Erica Chidi // The Mama Circle
This #glowbabe has created The Mama Circle, a hip and modern community for expectant parents throughout the pregnancy and birthing process. Erica is fostering an incredible support circle inspired by birth, motherhood, food and family. We had the best time hanging with Erica in her magical, otherworldly Venice Bungalow. The chill Bonobo tunes playing on vinyl and delicious healthy snacks (made with fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden!) made us feel right at home and instantly in love. Erica's ability to nurture others is clear on first impression. With a father as a doctor and a mother as a nurse, Erica grew up steeped in the art of caring for others. This foundation lead her to become a birthing doula, helping those she works with access their deepest potential for wellbeing.
As a Maternity Support Specialist, and the founder of The Mama Circle, Erica has integrated her various expertise into an incredible new force within the maternity world. We love how she combines her skills as a birth and postpartum doula, lactation counselor and chef to create a uniquely holistic, supportive experience for her clients. Along with her team, Erica nurtures women into motherhood and helps new parents feel confident and clear as they transition into a unknown phase of their lives. Every client receives bountiful empathy, compassion, dedication and expertise-- and believe us-- if there's anyone you'd want by your side its the glowing and super calming presence of Erica (we really adore this girl).
The Mama Circle is based in Venice, California and serves all cities within Los Angeles County. The beautiful Garden Series is hosted in Erica's picturesque garden outside her home. Erica's intention is to connect likeminded individuals on the same journey who will help support and shape the transition into parenthood. This beautifully curated series of gatherings makes us wish we could be a part of this vibrant community of dope pregnant chicks and their spouses (...one day!!). The Mama Circle's integrative and inclusive approach makes every parent's unique needs feel understood.
- Doula Support
- Lactation Support
- Meal Preparation
- Birth Prep
- Breastfeeding Basics
- Breastfeeding Booster
- Registry Smoother
- Postpartum pick-me-up
- The Garden Series
- Mama + Babe
- Birth Prep
- Breastfeeding Basics
HOW THEY GLOW QUESTIONNAIRE
NAME: Erica Chidi
NICKNAME: “Peapod”
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: I was born in United States, lived here until I was 13 and then immigrated to South Africa with my family and lived there until my early 20’s and then moved back and settled in California.
WHEN YOU ARE EATING HEALTHY, WHAT IS A TYPICAL…
BREAKFAST: Yogurt, Granola (Little Branch) with Blueberries
LUNCH: Avocado Toast with Mixed Sprouts
DINNER: Pan-Roasted Cod (or any white fish) and Grilled Broccolini
SNACK: Fruit, usually some type of melon, sliced up.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO EAT HEALTHY? Axe — The Basic Bowl // Tender Greens — Octopus Salad // Sugarfish — The Trust Me
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE? Banana Pudding from Magnolia Bakery. Or an Apple Fritter from Bob’s Doughnuts at The Farmers Market at The Grove.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES/RESTAURANTS TO INDULGE? Mozza, Night + Market, Son Of A Gun
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR LAST MEAT ON EARTH? Oh wow, that’s a tough one. I love lobster, so maybe a lobster roll with all the fixings.
WHAT IS THE BEST DISH YOU COOK/ YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE? I love making a roasted beet salad with black qunioa, toasted walnuts and goats cheese. It’s my own recipe, I often make a big batch for myself and eat it through the week. It’s great cold. Perfect for summer.
WHERE DO YOU GROCERY SHOP IN LA? Farmer’s Market // Whole Foods // Good Eggs // Glatt Kosher Market
WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS REGIMEN? (HOW OFTEN & WHAT DO YOU DO) I try to workout at least three times per week. I like to mix it up to keep me on my toes, it’s usually a mix of: Bikram Yoga, SoulCycle, The Daily Method and plain ol’ walking, usually on the beach or Culver City stairs.
WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE? (PRODUCTS, FACIALS, etc) I’m Bobby Brown devotee. I’ve used their products almost exclusively for three years and my skin is in the best condition it’s ever been in. I swear by their Extra Balm Rinse, Hydrating Face Cream, Extra Repair Serum and Hydrating Face Tonic. I haven’t used any soap on my skin in almost three years and it’s really worked for me. As for my body, a dear friend recently gifted me with some Rodin Body Oil, I’m pretty hooked on that at the moment. It’s so good.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NATURAL MAKEUP/ BEAUTY PROUCTS? I’m slowly transitioning, so I only have a few in my regime. I’m obsessed with Earth Tu Face’s Skin Stick. I use it pretty much anywhere I need a little extra moisture. I love using it on my lips, knowing that I’m not eating tons of chemicals all day. I also love Ilia’s Femme Fatale lipstick. I also can’t get through the day with H. Gillerman’s Jaw Clenching Remedy, it’s therapeutic and smells amazing.
IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 PRODUCTS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?
2. H. Gillerman’s Jaw Clenching Remedy
3. Mustela’s Stelatopia Moisturizing Cream
WHAT PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY/FITNESS/HEALTHY GURUS DO YOU SWEAR BY? I love Nina Planick, for her adaptable approach to whole foods and intuitive eating. Her book Real Food is great introduction to anyone wanting to find some equanimity in their diet and pantry. Pema Chödrön, for simple Buddhist truths, which can woven into daily life.
TOP 3 FAVORITE SONGS?
1. "Baltimore" By Nina Simone
2. "Unfinished Sympathy" by Massive Attack
3. "Twice" by Little Dragon
MOST LIFE-CHANGING BOOK? The Women Who Runs With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED? Funny, it’s the life changing book above — my mentor and former boss gave it to me right before I moved back to the states. She said I would need it someday, and she was couldn’t have been more right. It’s been a constant companion and it has guided me through many challenging times. It’s filled with wisdoms about womanhood, femininity and life.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY. Honestly, a full uninterrupted day with my fiancé Jordy, is the best. It usually includes a waking up, making breakfast together, going for a beach walk and maybe going to see a movie or having friends over dinner. Simple but deeply satisfying.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE BEAUTY TIP/SECRET? Sleep. Get as much of it as you can.
WHAT MAKES YOU GLOW? Working with my clients. Helping women navigate their pregnancy in way that is authentic to them, being by their side as they bring a new life into the world and watching flow into motherhood gives me a deep joy.
Photography by: Davida Williams