Who Says We're Selfish? Motherhood, Ambition & Identity w/ Dara Chike-Obi

"All the rules are fake. If that’s the case, I’m going to make my own. And I’m going to make them with other like-minded women beside me." - Dara Chike-Obi

For the short holiday week, we're re-releasing this powerful episode with Dara Chike-Obi—because sometimes the most important lessons come in the form of a pivot.

When we first recorded, Dara was the co-founder of GRIO, a baby feeding tech company designed to support new mothers and reduce infant colic symptoms. But what started as a conversation about motherhood and innovation unfolded into something much deeper—an honest reflection on what it means to evolve, to listen to your own voice, and to build something aligned with your truth. In this episode, we talk about Dara’s journey from oil and gas attorney to tech entrepreneur—and now, her shift into beauty aesthetic education for Black women and women of color navigating midlife. Through every chapter, Dara’s throughline has remained clear: a commitment to wellness, legacy, and community for women.

Keywords:

motherhood, entrepreneurship, identity, community, innovation, Griot, parenting, women empowerment, business, personal growth

Takeaways:

Dara's journey reflects the challenges faced by new mothers in balancing identity and motherhood.

The concept of 'griot' emphasizes the role of parents as storytellers and guides for their children.

Community support is crucial for new mothers, contrasting with the individualistic approach often seen in Western culture.

Dara's innovation in the baby bottle market highlights the importance of addressing real needs in parenting.

The transition into motherhood can be overwhelming, and societal expectations often add to the pressure.

Dara's partnership with Lydia was pivotal in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Understanding the target market requires direct engagement and feedback from consumers.

Risk and failure are opportunities for growth and learning in business.

Maintaining personal ambitions while being a mother can enhance family dynamics.

Continuous learning and curiosity are essential for personal and professional growth.

Chapters:

04:40 Cultural Perspectives on Motherhood

09:31 Innovating in a Crowded Market

15:47 Navigating Identity and Ambition

21:14 Building GRIO from the Ground Up

28:11 Understanding Risk and Failure

36:30 Future Aspirations and Community Support

36:51 Supporting Mothers in the Workplace

Interested in learning more about beauty aesthetic treatments?

Follow Dara on TikTok: @daradossier

LinkedIn: @Dara Chike-Obi

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Stay in touch with me at @glamourgirlniya and @blkgirlambition

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