Introducing The Motherhood Identity Series

Discover the untold stories of resilient mother entrepreneurs and leaders, navigating the dual roles of being a working professional & a parent.

Happy International Women’s Day!

The Mother Chapter is thrilled to introduce our new weekly newsletter, The Motherhood Identity Series, where we share authentic experiences of mom entrepreneurs and leaders who fearlessly navigate the intersection of motherhood and professional careers.

In this raw and honest Q&A-style conversation series, we dive deep into the stories of how these incredible women have been transformed by motherhood, exploring the profound shifts in identity, newfound purpose, redefined priorities, and personal and professional triumphs.

Join us as we shed light on the realities of the postpartum and motherhood journey, offering a supportive space where mothers can feel understood, empowered, and less alone.

This week, we are thrilled to share our discussion with model Nicole Trunfio, the founder & CEO of Bumpsuit, a maternity and postpartum clothing company. Not only is Bumpsuit self-funded and woman-owned and operated, since its inception in 2020, Bumpsuit has grown 2X year over year—and has been profitable since day one.

Bumpsuit is on a mission to redefine the maternity market and is steadfast in their goal of empowering and amplifying the voices of mothers. Their product assortment has grown organically as well—they’ve successfully launched a baby carrier to market, which became their bestseller in under a year. This year, they are slated to do 20 million in sales.

How was BUMPSUIT born? What was the inspiration behind your company?

Nicole Trunifo: The idea for Bumpsuit was born during my third pregnancy. Getting dressed while pregnant can be challenging, and I had a jumpsuit that I loved to wear at the time. It was easy to dress up or down and took the guesswork out of getting dressed with my already busy household. 

I had a vision to create a product that was unfailingly comfortable, polished and would simplify pregnancy dressing—and The Bumpsuit was born! I saw that there was a real need in the market for an essential, chic base layer during maternity. My vision was to create something that could take a woman all the way through maternity and beyond, and could be styled with her current wardrobe.

Before you were a mom—and a successful entrepreneur—what did you do? How did you grow your career?

I feel like I’ve had several careers! I was a model when I began my career at age 16, which really gave me insight into the fashion industry and taught me so much. I have walked for Tom Ford, Karl Lagefeld, Donatella Versace, and many others. I got to see firsthand how fashion houses were run, and behind the scenes of the creative process.

Being on set and working with the greats such as Peter Lindberg, Richard Avedon, and Patrick Demarchelier really gave me a lesson on creative direction, and has supported my vision for BUMPSUIT. I also am a trained jeweler, I’ve had a jewelry collection and will soon be launching another (Nicole Trunfio Fine Jewelry).

As a mom of three, you’ve been through postpartum several times. What did you struggle with?

During my pregnancies, I  found that the focus on the 4th trimester is really lacking, and that is something I became passionate about. While studying  transcendental meditation, I was introduced to the Ayurvedic traditions, which I find to be the most supportive in terms of the postpartum healing phase.

I incorporated these beliefs into the BUMPSUIT postpartum shapewear, and I also encourage mothers to hire an Ayurvedic postpartum doula, if possible, as this is the most important time for a mother to be supported.

Without having mine, I am not so sure I would have had such a smooth transition into motherhood. I also highly recommend the BUMPSUIT support waist trainer, which is modeled from the Ayurvedic binding ritual, and of course, our Armadillo baby carrier to keep your little one close. 

What has the experience been like balancing a growing company with being a mother?

It's hard, but nothing easy is ever worth pursuing. I love the challenge and feel an immense responsibility to our community, my daughters and the maternity and postpartum space. As I said before, I am here to serve. 

How did becoming a mother shift your identity? 

Motherhood has been my greatest gift and blessing,  I see what is important more than ever, and am able to prioritize that. It also helped define my purpose, and cut out a lot of noise and helped me see clearly what was not meant for me.

What does the world get wrong about mothers?

A mother knows best—and I truly believe in a mother’s intuition. I think trusting and supporting mothers and women would result in a more connected and aware society. And by amplifying the voices of mothers and women, there is so much we can learn from the maternal instinct.

What keeps you going as a busy professional and parent? What’s your biggest inspiration?

Women. Supporting and uplifting women is at the core of what I do, and the core of Bumpsuit. I want women to feel beautiful, strong and powerful during maternity and beyond.

I built the brand on this idea and it is part of everything we do: from product development to our community walks. I was born to empower women. And I believe I had a maternal instinct at a very young age.

Supporting mothers and opening up safe spaces for conversation is my absolute passion.

It excites me more than anything to go to work everyday, collaborate with a group of women, with the intention of making the maternity and postpartum space more beautiful and functional for those embarking on the birth journey and transition into motherhood. I am honored to be able to be of service in this field, to women and our community.

BUMPSUIT is offering our readers 20% off their purchase.
Use code MOTHERCHAPTER.

Here are some of our favorites:

The Lucy Bumpsuit/$130

The Monica Dress/$155

The Cloud Robe/$118

Support These Charities On IWD

The Center for Reproductive Rights

This organization champions reproductive rights globally, using litigation, advocacy, and partnerships to defend access to reproductive healthcare, including contraception and abortion services. Through policy analysis and research, they inform legal strategies and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies. Their work aims to ensure universal access to reproductive healthcare, free from discrimination and coercion.

Womankind Worldwide

This organization advocates for women's rights and movements, striving to ensure equal rights for women and girls. Their mission is to create a world where women and girls can live free from violence, participate in decisions that affect them, and have autonomy over their lives.

The Malala Fund

Established by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, this non-profit is dedicated to ensuring every girl receives 12 years of free, safe, and quality education. Through advocacy, fundraising, and partnerships with local organizations, the fund works to break down barriers to girls' education worldwide. They focus particularly on regions where girls are most likely to miss out on schooling due to poverty, conflict, or discrimination.

CARE International

This organization provides empowerment programs and emergency relief to communities worldwide, focusing on reducing violence, especially gender-based violence. They advocate for inclusive policies and have reached millions through advocacy and awareness initiatives. Last year, their #IamEveryWoman campaign in 2022 garnered support from corporate sponsors and included events like talks with female leaders and the #March4Women promoting gender equality.

Women for Women International

Founded in 1993 during the Bosnian war by Zainab Salbi, Women for Women International empowers marginalized women through social and economic programs. Inspired by her own survival of conflict in Iraq, Salbi is passionate about aiding women affected by armed conflict. Through their ongoing efforts, they advocate for and support women in underserved communities globally.

Equality Now

Established in 1992, Equality Now highlights global gender discrimination and violence, aiming to raise awareness and secure funding for women's rights causes. With support from the United Nations in 1993, the charity prioritized combating harmful practices and violence against women, along with promoting legal equality. Today, Equality Now continues to collaborate with organizations, fundraise for International Women’s Day, and advocate for women's equality.

One Last Thing: Thank you!

As best friends, co-founders and moms, we’re building Mila & Jo Media to provide a safe space for all women through each stage of the mothering journey. We’ve been through it all together: starting our careers, falling in love, watching one another travel, get married, struggle with TTC, cope through miscarriage and grief, and bring our children into the world. We are on a mission to create what we needed in these beautiful (and challenging) moments through powerful essays, expert-backed guides and community-centered services. Thanks for being here with us.

With love (from left to right),

Lindsay & her daughter, Josefine (Jo), and Jenn & her daughter, Mila