Ariel (left) and Keshia (right) met through mutual friends in 2019. Ariel, a corporate retail buyer and merchandiser from New York, had two young children at the time. Keshia, an ex-fashion brand founder from Melbourne also had two young children.
They lost touch during COVID and reconnected again in 2021 after a chance meeting in a local park. Keshia was pushing her 3-week-old newborn in a pram and Ariel was about to give birth, also to her third child. They quickly arranged weekly walks and navigated their third postpartum together.
They faced inevitable challenges throughout this period but couldn't stop thinking: Why is there nowhere for mums to go with their young babies? They wanted a space where they could go and feel comfortable, safe and seen. Somewhere you could feel connected to other people in the same life stage, to help ease the loneliness and isolation so many parents feel in that first year.
Baby classes were great, but lacked the time to connect and have conversation. Medical clinics offer the helpful resolution of specific concerns but aren't always set up for community building, and nobody really wants to hang out in their doctors office! Council Mother's Groups offer connection but lack continuity beyond the 6-week program, and second and third-time mothers miss out.
After many conversations while pounding the pavement, From Day One was born.
After two years of monthly focus groups speaking with women about their postpartum experience, the concept evolved into a membership-style drop-in space for mothers that could be accessed when needed, with the ability to meet other mothers going through the same life stage and feel empowered through access to specialists for group classes and events.
They believe that collaborative learning through conversations, and interactions, held in a beautiful, comfortable safe space will lead to happier and healthier parents that are less lonely, less anxious and can see the parenting experience can be filled with humour, joy, and friendship.
In August 2025, Keshia made the decision to leave From Day One to pursue other interests. Ariel and an incredible team (many of whom are FDO mums themselves!) are continuing to provide Melbourne Mums with a beautiful safe space to grow as mums, friends, and a community.
