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

Hi Tamar, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
After having my two boys, I realized the absence of a tangible memory of my pregnancies. It was during a vivid dream where I saw a beautiful pregnancy sculpture that the idea for Mommy2be was born. This dream inspired me to empower mothers in their incredible journey by proudly showcasing the beauty of Motherhood through art.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Mommy2be is not just a business; it’s a heartfelt journey of capturing the beauty and essence of pregnancy and parenthood through timeless sculptures. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing a deeply personal and artistic touch to this transformative journey in life. Mommy2be proudly stands as the first USA-based company offering these unique sculptures.
I am most proud of creating a brand that deeply connects with the essence of parenthood, celebrating the unique and magical experience of pregnancy and becoming a parent through art. Each sculpture we make is a special memory, a keepsake that transports you back to those special moments.

Starting Mommy2be wasn’t without its challenges. From a dream about a pregnancy sculpture to actually bringing it to life, it was a journey that took time. Our dedication to quality led us to conduct extensive research on the best products, materials, and equipment. Learning the art of creation and capturing was a learning curve, especially in a business where you wear many hats. Starting a business, especially one with a new product, presents its share of challenges and decisions that may not always pan out. However, by making some decisions that didn’t work out also brought me where I am today. Looking at where we stand now, making numerous mommies-to-be and parents happy by capturing their journey, brings immense joy.

What I want everyone to know about Mommy2be is that it’s not just a typical studio—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the journey into parenthood. While we primarily focus on moms, we spread the happiness to the entire family. From our Daddy and baby sculptures to capturing precious moments with your kids, we ensure that every member is included. Our art doesn’t end with pregnancy; we believe in celebrating individuals at every stage of life. Mommy2be is committed to excellence, delivering quality artistry wherever you may be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a huge fan of the South Bay, especially the beach cities, the more laid-back spots. For the perfect morning, I’d start with a coffee from Coffee Cartel, grab a croissant from the French Bakery, and take a walk on the beach or the Terranea Trail. I love modern art, so The Broad museum would definitely be on the agenda. Given my Amsterdam roots, a bike ride from Redondo Beach to Santa Monica Pier is a must. I love good food, so we would go for lunch at Pitchoun! and dinner at Elephante in Santa Monica. Another favorite restaurant of mine is Bestia. For the real Hollywood/LA experience, we will do a Sunday brunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel, walk along Rodeo Drive, and grab a cupcake from the Sprinkles cupcake ATM.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Big shoutout to my amazing husband, Georges! He’s not just a good listener, he’s the MVP of support in my life. He’s always there with a listening ear and a helping hand. Couldn’t do it without you, babe!

Website: www.mommy2bestudio.com

Instagram: @mommy2bestudio

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.