Today we have Jaycina, multi-hyphenate creative mama and founder of The Tender Foundation. Read all about how she makes a difference and empowers moms in Atlanta through advocating and making essentials for mothers accessible.

Jaycina + Syx for LOFT shot by @dontemaurice — Jaycina + Syx for LOFT shot by @dontemaurice

Introduce yourself and your non-profit.

Hi! I'm Jaycina - a mama, a model, and founder of The Tender Foundation. Tender is committed to empowering all moms in Atlanta by making essentials accessible. Our goal is to get our mamas out of "crisis mode" and allow them to focus on what's really important: their family.

How did you start foundation? And why the soft spot for single mothers in Atlanta in particular?

It's a long story! Haha. So, initially I had an idea to create a subscription box service tailored to each trimester of pregnancy. A highly curated, elevated self-care tool kit for expecting mamas and the premise was that for each box sold a box of essentials like diapers + wipes would be distributed to underserved moms. I got that business ready to launch! Inventory, everything - but I never launched. I would have every excuse as to why not then I realized I didn't care about actually selling the boxes. I cared about the service aspect of things so I got real with myself and decided to pivot and become a nonprofit. That's how Tender was born. I'm a single mama that has lived in Atlanta since I left home at 19, it's the city where I became a mom. I'll always have a soft spot!

What are some specific ways your foundation helps parents?

Our core program is the family stabilization program. Through that program we provide: eviction protection through rent assistance, disconnection prevention through our utility assistance, grocery store gift cards so our mamas can shop and make their own choices about what their families need, and other basic necessities like diapers, wipes, formula. We are like a safety net.

tender mama mandela + her son shot by @slumpiera — tender mama mandela + her son shot by @slumpiera

What is one thing/aspect that makes your foundation so memorable?

We do this work with a lot of love and little hassle. There is such a stigma around needing help and then there are so many hurdles and barriers in receiving it once somebody is vulnerable enough to ask. We're dedicated to making sure all of our mamas feel surrounded in support every step of the way.

Name up to three other small businesses/brands/non-profits that you admire.