Mamas in Music (MiM), the first global nonprofit dedicated to supporting mothers in the music industry, is making waves with transformative milestones. From launching new international chapters to releasing a groundbreaking production album with BMG UK, MiM is redefining what it means to thrive as a caregiver in music.
Founded in 2019 by Tiff Randol and Mary Leay, two working mothers who saw a glaring gap in industry support for caregivers, MiM has grown from a grassroots initiative into a global movement. With chapters spanning continents and initiatives empowering mothers across all corners of the music industry, MiM proves that caregiving and creativity can coexist and thrive.
Spring 2025 Highlights:
- Release of “Emotive Pop” with BMG UK
- Global Expansion: New Chapters in Atlanta and Africa
- Music Biz Roundtable: “The Impact of Return to Office for Caregivers”
- Launch of Caregiver Support Chats with AWFC
- MiM Blog + Resource Hub
- In-Person Events Across the Globe
From Grassroots to Global Movement
What began as two mothers building a small community has evolved into an international network of artists, producers, composers, executives, engineers, and caregivers. “There’s still this myth that you can’t be a mother and thrive in music,” says co-founder Tiff Randol. “We’re here to prove otherwise—and to make sure the next generation doesn’t have to choose between caregiving and creating.”
I had a chance to learn more in this interview with Tiff Randol.
Why was Mamas in Music created?
Mamas in Music was created out of necessity. When I had my baby in 2018, I was deep in postpartum, and six weeks after giving birth, my management team and I parted ways. I felt unmoored and started searching for a community or organization that understood the intersection of motherhood and the music industry—and came up empty.
Being in support groups for new moms was a lifeline for me in those early weeks, but the music industry is so specific, and I needed to connect with other mothers in music to figure out how to navigate my next steps. I often felt uncomfortable sharing openly in music spaces and even in women’s groups—there were things I didn’t feel safe saying out loud because of the stigma or fear of being seen differently. I just needed a space where I didn’t have to explain so much.
Once I broke through my own fear of being labeled and started reaching out, I realized how many other mothers were out there quietly dealing with the same things. That’s what led me to Mary, my UK cofounder, and together we decided to launch Mamas in Music.
Why is it important for musicians who are also mothers to have an extra level of support?
Because the music industry still doesn’t make much room for caregiving. Most roles—creative and business—assume constant availability, long hours, and a level of flexibility that’s nearly impossible when you're also raising a child, especially without proper support. And for most musicians and creatives, the work is freelance. That means no built-in health care, no parental leave, no childcare assistance—none of the basic structures that help make working and parenting possible.
The cost of childcare alone can be the very thing that excludes mothers from opportunities—whether it’s going on tour, attending a writing camp, taking a last-minute session, or simply saying yes to something that could move their career forward. These barriers aren’t about a lack of talent or drive—they’re structural. And they’re solvable if we’re willing to rethink how the industry operates.
There’s also still stigma—this idea that “you chose this,” and now you’re supposed to quietly carry it without asking for support. That same expectation doesn’t usually fall on fathers. And all of this exists inside an industry that was never built with well-being or caregiving in mind. So we have to build it.
If we want this industry to be truly inclusive, we have to look at it holistically. We have to consider the collective. That’s how we create better work—and how we build a thriving, sustainable ecosystem where all voices are represented.
How does having a creative outlet benefit mothers?
For many of us in music, creativity isn’t just an outlet—it’s who we are. It was often our first identity before becoming mothers, and for a lot of us, it’s also our profession. So continuing to create isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. It’s a way to stay connected to ourselves in a phase of life that can be incredibly demanding, both emotionally and physically.
Motherhood can be beautiful, but it can also be consuming. Having a creative practice—whether that’s songwriting, composing, producing, or something else—keeps us grounded and gives us space to process. And when mothers are supported in their creativity, it benefits everyone. We bring depth, perspective, and richness to the work—and to the world.
Anything else you’d like to share?
We’re really encouraged by the momentum that’s building—we have a ways to go, but we’ve already seen more mothers speaking out, more programs and organizations popping up, and even new caregiving grants. It’s a shift that’s long overdue, and we’re excited to be part of the groundswell.
If you’re a mama in music, please join us! And if you're not a mama but you believe in our work, you can support as an ally, donor, or sponsor at www.mamasinmusic.org.
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About Mamas in Music
Founded in 2019 by Tiff Randol and Mary Leay, Mamas in Music is the first global nonprofit devoted to supporting mothers and caregivers in the music industry. Through community-building initiatives, professional opportunities, and advocacy efforts, MiM empowers mothers to succeed professionally and personally. Learn more at www.mamasinmusic.org.
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