BY MARGARET HARRIS for The Sunday Times
Amanda Rogaly is the founder of parenting portal BabyYumYum.co.za
Tell me about BabyYumYum.co.za and your role.
BabyYumYum.co.za is a parenting portal, an interactive networking community of parents hungry for credible information, trustworthy expert advice and useful resources to assist them with their lifestyle choices and purchasing decisions.
We also have a health division that administers the maternity benefits for various medical aids, including Momentum Health, as well as personalised employee programmes.
In 2021 we launched BabyYumYum Tech, which works at using technology to connect healthcare services with consumers, such as our Book a Nurse app, which was developed in partnership with VodaPay.
I am the chief mommy and founder of BabyYumYum.co.za. I harness opportunities and then translate them into commercially viable projects and relationships for the long-term growth of the company, while ensuring the day-to-day deliverables are met.
What led you to develop the website?
During my pregnancy I was overwhelmed with the amount of information on the internet and how to assess whether it was credible, so I started my blog.
Parents are people too and we never shy away from any topic, even if it is considered risqué or taboo, so we also cover topics such as how to get your ‘mojo’ back after having a baby or even vaginal rejuvenatio. Every article I wrote would be fact-checked and included expert input. I gained followers and soon it moved from a small blog to a fully operational online media title and platform.
Who would be your typical reader/subscriber?
Anyone considering starting a family, a new parent, a caregiver, a grandparent. In fact, anyone who has anything to do with babies and children up to the age of about nine or 10.
Remote working can make life much easier for new parents. What are your thoughts on WFH or hybrid models?
Working from home has its pros and cons, especially for parents. On the one hand, it is great to be able to spend more time at home and with your children. However, if you are like me and thrive on a workspace environment, and need to have “big people” interaction for most of the day, working from home can drive you a bit loopy. It’s OK to find what works for you and go with it.
What are the most common issues parents search for on your site?
The standard issues such as feeding, sleeping and milestones always come up. However, parents are people too and we never shy away from any topic, even if it is considered risqué or taboo, so we also cover topics such as how to get your “mojo” back after having a baby or even vaginal rejuvenation.
What do you think makes you good at the work you do?
My passion, my fearless attitude and my ability to identify opportunities, combined with my understanding of personal relationships. I also surround myself with a brilliant and strong team, and listen to others.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I went through so many things, but I always knew I wanted to own my own business, so I could I have the flexibility of being with my children, as well as having a positive effect on society.
What is your go-to career advice?
If things don’t work out, don’t give up. Always look for different ways to do things and changes [that] can be made to enhance your original idea. Never have a regret. Rather view everything as a stepping stone to another stage in life.
