Meet the Moms: Introducing Jenny

Meet Jenny, one of our UpChoose moms from Maryville, Tennessee. Jenny is a mom of three boys and her youngest is Micah who is now 10 months old. Welcoming her third child led to pursue more sustainable and less wasteful consumption behaviors. She joined UpChoose when Micah was 7 months old. You can follow her on Instagram @jen.nay90.

What’s your name? Any nickname?

My name is Jennifer but I go by Jenny.

Live in? Grew up in?

I live in Maryville, East Tennessee❤️ Right at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

You’re the mom of...

Three rowdy boys.

What made you want to be more careful about the things you buy for you or your family? Was there an “aha” moment or a specific event? 

Honestly, with this being our third child, we knew expenses were going to be up, and our footprint greater. My first step was choosing to cloth diaper to lower expenses. That choice opened my eyes to how wasteful we’ve become. I looked at the things I use in my daily life differently. It led me to try to reduce one-time used items.

How did you get started? What were the first few changes you made?

I started researching cloth diapers and found out that there are so many chemicals that are used in disposable diapers, it shocked me. Then I researched brands that used organic materials, unbleached cotton, and that were ethically made. Which led me to UpChoose! The brands provided are all organic material, ethically made, and wonderful quality. The model of choosing preloved or new clothing at an impressive price is fantastic!

Jenny and her three beautiful boys!

What are some benefits you have seen over time, are there things that worked well for you?

The most important benefit I’ve seen is reduced irritation to my little one's skin! That is priority number one. The second is financial. I have everything I need at a fraction of what it would cost to buy all new clothing, that would eventually just sit in a box.

❝ The most important benefit I’ve seen is reduced irritation to my little one's skin! That is priority number one.❞

Any tips you'd like to share with other expecting parents who just heard about these issues and trying to figure out their first steps?

Research! There are so many great options and brands that really benefit your little one. The best does not have to be unattainable.

Can you tell us a bit about the set(s) you received from UpChoose? What did you pick and how have you used the platform so far? 

We picked the preloved Jenna set. We decided it would be best for us because that basically described us. I chose the clothes-only set because I had some small things that were gifted to us and it was mostly clothes I needed. We picked rental because the cost was low and I love the fact that the clothing had been upcycled. The process was so easy and it has been a great experience so far! 

Do you already have a favorite outfit or item from your UpChoose set? 

We love them all but especially this Colored Organics outfit!

Micah in his favorite Colored Organics outfit from his first UpChoose set!

Any tips you'd like to share on how to take good care of baby clothes?

Using the sun to get stains out is the best tip I have! Dampen clothing and lay in direct sunlight for a little while and watch stains disappear. The sun disinfects also! Without the use of harsh chemicals.

What’s most exciting to you about being part of the UpChoose community and what are the most important things we can help you achieve?

I love the support! What this company stands for is amazing, but the customer service that backs it keeps me here! 

Favorite activities or games you play with the kid(s)?

We hike a ton! Being close to the mountains it’s a must!

Favorite movie?

Lion King.

Favorite song?

Over the rainbow.

Dream place for a vacation?

Bora Bora.

Favorite dish?

Taco for life!

What Jenny picked for Micah

6-9m: UpChoose Clothes-Only Set, Jenna's Pick, Preloved

If you want to learn more about the UpChoose community, our organic baby clothes solution, react to this article, or be featured, drop us a note at hello@upchoose.com!