Ever found yourself newly postpartum and quietly rethinking everything you thought you knew about work? You’re not alone. For so many mothers, maternity leave opens the door to a deeper sense of purpose—and an equally sobering realization: returning to a 9–5 often means handing over both your time and a large portion of your paycheck to childcare. The math doesn’t add up. And more importantly, neither does the feeling.

For Meghan and Sarah, that reckoning came after years spent in elementary classrooms they loved. Becoming mothers sharpened what already mattered most: presence, creativity, and the ability to shape a life that felt aligned with their values—not rushed past them. What began as late-night conversations between neighbors and friends eventually grew into Kena Gene Co., a jewelry brand built from kitchen tables, nap times, and a shared desire to stay close to the moments that matter.

We sat down with the founders to talk about motherhood, partnership, creative work, and what it looks like to build something meaningful right in the middle of real life.

Let's start with an introduction. Tell us about yourselves. 

Meghan: I have two sweet littles, Owen (4) and Makena (2), that we prayed for for so long. After not being able to conceive naturally, it took my husband and me four years to have Owen through what felt like endless IVF treatments. Three doctors, four egg retrievals, and three embryo transfers later, I was finally pregnant with Owen.

When Owen was almost 2 years old, we transferred one of our few remaining embryos and were so incredibly lucky when our girl, Makena, stuck with me. We live in Danville, California, where I grew up. My parents still live in the first house I ever knew just down the street, and Owen is now going to TK at the same elementary school I attended, which still feels so special and full circle.

Sarah: I’m a mama to two beautiful, hilarious, and wild girls, Charlotte (7) and Nora (3½). I live in my hometown of Danville, California with my girls and my husband, Jim. Before motherhood, I spent a decade teaching first grade and kindergarten. I left teaching when I was 37 weeks pregnant with Charlotte and became a stay-at-home mom, a role I secretly always wanted and am endlessly grateful for. When Charlotte was diagnosed with autism at age three, our world shifted, and I’m so thankful I was able to be home during those early years, for Charlotte and later for Nora. It’s time I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Meghan and I started Kena Gene Co. one night at my dining room table, never imagining what it would become. What began as a creative outlet between friends has grown into something we’re so deeply proud of. Meet our mama & woman owned small company: @kenageneco / www.kenageneco.com 

You both left careers as teachers to care for your babies. What ultimately gave you the push to start Kena Gene Co.?

We both needed a way to support our families financially. Going back to the classroom just didn’t make sense for us at this stage, with our kids being so young and most of our teaching income going straight to childcare. Although we loved teaching and working with children, only seeing our own kids in the evenings while paying someone else to be with them during the day didn’t feel right. We decided to take a risk and chase the dream of starting a jewelry company that would allow us to raise our kids at home and be present for the milestones that matter most. And honestly, having more adult conversations again sounded pretty great, too.

How did becoming mothers change what you wanted out of work and creativity?

Meghan:I’ve always needed a creative outlet. I’ve been making and crafting for as long as I can remember. When I was teaching, I even started a small baby onesie business on the side, creating pieces for friends, family, and my students’ families. If I wasn’t doing that, I was designing things with my Silhouette Cameo to make my kindergarten classroom feel magical.

Art has always brought me joy. I used to tell my students there’s no such thing as messing up in art—it’s a way to express yourself, to create when you’re happy, and to decompress when you need it. When I became a mom, I struggled with not having time for that creative outlet anymore. I poured so much of myself into caring for my children, which I love wholeheartedly, but I realized how important creativity was to who I am.

Becoming a mom changed what I wanted from work… I didn’t just want to create, I wanted to build something meaningful that fit into my life with my kids. Sarah had always wanted to make bracelets too, and one night during a girls’ night, we decided to just go for it.

Sarah: From my earliest memories, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I used to set up a classroom in my bedroom for my two  little sisters, “teach” lessons, and even wrote and put report cards in our mailbox for my parents to find. As much as I always knew my career was going to be in education,  I’ve always loved working.  From babysitting at 13, to working in an orthodontists office, to then my first job in a restaurant, I have just always craved work.

Motherhood was also something I always knew I wanted. After 5+ years at home with my babies, I was really missing the adult conversation, the connections, and the satisfaction of working alongside others. Starting Kena Gene Co. gave me the chance to step into something that challenged me in so many ways. It has allowed me to connect with people, and build something meaningful, all while staying deeply present for my girls. This truly feels like a dream job and I am so thankful for an incredible business partner and  the support of my husband, my family and friends.

What early challenges tested you the most as new founders and moms?

Balancing mom life and work life was, without a doubt, the hardest part in the beginning. We were so grateful that our little dream took off, but we had no idea how intense it would be. We were both caring for our kids while trying to work at the same time, and our homes looked like tornadoes of Kena Gene supplies mixed with baby and kid toys.

We worked during naps and after bedtime, regularly fulfilling orders together until 2 or 3 in the morning. Since we’re neighbors, we’d walk each other home at that hour, helping carry bins of supplies along the way. There were moments when Sarah was on calls with vendors and making bracelets and  fulfilling orders while Meghan was changing diapers during Zoom meetings with our website designer in Bangladesh, muting herself to hide the chaos while trying to stay focused.

It was absolute chaos—just working incredibly hard and making the most of every moment. Then we’d grab a little sleep, wake up, and do it all over again.

What has motherhood taught you about leadership?

Meg: You learn very quickly that leadership isn’t about control or having all the answers—it’s about patience, humility, and creating space for growth. Being a mom has taught me to listen more, lead with empathy, and trust the process, even when it’s messy.

Sarah: Motherhood has taught me that leadership is about patience, empathy, and adaptability. Just like raising kids, leading a business means listening carefully, responding thoughtfully, adjusting when things don’t go as planned, and celebrating small wins along the way. It’s also taught me to trust instincts, delegate when necessary, and embrace imperfection. Showing up consistently, leading with care, and learning from every challenge is what really matters.

How do you think about balance right now, knowing it’s always shifting?

Balance looks different in every season, and we’ve learned to accept that. Some weeks work needs more of us, and other weeks our kids do. Instead of striving for perfect balance, we focus on being present where we are. We check in often, both with ourselves and each other, and give ourselves grace when things feel uneven. 

What support systems have been essential in making this business possible?

Our families have truly been everything. Having parents and partners who believe in us and step in with childcare when needed has made all the difference. From the very beginning, our families showed up in countless ways—offering encouragement, advice, and hands-on support whenever we needed it.

Meg’s mom has been a true pillar, always helping with the kids, no questions asked, and believing in us every step of the way. She is constantly sharing how proud she is of us. Sarah’s mom has passed, but she is very much with us, shining her light on this company and without a doubt so proud of us. 

Our dads have been some of our biggest cheerleaders and trusted advice-givers, and they even helped support us financially in the early days. We also leaned on family members for behind-the-scenes help launching Kena Gene Co., like Meg’s sister Brittany, (who also lives and works  in Danville!!) who helped us set up our LLC and navigate the legal side of starting a business.

The love and support from our husbands, families, and even our kids has been overwhelming in the best way. Sar’s husband helps with deliveries and loading and unloading at pop-ups, always making sure we have hot coffee for early morning events. Meghan’s husband was the one nudging us in the very beginning to go for it and believe in our potential. He saw our true potential even before we believed it ourselves. Our kids proudly show up to pop-ups, get excited seeing bracelets named after them (we have a bracelet or collection named after each of them), and truly feel like part of the story. 

Our families are woven into Kena Gene in every sense, and just as importantly, we support each other constantly. Building this business alongside someone who deeply understands both the motherhood and business sides of life has been absolutely invaluable.

How do you protect your creative energy while juggling kids, life, and work?

Creativity needs space, even if it’s small. Sometimes that looks like working during naptime, sometimes late at night, and sometimes just letting ideas simmer without forcing them. We both have individual (and very long ) notes in our phone for random thoughts throughout the day or night for new designs, ideas, things to talk about, etc.  We  also try to remember that creativity doesn’t always have to be productive. Letting ourselves create just for joy helps protect that energy. We  laugh about this, but some of our biggest “aha” moments and creative ideas happen during our only real alone time—in the shower.

What would you say to a mom who wants to start something new but isn’t sure she’s ready?

You don’t have to have everything figured out to start. You learn as you go. Starting small, imperfect, and even scared is still starting. Trust your instincts and give yourself permission to try—you’re more capable than you think.

There’s something incredibly empowering about becoming a mom. If you feel that pull toward something new, believe in yourself and go for it. What’s the worst that could happen? And if you can, we highly recommend doing it with your bestie! It’s so fun to take risks alongside someone you trust and love, celebrate the wins together, and laugh through the moments that don’t go as planned—because trust us, there are a lot of them. And that’s ok!!

Time for a little rapid-fire round!

Favorite time of day to work:
Meg: Nap time. please, PLEASE!!! sleep.
Sarah: After carpool drop off

One word to describe this season of life:
Meg: Chaos
Sarah: “You’re gunna miss this..” oh wait, that’s 4 words..

A small daily ritual you swear by:
Meg: Bravo TV. Thank you, Andy Cohen.
Sarah: Good Morning Football & trying to squeeze in a workout

One piece of advice you’d give your pre-founder self:
Meg: Just go for it.  No one actually knows what they’re doing when they start; we’re all just figuring it out as we go!
Sarah: You don’t need to have all the skills, all the answers, or a perfect plan to start and grow something new and meaningful. Learning happens along the way. Celebrate all the wins, even the smallest.  Always remember that mistakes aren’t failures; they’re lessons that shape your growth.