Armi Shyr Anastacio-Baticados of Mayumi&Me: Products for the Intentional Parent

When I first met Armi Shyr Anastacio-Baticados in person at a workshop for work-at-home-moms organized by Dainty Mom and Manila Workshops earlier this year, I was immediately struck by how hands-on she is with her toddler daughter. While listening to the workshop speakers, Armi was wearing her little girl in a SaYa baby carrier, sometimes chasing after her or playing with her, and overall, just being an intentional mom.

 

Intentional Parents and Partners

“Intentional” is probably one of the best words to describe Armi. Her desire to be a hands-on parent is one of the reasons why she set up Mayumi&Me in the first place.

Prior to becoming a mompreneur and launching Mayumi&Me in August of 2012, Armi was working before she decided to become a stay-at-home-mom. "I’m an Agribusiness Management graduate from UP Los Baños. I worked for a multinational e-commerce company until my daughter was a few months old," Armi says.

Mayumi, her daughter, is the inspiration behind Armi’s business. She and her husband, Glenn, both believe in the benefits of attachment parenting. However, she clarifies that she’s not a parenting expert, nor does she claim to be one. "I’m simply a mom who practices extended breastfeeding, babywearing and gentle discipline, and would like to encourage others to do the same," Armi shares.

"I became a stay-at-home-mom and now, work-at-home-mom/mompreneur because my husband and I wish to savor our daughter’s childhood as much as we can. When I was still pregnant, we would often talk about our plans to shift careers to something that will enable us to work at home so we can be with her and each other. And we couldn't be happier that we did," she discloses.

"I am blessed with a supportive husband who is a seasoned entrepreneur and business management teacher," she continues. "I’m always grateful that despite his busy schedule, he still finds time to attend parenting events with me and even agreed to take care of Mayumi while I was attending the WAHMderful Life seminar. He is my business consultant, driver, and babysitter too!"

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The Business Idea

Armi admits that sheknows for a fact that Mayumi&Me isn’t completely unique. "Being an online shopaholic, I know that there are tons of other businesses already selling products similar to mine," she says.

Despite that, Armi firmly believes in the items she has to offer. "My husband and I are intent on practicing attachmment parenting and that’s reflected in the mix of products that we offer," she explains.

"I learn a lot from reading online parenting blogs and articles. That’s why I look at having an online shop as an opportunity to acquaint other parents or parents-to-be with the concept of attachment parenting, and maybe even encourage them to adapt this parenting style too," Armi shares.

"It is also through this 'research' that I discovered the joys of online shopping. I became a suki of a number of proudly-Filipino brands mostly owned and managed by moms like me. So when I decided to open my own store, naturally, I wanted to offer the same products that I trust and use for my family."

According to Armi, Mayumi&Me aims to bring together brands that are:

•proudly Pinoy;

• tried, tested, and trusted by her family;

• advocates attachment parenting; and

• eco-friendly.

Armi is a big fan of babywearing and breastfeeding in particular. “Our family loves to travel and Mayumi has been to a lot of places already cradled in our trusted SaYa Baby Carrier,” she says. “Also, as a nursing mom (for 18 months now and counting!), I know that good nursing wear and covers make breastfeeding-on-the-go so much more convenient and comfortable.”

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On Being a Mompreneur

“I work at home. Being home-based means I get to be hands-on in taking care of my daughter. This is why I left my corporate job in the first place,” Armi shares. 

“I manage the shop operations in between nursing, playing and cuddling sessions. I get my work done mostly during naps and bedtimes or whenever Mayumi’s Itay, Lolo, and/or Lola are around to keep her occupied,” she continues.

For those who are thinking about becoming a mompreneur, Armi shares nuggets of wisdom: “Whether you’re building a big company or putting up a little sideline, plan your business activities in such a way that will not interfere with family time. Always be grateful and thank the Lord for every opportunity, every idea and every sale, no matter how little.”

 

Connect with Armi via email: armi@mayumiandme.com or visit her website www.mayumiandme.com. You can also get updates on Facebook (www.facebook.com/mayumiandme), Twitter and Instagram (@mayumiandme).