Mom Crush Monday's: Dania Chaar (CEO of Mummy&Me Ghana) Talks Safe Haven For Mother's, Growing An Organization & More...
So, I first heard about Mummy&Me Ghana via instagram when alongside Everything Baby and KEMS Ghana, the organizations held their bi-annual donation day, Box of Hope Ghana. As you all know, I always say, there's no better feeling than being able to give back no matter how big or small. The donations whether it be clothing, food items or monetary items were shared across to Pen To Pen Ghana, Basics International, Chance For Children and Sisters of Charity.
Once I arrived at the Polo Court to hand over my donations, I was introduced to Dania Chaar, the CEO and mastermind behind Mummy & Me Ghana. She was just so gracious and welcoming and briefly educated me on what Mummy & Me Ghana was and why it was imperative for mom's and expectant mom's to be a part of the organization. Although you'll read more about Mummy&Me Ghana in the below interview with Dania Chaar, trust me when I say, this iniative is amazing and it truly is a safe haven where you don't have to be afraid to ask questions, seek advice and enjoy mommy moments with other mother's. Mummy&Me Ghana is a support group filled with incredible, dynamic women.
Get to Dania Chaar and why she created Mummy&Me Ghana in my interview below:
1. Let's start off with who is Dania Chaar? So my readers can have a gist of the woman behind Mummy&Me Ghana.
Dania Chaar is wife and mummy to two beautiful boys Ameer 5 years old and Ayaan 2 years old.
I've dedicated all my time to being a stay at home mom since marriage.
I'm an ex- teacher, ex entrepreneur, ex HR manager
2. What exactly is Mummy&Me Ghana & how did the idea come about?
Mummy & Me is an all mum group, first of its kind in Ghana which started out as a platform for mums to meet up together with their children for play dates.
As we grew bigger and stronger, we wanted to be more than just a Facebook group; and that's how the idea of the paid membership, loyalty discount card and charity aspect came about.
3. What have been some obstacles you've faced since your launch?
The first was the lack of trust; a lot of mums thought it was probably a scam and that the monies collected (as promised) were going to be used for charity.
So I did hear a lot of "Dania is taking our money to buy designer bags and shoes "
4. How would you compare your program and results to others in the same field? Although, there aren't many in Ghana.
There are many mummy groups on Facebook in Accra, all of whom are there for fun and games; however there are some who have started following in our footsteps and that makes me proud to be a role model to them.
The key to being successful in this or anything else is to do it from the heart. I'm passionate about every endeavour in Mummy & Me, hence they've all been successful so far.
5. Where does your funding come from?
Our funding comes from 3 different sources; the first is our membership fee , second is from the sale of our memorabilia and lastly from do-gooders who want to give back and utilise Mummy & Me as their medium.
6. What would make the greatest difference in helping your organization get better at what it does?
We are trying to stay self sufficient and also grow our group; so mainly the more moms that join us, the more we can achieve and grow. Our motto does say " we are in this together " and I truly believe that when us moms come together, there's nothing we can't do.
7. Box of Hope. How did the idea come about & what were the overall results. Was it a success? And what are some of the other events you've held in the past few months?
A friend of mine Loubna Sabbah came to me to collaborate to host a donation drive; our dear friend Christal Beeko also joined in this amazing initiative. The name Box Of Hope came to me because I know from my personal donations that these boxes really do give hope to others; be it food, clothing or etc. It was so successful, we really felt overwhelmed with the feedback; friends, family and strangers... the outpour of giving was enormous. It's bi-annual so keep watch for our next donation drive early December.
Our first project, we donated to Operation Smile; 22 children had their surgeries for free courtesy of Mummy & Me Ghana. We also funded almost their entire feeding program.
We have hosted many play dates, including our new Brekkie Morning where we have people from various fields come to have either a demonstration or a talk etc
We have something very exciting for the month of July as well. Stay tuned.
8. What are your goals for the next three to five years?
To become better, grow bigger and give more.
9. How can someone join Mummy&Me Ghana?
Our first criteria is mum mum mum; soon to be mum, pregnant, stepmom or biological mum. And of course to fully benefit from our vast array of activities and events and of course the card, it would be better if based in Ghana, specifically Accra.
Call / whatsapp 0544103003
Email - mummyandmeghana@gmail.com
10. Why is it imperative for every mom or mom-to-be to be a part of an organization such as Mummy&Me Ghana?
Mummy & Me has become a safe haven for women to discuss all their pertinent issues with no judgement whatsoever; a place to socialise and meet other mums from all parts of the world and more importantly be part of a community that gives back, in our own small way, to our country Ghana. 🇬🇭