Maan's Inspiring Story of Resilience, Family, and Crafting a New Path

This week’s Moms Next Move Issue brings you an inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and the power of family support. Meet Maan, a mom of four, Clinical Research Associate, and founder of MPB Crafts, a business born out of a difficult time that blossomed into a source of pride and resilience for her family.

Maan’s Story

Maan’s journey is one of balancing family, career, and unexpected life shifts. For over a decade, she thrived in the clinical trials industry, working as a clinical research associate. But when a sensitive pregnancy demanded her attention, she stepped away from work to prioritize her health and her family.

Then, a few years later, a new opportunity emerged—a remote position that allowed her to work from home. However, shortly after, Maan was hit with another challenge: a redundancy notice. Faced with uncertainty, she poured her energy into MPB Crafts, a business she’d started during a difficult period when her youngest daughter was in the NICU.

What began as a way to raise funds for medical bills became a thriving small business offering personalized crafts, from mirrors to notebooks. Through faith, family support, and sheer resilience, Maan has built a fulfilling new career path. Her story shows that sometimes, the hardest moments lead us to unexpected new opportunities.

The Conversation: Q&A with Maan

Q: Can you walk us through your career journey, from being a clinical research associate to where you are now?

Maan: “I’ve been in the clinical trials industry since 2009. I resigned in 2020 due to a sensitive pregnancy. In 2022, I accepted a remote job offer, but it was short-lived—I received my redundancy notice in 2023. That’s when I poured my energy into MPB Crafts. I started it after our youngest was delivered prematurely in October 2022. We sold personalized items to raise funds, and the rest is history.”

Q: You’ve faced several challenges, including difficult pregnancies and a layoff. How did you maintain your resilience during these times?

Maan: “I’ve drawn strength from the love and support of people around me. My faith has also carried me through all the difficult times.”

Q: What role has your faith played in navigating the ups and downs of your career transitions?

Maan: “It reminds me to trust the process. It helps me maintain a resilient mindset.”

Q: How did you balance your desire to be present for your children with your professional aspirations?

Maan: “I looked for flexible arrangements that allowed me to meet my children’s needs while pursuing my career goals. I ensure that I spend quality time with my children so they don’t feel less important. They also understand why there is a need to work, and I include them in some of my tasks when possible.”

Q: Can you tell us about the moment you decided to start your crafting business? What inspired this shift?

Maan: “A sudden desire for a new hobby led me outside my comfort zone. In August 2022, a friend lent me a Cricut machine. By October, when our daughter was in the NICU, I realized I could use this hobby to help cover her expenses. I started taking on client requests, and I began to truly enjoy it.”

Q: How did you grow your crafting business to success while managing a household with small children?

Maan: “My family is very supportive. My kids are supportive. Everyone around me is supportive. We take turns caring for the kids and finishing projects.”

Q: What support systems or groups have been crucial in your journey, and how have they helped you?

Maan: “Our oil support group, which teaches not only about oils but also about resilience and a healthy mindset. And, of course, my family and friends who keep cheering for me and believing in me. They helped me internalize that I can achieve what I set my mind to.”

Learnings from Maan’s Story

Maan’s story offers powerful insights into finding resilience, building new opportunities, and balancing family life with career ambitions.

Here are some takeaways:

• Seek Flexibility When Needed: Maan prioritized family time by seeking out remote roles and flexible work schedules, helping her balance both her personal and professional commitments.

• Lean on Your Support System: Whether through family, friends, or community groups, Maan relied on a circle of support that encouraged her to keep going.

• Embrace New Opportunities: Sometimes, unexpected skills or hobbies—like Maan’s introduction to crafting with a Cricut machine—can become the foundation of a new path forward.

• Faith and Mindset Are Essential: Maan’s faith and commitment to maintaining a resilient mindset were essential in helping her navigate each transition and setback.

Stay Tuned for the Podcast Episode!

We’re excited to share more from Maan’s journey in our first podcast episode of Moms Who Moved, airing very soon! Tune in to hear Maan’s reflections on resilience, her creative process, and advice for moms balancing family and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Thanks for joining us on Moms Next Move! Remember, the challenges we face today often lead us to the most rewarding journeys.