Meet Kristen Krahl | Certified Lactation Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Krahl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Bemybreastfriend had started out as a passion project, it was suggested to use Instgram as a means of communication on a large scale. My initial intent was simply to share any and all breastfeeding education to anyone who was interested in listening. To my surprise I had gained a lot of traction which then got me thinking about how I could take this further. In addition to passing information to as many as possible, I began to see more possibilities which included branded merchandise. Shortly after that I knew I wanted to build on my education by earning my CLC, with which I will shortly begin taking 1:1 lactation consults. This has all been 100% organic growth and true passion, which I believe has made this day dream a reality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Interestingly enough my life didn’t always revolve around breastfeeding, I was an active Pipefitter for 14 years prior to leaving the workforce to raise my family. For 14 years I worked in construction installing power and process pipe, hydronic pumps being one of the many pieces of equiptment I was familiar with. Moving forward I had traded in hydronic pumps for breast pumps! I have been told that due to my mechanical background, I am more proficient when it comes to breast pumps than others. Working as a non traditional employee, woman in a sea of men, I believe this also gave me the courage to pursue other intimidating opportunities, such as starting my own business. If I have learned anything it is to have faith in your ability to deliver, whether that is working on 50+ story high-rises installing mechanical systems or pursing education on a topic you’re passionate about, such as breastfeeding!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My husband and I lived in the City of Chicago for 10 years and I had also worked on many of the buildings in the downtown area as well, I would definitely take advantage of what the city has to offer! First things first, you’ll need to get a hotel room on the Mag Mile, one with a view! Lunch at Bandera’s on Michigan Ave, followed by some good ole sight seeing on a architecture boat tour! I genuinely just love stretching my legs and walking everywhere! If you haven’t had Chicago pizza, you CANNOT leave without stopping at Pequod’s Pizza on Clybourn Ave or getting a good beer and burger at the Bad Apple on Lincoln and Ashland! If there is something Chicago does right its food, be sure to endulge! If you’re interested in taking advantage of other things the city has to offer, don’t pass up the museums! The Field Museum and Science od Industry are two super cool places, which each deserve their own day of exploring.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be in this position without earning the trust of the past and present bemybreastfriend community. It means the world to me when the community recommends bemybreastfriend to their family and friends. These parents are why I am here and able to continue to be present. There has also been several other mompreneurs that have been excellent mentors who have given me guidance. Thank you Amanda Hunt of Davin&Adley, Lisa Myers of Ceres Chill and Sarah Wells of Sarah Wells Bags. These women don’t see competition only a community to build and I couldn’t be more proud to call them my friends.

Website: https://bemybreastfriend.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemybreastfriend

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bemybreastfriend

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bemybreastfriend?si=sA8lgl-NxTx4P7TC