Podcast Summary: "We’ve Got You: The Inspiring Journey of City Moms Founder, Janine Bobenmoyer"

Don't Cut Your Own Bangs
Host: Danielle Ireland
Guest: Janine Bogmeyer, Founder and CEO of City Moms
Release Date: August 4, 2025

Introduction to Janine Bogmeyer and City Moms

In this heartfelt episode, Danielle Ireland welcomes Janine Bogmeyer, the visionary founder of City Moms, the largest growing lifestyle brand in the Midwest. Janine, a dedicated mother of teens, yoga enthusiast, and avid reader from Michigan, shares her journey of building a supportive community for moms navigating the challenges of motherhood.

Janine Bogmeyer [00:00]: "Foreign."

Danielle sets the stage by highlighting Janine's mission to make big feelings manageable and foster a sense of belonging among mothers, emphasizing community building and vulnerability.

The Birth of City Moms: Filling a Community Gap

Janine recounts her move to Indianapolis in 2011 from Detroit—a transition that left her feeling isolated as a new mother with limited support networks.

Janine Bogmeyer [04:39]: "One day I got to daycare, my kids were always the final ones getting picked up. ... My son was crying and I said, sweetie, what do I always say? Mommy always comes. Oh, this makes me tear up."

Recognizing the lack of inclusive mom groups not tied to specific institutions like churches or schools, Janine took the initiative to create City Moms. Her proactive approach paid off when 100 members signed up on the first day, illustrating the widespread need for such a community.

Janine Bogmeyer [07:48]: "Just using that switch in kind of that voice helps City Mom understand that we are listening."

Building a Strong Partnership: Janine and Sarah

Janine introduces Sarah Hawker, her business partner and a pivotal force behind City Moms. Their partnership blossomed from a chance meeting and mutual support, solidifying the foundation of City Moms.

Janine Bogmeyer [08:47]: "We're like, oh, we're obviously besties."

Their synergy exemplifies the importance of collaborative efforts in community building, blending their individual strengths to expand City Moms beyond Indianapolis to a national platform.

Expansion and Adaptation During COVID-19

The pandemic posed significant challenges, forcing City Moms to pivot from in-person events to virtual connections. Janine recounts how daily Zoom calls became a lifeline for many mothers.

Janine Bogmeyer [06:16]: "I desperately needed community. ... I realized it was something I needed to fill."

This adaptation not only sustained the community but also catalyzed its growth across the United States, demonstrating resilience and the universal appeal of their mission.

Crafting the City Moms Brand: Voice and Content

Janine delves into the intentional crafting of City Moms' brand voice, aiming to be the "older sister" figure that offers relatable advice and unwavering support.

Janine Bogmeyer [14:47]: "Your best friend growing up was the person you confided everything into... we are just a couple days ahead of where our city mom might be."

This approach ensures that content remains authentic, humorous, and deeply connected to the everyday experiences of mothers.

Upholding Authenticity: Partnerships and Values

Maintaining authenticity is paramount for Janine. She emphasizes rigorous vetting of partnerships to ensure they align with City Moms' values and genuinely benefit the community.

Janine Bogmeyer [32:02]: "We spend a lot of time vetting the products that we suggest... I don't want to put someone into a brand consideration when that brand's not considering them."

This commitment to integrity fosters trust and sustains the community's growth without compromising their core principles.

Personal Turning Point: Janine's "Don't Cut Your Own Bangs" Moment

A poignant moment in the conversation reveals Janine's defining personal experience that led her to prioritize family over career:

Janine Bogmeyer [38:43]: "...it is okay to say no. It is okay to take that stop. And is it okay to invest in yourself and your family if that's what really matters to you?"

Faced with the overwhelming demands of a high-pressure advertising career and the heartbreak of a lost pregnancy, Janine chose to prioritize her family's well-being, ultimately leading to the creation of City Moms. This decision underscored the importance of self-trust and setting boundaries.

Launching a New Membership Experience

Looking ahead, Janine shares exciting developments in expanding City Moms' offerings:

Janine Bogmeyer [36:23]: "Our new City Moms membership is officially launching... rolling it out to our existing members starting August 1st and then it will be available to everyone starting early September."

The introduction of a new platform, Circle, will facilitate deeper connections through national chat groups and localized nano-communities, enhancing the support network for mothers across various cities.

Conclusion: Embracing Community and Personal Growth

The episode concludes with a celebration of Janine's journey and the thriving community she has nurtured. Her story exemplifies how personal challenges can transform into opportunities to uplift others, fostering a network where mothers feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Janine Bogmeyer [43:38]: "Life has unfolded. It wasn't, like, magically overnight, any more than City Moms was created magically overnight. But it got you to Indianapolis."

Danielle praises Janine's resilience and the profound impact of City Moms, leaving listeners inspired to seek or build their own supportive communities.

This episode of Don't Cut Your Own Bangs offers a compelling narrative of leadership, compassion, and the transformative power of community, providing valuable insights for mothers and community builders alike.