When Jillian Bowden had her first child six years ago, she entered motherhood without much guidance. She was a new, young parent — the first among her friends to take this step. Bowden felt alone, a struggle many new parents can relate to.
“I didn’t know anything — I was very lost myself and didn’t know anyone else with babies,” Bowden said.
At the urging of others, she joined a local Facebook mom’s group to connect with other mothers and find community.
“It really changed the projection of being a new mom positively,” she said.
With two children, she wanted a career that worked with her life: one that allowed time with family while still being fulfilling. She dreamed of having her own business, of being her own boss.
A friend in California had started a business supporting mothers, and Bowden loved the idea.
“I really admired the business and what they did,” Bowden said. “I asked my friend if she would ever be interested in starting another business or franchising and she’s like, ‘No, but I’ll help you create your own.’”
Bowden knew her community could benefit.
“When we moved to the Nashville (Tennessee) area, I thought that a business like that would be really good here,” she said. “There’s so many young families, and a lot of people are moving here.”
The business offered expert support and guidance through specialized programs designed for both parents and babies.
A year later, Bowden began considering a rebrand under a new name — Hello Motherhood. While Googling small business loans, she found plenty of banks, but most required more years in operation than she had, and their minimum loan amounts were more than she needed.
Then she came across Communities Unlimited (CU).
With loans as small as $1,000 and no minimum time in business, CU was a fit. Bowden was connected with Economic Development Loan Officer Chris Tillman, who guided her through the process.
“I did end up talking to some other microloan companies, but what really connected was Chris,” Bowden said. “He was easy to communicate with and easy to get in touch with. I think that’s definitely why I went with Communities Unlimited — because of Chris.”
"It felt like I was talking to a friend who was helping me, not just someone in an office.”
With Tillman’s help, Hello Motherhood secured a loan that made the rebrand and transition smooth. Funding went toward updated software, registration systems, the website, and professional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) support.
Now, with the rebrand complete, Bowden is excited for Hello Motherhood’s future and the expanded resources it will offer. The upgrades have already enabled her to set up a meeting with a local hospital, where she hopes her services will become part of postpartum support for new mothers — helping her connect with moms who may not have otherwise found or afforded her programs.
In September, that vision took another step forward as Hello Motherhood celebrated the opening of its new studio under the rebrand. The milestone marks an exciting new chapter in Bowden’s journey to support mothers and families across the Nashville area.
CU will continue to stand beside Hello Motherhood as it grows, ensuring Bowden has the tools, resources, and support she needs to empower families across the Nashville area.
