Warmth, Understanding, Caring.
These words reflect the feelings experienced by many women as they walk into Lila Maternity for the first time. The entire boutique seems be permeated with feelings of comfort and welcome.
Lila Maternity was conceived by veteran nurse/doula Caitlyn Schollmeier after she encountered shortcomings that made the birthing experience less enjoyable for her patients. One of the things that she noticed was the lack of comfortable clothing for women going through labor.
“I never liked seeing hospital gowns in the labor and delivery setting,” says Caitlyn. “Women should be free to wear anything they want, and to experience the process in whichever way makes them feel most comfortable.”
Eventually, Caitlyn decided to act, and she developed her own gown as a response.
“I created my first gown to help humanize the childbirth experience,” says Caitlyn. “I wanted to craft a garment that would provide accessibility for the delivery team, but also offer style, comfort and privacy for the patient.”
After developing her design, she soon went into production.
“At first, I only produced 50 gowns,” says Caitlyn. “However, I created a TikTok video about the gowns, and the demand for them soared. I ordered 2,500 more gowns, and we sold them all within two hours.”
After her initial success, Caitlyn decided to expand by opening a dedicated online retail outlet. In 2020, she launched her e-tail business under the name Lila Maternity.
“Our original name was Lifted Labor, which was an homage to elevating the labor and birthing experience,” says Caitlyn. “Later, I decided to modify the name, and I took the first two letters of Lifted, and the first two of Labor, and combined them to create Lila.”
During its first three years, Lila was exclusively an online business. However, during early 2024, Caitlyn decided that she wanted to have a physical presence. During March, she opened Lila Maternity in Hendersonville. Although it has only been open a few months, the boutique has rapidly become the go-to place for everything that a new or expectant mom needs, including labor gowns, swaddles, robes, nursing t-shirts and nightgowns.
Along with merchandise, Lila is also becoming known for its wide range of educational classes held onsite at its Hendersonville location.
“My ultimate goal is to see our store become a resource hub in our community,” says Caitlyn. “From products to learning to support – I want our clients to feel like they can get all their parenthood essentials from Lila Maternity.”
Lila Maternity
300 Indian Lake Blvd., Suite D160,
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.982.9294
Caitlyn Schollmeier is not your typical entrepreneur.
Although she possesses exceptional business acumen, Caitlyn is also an experienced labor and delivery nurse and doula, who will be completing her midwifery certification at Vanderbilt University this fall.
Between her medical background and her own personal birth experiences with her three children, Caitlyn is uniquely qualified to help women navigate their journeys into the world of motherhood.
She founded Lila Maternity to provide women and their families with the expertise, education and merchandise needed to help them embrace their birth and delivery processes.
According to Caitlyn, her goal is “to provide thoughtful products to aid the journey into motherhood while recognizing the humanity, diversity and beauty of our customers.”