Local mom creates new group with goal to help other mothers thrive

Allison Creagh has been a mom for three years now, and as she has settled into the role, she's realized the importance of connection, community and discovering her own interests away from motherhood.

So, this August, she launched Thrive Motherhood, setting up programs and networking opportunities for local moms. Creagh lives in north Raleigh with her husband. They're raising two young children and own Creagh Furniture. I checked in with Creagh to learn more about Thrive Motherhood. Here's a Q&A.

Go Ask Mom: What was the aha moment behind Thrive? Why did you want to start it?

Allison Creagh: Our identity should not and cannot be solely in motherhood. I’ve talked to and heard from so many moms who feel stuck in life but know there’s more. They just don’t know how to discover what they were made to do. In the last two years, I’ve been thinking how I can connect moms together and help them learn and grow to do what they love to do. So I’m so excited to step into that need and provide a place for moms to really thrive!

The mission of Thrive Motherhood is to help moms discover their strengths, skills and passion, encouraging them through community so that they thrive in and out of the home. Thrive Motherhood is for every mom — working, stay at home, entrepreneur, work from home, etc. We are committed to providing monthly gatherings with tools and resources you need to develop into the mom and leader that is beyond what you even dreamed you could be. We also organize monthly playgroups for moms to find community. Both of these events are free!

GAM: What have you done so far?

AC: In September, we had our first event outside at North Hills. Alara+Zane and Goldfish Swimming School sponsored the food, coffee and venue and a clinical psychologist taught us how to help our children's mental health during COVID. In October, a local Realtor, Laura Richardson, sponsored the venue and Jubala coffee and biscuits in Lafayette Village outside and featured a panel of moms who own businesses. They shared their experience of being a mom and a business owners and tips for other moms who want to start their own business. We had about 35 women there and six different awesome giveaways by the panelists. We have also had about 20 moms every month since August be a part of our playgroups!

GAM: Motherhood is hard at any time ... but really hard now. What's helped you during the pandemic? What's given you some hope and comfort?

AC: Community and finding your people makes ALL the difference. I don’t have just one group of friends, but I have friends in different areas of my life that encourage me in different ways and live life with me in different areas. I am a member of the Summit Church, which is where so many of my friends are as well. We are raising our kids together, sharing meals with one another, and helping each other in need. It's a beautiful community and most importantly, they point me to Jesus Christ as my Savior. He is the one who gives me true hope and comfort.

GAM: You have an event coming up on race in November. What's planned, and why did you want to tackle that topic?

AC: I am SO excited about this event because I believe it's something our community needs but no one is doing it. The event is Nov, 14 on a Saturday morning in a new store called the Mom Lounge in Crabtree Valley Mall. It's sponsored by Citi Collective, Sugar Euphoria, and Sweet Dreams Doula. There will be local coffee by NoRa coffee and cakes by Nothing Bundt Cakes. We will have a panel of moms of all different races share their story and experience because of their race, highlighting that we are all different which is a beautiful thing to be celebrated. Even though we are different, we can all be unified together through motherhood and as friends. There will also be a short networking time to get to know some of the moms. But this will all be done safely through social distancing and masks, of course.

GAM: What are you working on next, and what are your hopes for Thrive going forward?

AC: We are working on a Holiday fundraising event in December modeling a wine and design theme. And then we will kick off in January with a light-hearted networking event. Right now, I am in the networking stage myself with Thrive. I want to meet as many mom professionals as I can who would be interested in being a part of Thrive. I also am working with businesses to sponsor these events so there is little to no cost for the moms and great marketing and advertising for the businesses. We Facebook Live every event for those who are unable to make it. It has been a blast to meet so many moms in the Raleigh area already, so I am excited to see how this community grows as Thrive continues.

Go Ask Mom features local moms every Monday.