When it comes to baby skincare, trust and gentleness are everything. That’s why Mamba Mammas has caught the attention of parents across the UK, offering midwife-approved products designed with newborns in mind.
Built on expertise, care, and a commitment to natural solutions, the brand is proving that safe, effective skincare can also be simple. In this interview, we speak with founder Tatiana Martinez about the inspiration behind Mamba Mammas, the mission driving the brand, and the impact it’s having on families today.
From Calling to Career: A Life Shaped by Midwifery
Tatiana, what first drew you into midwifery, and what keeps you passionate after 14 years?
I was drawn to midwifery from a very young age. Weirdly, I always wanted to be a doctor but didn’t think I was smart enough. The idea of caring for someone in need of help, support, and compassion always appealed to me.
At first, I tried to get onto a course to study Fashion Merchandising in NYC, and after completing a degree in Caribbean Studies and International Business, I knew I needed a career that aligned with my heart. Midwifery, to me, is the ultimate caring profession—and what better role than to be a midwife!
As both a midwife and a mother of four, how did you come to realise there was a real need for the newborn skincare product you went on to create?
During my time in midwifery, I realised that parents would put almost anything on their baby’s skin. Many wait for that moment when they can use all the products they never used before—not to mention that familiar “baby smell,” which is often the result of fragranced products.
One day, my team manager told me to stop suggesting olive oil, as it can damage the skin barrier. Instead, she recommended sunflower oil. I used this advice for years, but there was no baby-friendly brand I could suggest—it was just “the sunflower oil you cook with.” Parents would look at me like it was such a strange suggestion. That’s what inspired me to create my own brand, sourcing the best-quality sunflower oil for sensitive, brand-new skin.
Starting a business from scratch takes courage. What gave you the belief to say, “I can do this,” and launch Mamba Mammas?
I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and knew I wanted to create something meaningful. I also knew I couldn’t leave this planet without doing something risky—something that truly challenged me. Having faced challenging times very young by having my first child in my early 20s and experiencing being a mother before all of my peers, I knew I wouldn’t allow society to deem me as a failure. So pushing myself during this tender time has been in me and has given me the self-belief that I can overcome anything.
When I first started Mamba Mammas, I told myself, if I can make five bottles and sell them, then we can build little by little. Over the years, I’ve faced many trials and setbacks, but right now my biggest motivation is my kids. I work tirelessly, pushing the brand after long shifts, with the goal of one day buying a home for them. That’s what keeps me going.
Parent-Approved and Midwife-Trusted: A Skincare Standard
What standards guided you in developing a product you could confidently call “Midwife Approved”?
As a midwife, I know which oils are safe and which aren’t. That’s where “Midwife Approved” comes from. I’m certain midwives across the UK also recommend sunflower oil because I receive orders nationwide—someone must be suggesting us!
After caring for thousands of babies, including my own four, I know exactly what newborn skin needs. That experience is the foundation of our seal of approval. Other brands may look polished, but often you don’t know what’s really inside. With our products, it’s simple: the most gentle and kind ingredients, giving your baby’s skin the best possible start.
From your first bottles to today, what moments have surprised you most about how Mamba Mammas has grown?
Honestly, the volume of sales with very little marketing! Parents clearly trust our brand. It makes me wonder what we could achieve with more media support and investment.
What kind of feedback from parents has meant the most since launching?
We receive heartfelt messages through Amazon and our website. Parents of overdue babies with very dry skin, or those whose little ones spent time in neonatal care, often share how transformative the oil has been.
Hearing that our products not only worked but gave parents confidence—that’s the best feedback we could hope for. Parenthood can feel overwhelming, and we want families to feel supported by midwives even after they leave hospital.
For many new parents, Amazon Prime is a lifeline. How has Mamba Mammas being on that platform helped?
Amazon Prime has been pivotal. Parents of newborns often need solutions immediately, and Prime’s same- or next-day delivery provides that reassurance. My older sister first suggested it, and while the process to join wasn’t easy, it was worth it.
We also sell through our website, but Amazon’s speed and reliability make it the perfect partner.
More Than Skincare: Empowering Mothers, Supporting Families
Beyond the products, what kind of conversations do you hope Mamba Mammas sparks among families?
At its heart, Mamba Mammas is about empowering mothers. The brand was built on the belief that women can push through challenges—whether postnatal depression, anxiety, or exhaustion—and emerge stronger.
Even the name itself carries power: “Mamba” is Africa’s longest snake, symbolising strength and resilience. We want families to associate our brand with reliability, reassurance, and the confidence that they’re giving their baby the best start in life.
Giving back seems central to your mission. How have you supported families and charities along the way?
I’ve always wanted parents to know there’s something better for their baby’s skin. Over the years, I’ve reached out directly to charities, mummy meet-up groups, and baby massage classes, offering free bottles.
While we haven’t tracked exact numbers, we estimate we’ve donated around 1,000 bottles in the past two years.
You’ve shared Mamba Mammas at maternal and women’s health conferences. What has that recognition meant?
It’s been pivotal to stand alongside leaders shaping midwifery care. These conferences focus on improving outcomes for mothers and babies, and our products align perfectly with that mission.
They’ve also highlighted an important truth: the baby skincare market is dominated by large corporations, yet parents often don’t know what’s in those products. Mothers are especially conscious of making the best choices during pregnancy and beyond, and we’re proud to offer them a gentler, safer alternative.
Trials, Triumphs, and the Truth of Building a Business
Balancing midwifery, motherhood, and entrepreneurship must come with challenges. What has tested you most?
The balance itself is always testing. Each role—midwife, mother, business owner—requires full attention. The biggest challenge has been fitting everything into a day—from working full time, to business responsibilities and taking care of my children—days are full and life is very busy.
Business-wise, cash flow has been a new world to navigate. We started with just £200, reinvesting every penny. At times, I even requested early Amazon payouts—even £40 could cover Canva fees or labels. What keeps me going is knowing I’m building this for my kids. That knowledge fuels me through every setback.
To be honest, through all the challenges, my children push me every day. They keep me on my toes and motivate me even when I don’t feel like it. They’re my biggest supporters and help me through the tough days—especially my three older girls. And a fun fact: having my own children taught me firsthand the struggles parents face when navigating parenthood. I take those testing moments—along with my midwifery experiences—and pour them into Mamba Mammas, bit by bit.
For women who want to turn their ideas into a business, what advice would you share?
Follow your heart. If you truly believe society needs your idea, start small and prove it. We began with one product and just five bottles. When they sold within days, I knew we could build to 10, then 20, then 50.
Set achievable targets and don’t feel pressured to “make a million” in the first year. Success comes step by step, as long as you’re meeting a real need.
From Dreams to Destinations: The Next Chapter for Mamba Mammas
What’s next for Mamba Mammas as it grows?
We’re developing an Ultimate Skincare Package for mothers and babies, bringing essential products together in one set. Beyond that, we’d love to see Mamba Mammas stocked in high street stores. While our online presence is strong, being on shelves would allow us to connect with more parents directly.
I truly believe we can become the go-to baby skincare brand for gentle, organic, natural care.
Tatiana’s vision for Mamba Mammas stretches far beyond the first bottles she mixed in her kitchen. What began as a midwife’s answer to a simple need is now evolving into a brand with the power to shape family routines across the UK and beyond.
Since our readers are always dreaming of their next adventure, we had to ask Tatiana about her own.
Our readers are passionate travellers who are always seeking inspiration. If you could choose one dream destination for a family escape, where would it be—and why?
For a family holiday, Jamaica would be our first choice—my son is obsessed! Personally, I’d love to travel through East Asia, especially Japan and South Korea. The chance to completely switch off and immerse myself in a new culture would be the ultimate escape.
Mamba Mammas is more than a skincare line—it’s a reflection of the care, expertise, and resilience of a midwife who understands exactly what new parents need. With every bottle, the brand carries a message of trust, empowerment, and gentleness for the most precious skin of all. As families across the UK continue to discover the difference of midwife-approved baby skincare, Tatiana Martinez’s journey is only just beginning.
Explore the full range of products and discover why parents of newborns everywhere are choosing Mamba Mammas. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram @MambaMammas for updates, parenting tips, and more.
