Cherie Turner jokes that weekends are her paid vacation. It’s the two days a week when she works outside the home, putting in long shifts as an occupational therapist at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital. And Monday through Friday? Turner is even busier, caring for two young children while her husband is often traveling for work, and tending to what she calls her other baby, Mommy Scrubs.
A year into her business—a line of patent-pending pump-friendly scrubs for breastfeeding moms—Turner is working on mastering the juggle. “Some days I may rock motherhood and then suck at being a mompreneur. Some days I might be a fabulous wife but then I feel like I neglected the kids,” she says. “At this stage, rarely am I excellent in each role. But I’m doing it.”
“I was undressing multiple times during my work shift, removing the scrub top off over my head transferring those germs, messing up my hair. So that mommy brain and OT brain collided and I had the vision.”
Interview with Cherie Turner
DFWChild: Tell us the story behind Mommy Scrubs?
CT: Imagine you’re a new mom and you’re returning to work from maternity leave; your days are busy, you’re taking care of other people and you’re fighting to sustain your breastfeeding journey. That was me. I returned to work and quickly noticed the lack of postpartum support in our uniforms. I was undressing multiple times during my work shift, removing the scrub top off over my head, transferring those germs, messing up my hair. So that mommy brain and OT brain collided and I had the vision for what is now Mommy Scrubs.
This was back when I first became a mom six years ago, but at that time I was suffering in silence with postpartum depression and anxiety. Mentally, physically, emotionally, financially I wasn’t in a position to move forward with the idea. But fast forward three years later, I’m a mom for the second time and I return to work I’m having the same issues. I’m like, ‘Oh I remember this, and this is still a problem!’ I was in a better place mentally, handling motherhood well, and had the opportunity to get Mommy Scrubs started.
C: It’s crazy that pump-friendly scrubs didn’t exist!
CT: If you don’t live the experience and never need it, you wouldn’t think of it. I didn’t think about pumping at work until I was there with my bag and my pump and I’m like, wait what do I do?
Of course, my ship has sailed; this milk factory is permanently closed and I’m thankful for that (laughs). But it’s about serving others—not just selling scrubs but making the journey easier for other women.
C: What advice would you give another mom with a great idea or who’s just starting a business?
CT: A goal without a plan is just a wish. So write it down, make it plain, and seek help. Then start where you are and give yourself a lot of grace because mom guilt is real. The thing is, your business feels like a new baby. You have your children, and then you also have this new baby. Recently we were on vacation, and it felt like I left a baby at home.
“You have to be so intentional about remembering who you are and what you like. It’s easy to begin to suppress some of your needs and wants because that mommy guilt creeps in.”
Also, always remember your “why.” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re juggling motherhood, business and everything in between. There will be days when things don’t go as planned, when the orders are slow, the kids are sick, or you’re just plain exhausted. On those days, when motivation fades and the to-do list feels impossible, your “why” becomes your anchor. It’s what grounds you, fuels you and reminds you that what you’re building matters. Hold onto it tightly. Some days, it may be the only thing that keeps you going and that’s more than enough.
C: So many women suffer from postpartum depression. Can you share more about your experience?
CT: I had placenta previa with first pregnancy which resulted in a C-section. As a new mom, recovering from major abdominal surgery, it was tough and I believe that’s what triggered my postpartum depression and anxiety. I was suffering in silence. No one was asking about mom, it’s all about baby. And I was able to pretend until I couldn’t anymore. I had a meltdown but that in itself was a relief because then everyone knew, and I didn’t have to suffer alone anymore.
I think I slipped through the cracks because I wasn’t being honest. I didn’t really put the right score on the questionnaires, because I was embarrassed. I was a first-time mom and people just expect you to be happy. I wish I was brave enough to be honest at that time, I just felt so ashamed. But through the grace of God and prayer and my family rallying around me things got better.
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C: What’s surprised you about being a mom?
CT: People don’t really talk about this identity crisis that comes with being a mom. Motherhood is great, but that’s not my whole identity—I’m a mom, an occupational therapist, a small business owner, a wife and so on. But I can see where it can become your entire identity and you lose yourself. You have to be so intentional about remembering who you are and what you like. It’s easy to suppress some of your needs and wants because that mommy guilt creeps in. You’re like, ‘How could I be thinking about my life before kids? My kids are a blessing.’ But two things can be true. They’re the best part of my life and they’re also the most exhausting part of my life.
C: Who’s in your village?
CT: I love having a group of mommy friends because when things are understood they don’t have to be explained. And when you are with moms, there are some things you don’t have to explain and that is so refreshing. There’s no judgement. It is vital to have a group of mommy friends. You don’t need a whole bunch you just need a faithful few.
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Cherie Turner Favorite Places & Tips for Moms & Entrepreneurs
1. Where She Goes for Family Fun Time
The Turners love the McKinney Play Street Museum for imaginative fun, where her son is “always a farmer” and her daughter play with every single baby doll.
When venturing out, Turner says a trip to Grapevine Mills is worth the drive. “It has Legoland, Rainforest Café, bowling and more. The animatronic animals at Rainforest Café are a hit every time!”
2. Entrepreneurial Support
Turner lists the following as some of the resources she’s benefitted from most as an entrepreneur. “Through these organizations, I’ve received mentorship, grants, and completed accelerator programs, as well as gained valuable experience in pitch competitions. They’ve been an incredible support system on my entrepreneurial journey.”
– SCORE: Offers free, one-on-one business mentoring.
– The DEC Network: Programs, mentorships and community to accelerate entrepreneurship in DFW.
– Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE): Advising, funding opportunities and training programs through Texas Women’s University.
– Mavs Business Assist: Supports minority entrepreneurs by providing free online resources and quarterly workshops with Dallas Mavericks executives and sponsors.
3. Tips for Traveling with Kids
When your husband’s a pilot, you learn some traveling hacks. When flying with the kids, Turner shares, “Snacks are everything! I pack a big Ziplock full: Goldfish, fig bars, applesauce pouches, pretzels, etc. We try not to check bags, so I always carry wipes, sanitizer, tissues, Band-Aids, and water bottles.
Flight attendants can provide hot water if needed for formula. You’re allowed to bring bottled water, formula and frozen or liquid breast milk through security if traveling with a baby (just plan for extra time, as TSA will need to test it).
Bring a stroller and check it at the gate. If renting a car, you can rent a car seat or if your stroller has a car seat attachment, check both at the gate.
For toddlers and young kids, pack a tablet (with charger and headphones), download the airline’s app beforehand and bring quiet activities like books or small toys. For infants, keep an extra change of clothes within reach (I learned this the hard way after a blowout mid-flight)! Change diapers and potty breaks right before boarding. If you’re breastfeeding, nurse during takeoff and landing to relieve ear pressure. For older kids, chewing gum or sucking on a lollipop helps too.”
4. Love of Libraries
“We love popping into the library for a quick play or book checkout,” says Turner. “We visit the John and Judy Gay Library in McKinney and the Frisco Library (which has a huge dinosaur the kids love!). When the kids were younger, we went weekly for story time. Now we look for learning-based events around STEAM or holidays.”
