Seneca Williams, Founder and Organizer of The HOTMYLK Project of NYC for Moms, in Brooklyn, NY
The beautiful owner of HOTMYLK
Icons-What is the HOTMYLK Project NYC?
Seneca-The HOTMYLK Project of NYC for Moms is a motherhood support group on Meetup.com. HOTMYLK is an acronym which stands for Heroic Outstanding Triumphant Mother You’d Like to Know. This support network for mothers was created, based on research that mothers without a supportive network are more likely to develop mood and anxiety disorders. This group allows mothers to express themselves in a safe, non-judgmental environment. They may discuss issues from a different perspective and build confidence within themselves and each other. There are children outings, mom outings and opportunities to do community service. The group encourages personal growth, professional growth and community development.
Icons-How was HOTMYLK created?
Seneca-HOTMYLK was created in 2007, as a positive flattering expression for a mother and to negate the more offensive term Hot MILF. It was originally an online forum for mothers to communicate through MySpace. With the popularity and expansion of Facebook, I decided to research other online social networks which a motherhood support network would flourish. I came across Meet-up.com, a web based organization that hosts thousands of groups, in all communities across the world. I began inviting my friends and family to join Meet-up.com as a way to build HOTMYLK. This was a phenomenal way for parents to interact with other parents and their children. Through my organization, I come across a lot of intelligent mothers, that are entrepreneurs or working towards that goal, doing community service projects, pursuing higher degrees, developing their careers and seeking enrichment opportunities for their children. This was perfect for HOTMYLK, it was what I had envisioned for this group. HOTMYLK, provides experiences for moms and children. For children there are play-dates and field trips to theater, concerts, parks, festivals, picnics, museums, zoos, amusement parks, etc. For mothers there are informal discussion groups, brunches, dinners, events, career networking, educational networking, etc. There is a lot for moms and kids to do within this kind of group. Dads are welcome to visit our playgroups, as we encourage building stronger families. HOTMYLK as a fashion statement will materialize in the future in the form of T-shirts, tote bags, mom and kid essentials. HOTMYLK is an entity of itself, under this umbrella the organization will evolve to use multiple avenues to empower moms to be a well-rounded individuals, through meet-ups, workshops, essential clothing and items.
Seneca in deep thoughts at Brooklyn College
Icons-What are your goals for this organization?
Seneca-I want to see this group grow and develop into an agency that encourages mothers to pursue positive changes in their life. Those changes could be emotional, personal or professional. The agency will provide information services to aid in their growth, such as buying a home, changing careers or starting their own businesses. My desire and goal for the group, is to see moms promoting HOTMYLK to their family, friends, coworkers etc, I want mothers’ to become Heroic Outstanding and Triumphant, so they may inspire their children and other mothers. I would love to see HOTMYLK on the streets as a fashion statement, mothers wearing handbags, T-shirts, headbands etc. I am seeking a design team in the upcoming months to work on this vision. Stay tuned, so you too can make a statement that you are a HOTMYLK.
Icons-What projects are you currently working on?
Seneca-I am currently working with Leading Ladies a group of successful, motivated women that aim to use their abilities to support others in need. This group includes businesses owners from Jayblessed Media, LOuve Potions (bartending services) and Belza Dentro (hair stylists) and other professionals. We are currently doing outreach to get support for a charity event Leading Ladies will host at The Center Against Domestic Violence in the Fall. The event is called “Mission Uplift” it will empower and uplift women who have been victimized by domestic violence. We are asking that people donate beauty products in good condition or send monetary donations. Anything we receive for the cause would be greatly appreciated. The Leading Ladies founder, Anika McDowell asked HOTMYLK to join them to help produce Mission Uplift. Leading Ladies is not affiliated with HOTMYLK, but their mission is aligned with ours in the sense, they are a group of women with the goal to inspire growth within others. I'm also in the process of creating information workshops on self-esteem, mental health awareness, career planning and parenting. I am developing a casual wear line for HOTMYLK. Moms want to feel comfortable without sacrificing their looks, while handling all their mommy duties; such as grocery shopping, trips to the park, taking kids to karate or dance lessons, etc.
Seneca in her P.M.A Accessories
Icons-As a recent graduate; how does this organization relates to your degree?
Seneca-I received a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. This organization relates to my degree, because while providing mental health services as a psychotherapist, I worked with mothers who were dealing with post-partum depression, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. All of these mothers had one thing in common; they did not have an adequate support network, which led them to seek professional help. Anxiety and depression can affect any one of us, if we are in a stressful situation with no support. I realized a moms group would be essential for women in our community. Ideally, The HOTMYLK Project is a support network that can help mothers who need love and support. HOTMYLK is an important network, because it will empower mothers to live better lives. “When we improve ourselves, we improve our children’s’ world.”
For more details on how to become a Hotmylk, please email Seneca at. hotmylk.nyc@gmail.com as for information on how you can help women the Center Against Domestic Violence please contact her at leadingladysenca@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment