Navigating the duality of motherhood and business empire: Gelyn Welle encourages female business leaders in Munich

Munich Witnesses the Launch of "Mama Makes Market"

Munich, Germany - The first-ever "Mama Makes Market," a vibrant platform for diversity and female entrepreneurship, recently made its debut at the old congress hall on Schwanthalerhöhe. Founded by Gelyn Welle, a former finance sector employee born and raised in the Philippines, the market aims to offer new opportunities for women in the bustling city of Munich.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the market, Gelyn Welle, the tireless organizer and founder, could be seen darting around, ensuring the event's success. The journey to her current position was not an easy one for the pinay entrepreneur.

A Long Road to Success

Born and raised in Manila, Welle moved to Munich in 2020. This wasn't her first stint in a foreign city. "It takes a lot from you. Either you stay where you are, or you take charge," Welle shared, demonstrating her indomitable spirit. Unfulfilled by her job in the finance sector, she moved to Shanghai, where she met her German husband and began freelancing.

The pandemic forced the couple to relocate to Munich, which presented its own set of challenges. "Due to Corona, we couldn't visit my husband's family. I couldn't find work, and I felt increasingly depressed," Welle revealed. However, she refused to let circumstances beat her. Through mama groups, she found solace and connection with other expectant mothers. The birth of her daughter was a turning point, inspiring her to foster a supportive community for mothers.

A Brighter Future Awaits

In 2022, Welle released her first book, and in 2023, she founded her company, Polkaducks. This marked the beginning of her journey towards building a supportive network for mothers and female entrepreneurs in Munich. With the support of her husband and friends, she reached out to like-minded individuals and communities.

And so, on May 18th, the "Mama Makes Market" came to life. Over three and a half months, Welle managed to bring together a plethora of women showcasing their businesses, artistic talents, and more. This event, however, wasn't exclusive to mothers. Rather, it catered to the innate ability of women to care, making it accessible to all women.

Welle's vision for the market is one of collaboration and mutual support, offering a platform for women to thrive and connect without feeling isolated. The market featured stalls offering everything from international food to jewelry, clothing, art, essential oils, and more. Specifically, there were vendors focusing on parenting and motherhood, childcare support, health workshops, and even dance workshops.

One such vendor was Antonia Hartl, the founder of "Elternfee," who offers practical, sustainable, and stylish products for parents such as a compact diaper bag designed from recycled PET bottles. Another vendor was Sofía Veloz from Ecuador, who arrived in Germany with her German husband and founded "Sonriza" in 2020, offering Ecuadorian products like chocolate and cocoa.

The Jamaican artist Helen Lee Shung Schröder was also present, showcasing her paintings for the first time. Originally a businesswoman and singer in Jamaica, she moved to Germany due to a serious illness, which led her to reinvent herself as an artist.

In addition to the vendors, the market offered numerous workshops, including photo sessions, financial advice for women, and a father-daughter hair workshop. Childcare was provided free of charge to facilitate easy participation. Welle expressed optimism about the future of the event, believing in the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting each other instead of competing.

Welle's journey is an inspiring testament to the power of taking charge, finding support, and fostering a sense of community for women entrepreneurs in Munich. The "Mama Makes Market" is more than just a market; it is a vibrant, supportive community that aims to bring diversity and empower women in Munich, one event at a time.

The first-ever "Mama Makes Market" in Munich is a testament to Gelyn Welle's indomitable spirit, showcasing diverse female entrepreneurship in health-and-wellness, women's health, parenting, small-business, and lifestyle sectors.
Gelyn Welle, a former finance sector employee, aspiring entrepreneur, and author, believes in the power of collaboration and mutual support, serving as a beacon of leadership and diversity-and-inclusion.
With the launch of her book in 2022 and her company, Polkaducks, in 2023, Welle embarked on a mission to provide a platform for women to thrive and connect without feeling isolated in the areas of careers, personal-finance, relationships, and business.
Amidst the market's lively offerings of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden items, specialized vendors catered to individual needs such as empowering parenting resources and health-and-wellness workshops.
Antonia Hartl, the founder of "Elternfee," presented practical, sustainable, and stylish products for parents, while Sofía Veloz, originally from Ecuador, showcased her company "Sonriza," offering Ecuadorian delicacies like chocolate and cocoa as a means to promote cultural diversity.
One unique vendor was Jamaican artist Helen Lee Shung Schröder, who showcased her paintings for the first time, having reinvented herself as an artist after moving to Germany due to a serious illness.
The "Mama Makes Market" also offered workshops and activities for attendees, providing opportunities for participants to explore finance management, photo sessions, and even a father-daughter hair workshop, further fostering connections and inclusivity.
The market's success is a testament to Welle's unwavering determination, demonstrated as she juggles various aspects of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and relationship building.
In addition to her personal pursuits, Welle advocates for the well-being of pets, promoting a holistic approach to home-and-garden life.
As Welle continues to travel and seek inspiration, her long-term vision for the "Mama Makes Market" includes spreading its mission to cities around the world, connecting and empowering women everywhere.
The "Mama Makes Market" is a unique shopping destination, where consumers can discover fresh ideas, unique products, and support women entrepreneurs while celebrating diverse cultures, lifestyles, and businesses.