, physical and nurturing support, guidance and a place they could trust. That is how the Motherhood Center was created.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m an entrepreneur with a pediatric nurse background. I have a passion for pregnancy and babies, but also for business. With these 2 very different interests, I was able to merge these and pioneered a new industry. When I founded the Motherhood Center over 2 decades ago there really were no resources for pregnant women besides the hospitals. Motherhood and pregnancy was also not as trendy as it has become today. With creating a new industry, I had to wear many hats and I had no road map to follow. Everything from marketing to developing curriculums, training programs and creating an welcoming and supportive environment. Although there have been many challenges and obstacles along the way, they all helped me in forming my vision and reaffirming my passion. Being able to be there for our clients during these very special yet vulnerable times, and being able to be part of forming of new family. I have experienced working with women from all of the world. It’s been truly an honor. I love to learn, I’m always exploring new ways on how I can be there for our clients and what more we can create and provide for them. We are currently working on many new programs and offerings as well as expending virtually to other cities, states and countries. Very exciting times for me and my company.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
As Houston has so many excellent places to dine, it’s always hard to choose where to go. I know many of my visitors always appreciate our visits to Goode Company Barbecue, El Tiempo, Kata Robata, Local, The Dunlavy and for special occasions Tony’s is a must. Houston has so many great neighborhoods from Mid-town to Montrose, from The Heights to River Oaks, where there are many local pubs, eateries and hangout spots. Of course not to forget our great museum and theater district, art scene and music venues.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel very fortunate that I was able to surround myself with caregivers, educators, therapist and instructors which shared the same passion. Many of my team members been with me for 10-15 years. We all have the same mission and passion in mind. Of course having a supportive husband which has helped me with the creation and marketing process since its inception. This business is truly 24/7, as babies and pregnancies require unpredictable attention, one must have the desire and want to help and care for others.

Website: www.motherhoodcenter.com
Instagram: @motherhoodcenter
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielagerhart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/motherhood_cntr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodcenter/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/motherhood-center-houston
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theMotherhoodCenter