By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor
A young mother with her baby in tow was all smiles as she pushed her stroller out of the hotel doors and crossed the street, heading to the parking lot. Jazmine Warden had just experienced a first-time event in Frisco, Texas, geared exclusively towards her and her child’s well-being.
“I loved the fellowship of mothers coming together; not only just mothers of color but also fathers too,” Warden said.
A chiropractic doctor at Palmercare Chiropractic in Las Colinas, Warden is used to providing helping hands to make others feel good. This time, she seemed joyful after having experienced The Black Moms Fair & Baby Expo presented by The Mtoto Agency, a local nanny and household agency in Dallas-Fort Worth, founded by Stephanie Bauchum.
“I just loved all of us getting together and being able to see different holistic items that we can incorporate into our lifestyles that will help benefit our kids, you know, raising our kids to be the next best thing for our community,” Warden said.
The event on Nov. 23, 2024, transformed the seventh floor of Hall Park Hotel in Frisco into a winding oasis of motherhood and Black joy. From fertility, doulas, breastfeeding clothing for working moms, bookstore, ethnic gift wrapping vendors, and more, there were options with welcoming faces at every turn. Targeted panel discussions throughout the day were a highlight as well, featuring Black nannies, career moms in medicine, education, business owners, and a panel of fathers.
“It was great to hear the Black dads panel,” Walden said. “It really gives you an insight of what Black dads go through and what they think about and how we can better serve our Black men.”
As the event curator, Bauchum has over 13 years of experience as a professional nanny and private household manager. She created The Black Moms Fair & Baby Expo as an opportunity to empower and enrich the lives of Black mothers, nannies, doulas, birth workers, educators, and others who support the family unit.
“It’s a God dream come true, just to get Black moms, doulas, nannies, doctors, educators, and dads in the room,” Bauchum said. “We can’t wait to do it again and again!”
The Mtoto Agency is a nanny and household agency that provides families with nannies, sitters, household managers, and family assistants. “Mtoto” is Swahili for “child.” Bauchum’s agency is keen on its approach to serving children and families. For more information on The Mtoto Agency, visit themtotoagency.com.
