The Path to Self: Motherhood and Business
Entre Expats
Amy Piumarta is the creator and curator of the women's community Mamas in Biz. In this episode of the Entre Expats podcast, we spoke with Amy about how the loneliness of migration and motherhood became a catalyst for growth, why women's communities are so vital, how to build connections in a new city, and why the "Why Not" principle helps you stop putting your life and dreams on hold.
"Who Am I Today?"
"Who am I today?" is a question Amy believes every woman must ask herself. She believes a woman is never static; we live in cycles, constantly changing and moving not in a straight line, but in rhythm with our internal pace.
Amy doesn’t believe in permanent happiness or an endless "upward" trajectory. She believes in awareness—a clear understanding that life is fragile and time is limited. That is why every morning for her is an act of gratitude and a conscious choice: to truly live the day, not just survive it. "We only have 24 hours. If we are given them, why not live them for real?" Amy says. "Without pushing yourself aside, without shrinking your desires, and without settling for a life of 'later'."
She is a mother, a daughter, a friend. But at her core, she is a woman who chooses to live here and now, embracing her changes and unafraid to be different.
Amy doesn’t believe in permanent happiness or an endless "upward" trajectory. She believes in awareness—a clear understanding that life is fragile and time is limited. That is why every morning for her is an act of gratitude and a conscious choice: to truly live the day, not just survive it. "We only have 24 hours. If we are given them, why not live them for real?" Amy says. "Without pushing yourself aside, without shrinking your desires, and without settling for a life of 'later'."
She is a mother, a daughter, a friend. But at her core, she is a woman who chooses to live here and now, embracing her changes and unafraid to be different.
Matrescence
Amy speaks of motherhood as a process of deep internal restructuring, rather than just a new social role. In becoming a mother, a woman passes through a stage comparable to adolescence—only much more intense and honest. This is a moment when not only your lifestyle changes, but your very sense of self.
There is a specific term for this transition: Matrescence. It describes the period a woman enters when she becomes a mother. Just as there was once adolescence, there is now matrescence: a time when you must get to know yourself all over again, accept changes, and reassemble your own identity.
According to Amy, motherhood brings everything hidden to the surface. Fears, shadows, and internal conflicts—things that could previously be ignored—now emerge. This process isn't always comfortable, but it forms a new understanding of one’s self and life. This is why, for her, motherhood is not just about caring for a child, but about a profound personal transformation.
There is a specific term for this transition: Matrescence. It describes the period a woman enters when she becomes a mother. Just as there was once adolescence, there is now matrescence: a time when you must get to know yourself all over again, accept changes, and reassemble your own identity.
According to Amy, motherhood brings everything hidden to the surface. Fears, shadows, and internal conflicts—things that could previously be ignored—now emerge. This process isn't always comfortable, but it forms a new understanding of one’s self and life. This is why, for her, motherhood is not just about caring for a child, but about a profound personal transformation.
Finding Your Tribe
After the pandemic, Amy felt a particularly sharp lack of female connection. She had a partner, children, and loved ones, but the need to be among women—to talk, to share, to feel a collective energy—remained unfulfilled. "There is nothing more powerful than a room full of women," Amy says.
The idea for Mamas in Biz was born in the autumn of 2021 on a bench in Parc de la Ciutadella. Amy and her friend Julia sat with notebooks, talking about life, and at one point, Amy voiced a simple thought: create a group for moms with businesses. What began as a personal need for closeness and support evolved into a resilient community. Today, Mamas in Biz is a vibrant space where women find not only contacts and resources but a true sense of belonging.
The idea for Mamas in Biz was born in the autumn of 2021 on a bench in Parc de la Ciutadella. Amy and her friend Julia sat with notebooks, talking about life, and at one point, Amy voiced a simple thought: create a group for moms with businesses. What began as a personal need for closeness and support evolved into a resilient community. Today, Mamas in Biz is a vibrant space where women find not only contacts and resources but a true sense of belonging.
Alignment Over Selection
The first step to joining the community is a personal conversation. Not a screening or an interview, but an opportunity to meet calmly and talk about yourself, your business, and what truly matters to you right now. For Amy, these calls are not a filter, but a moment of connection where a sense of mutual understanding must arise.
Sometimes, after this talk, women decide not to join—and that is natural. Mamas in Biz doesn’t strive to be universal. Alignment in rhythm, values, and energy is what matters here. If it’s not there, it simply means this story has a different route. And that, too, is part of a healthy community.
Sometimes, after this talk, women decide not to join—and that is natural. Mamas in Biz doesn’t strive to be universal. Alignment in rhythm, values, and energy is what matters here. If it’s not there, it simply means this story has a different route. And that, too, is part of a healthy community.
Stories That Remain
The Mamas in Biz Anthology did not start as a planned project, but as an internal impulse—a desire to preserve and share the stories of the women who were part of the community. One of them was Judy, the community's eldest member. Her lifelong dream was to tell her story in a book, but she passed away before she could see it through. After her passing, Amy realized she had to bring this dream to life.
The project grew from within: the women responded immediately, a publisher was found within the network, and every participant was given space for her voice. Over time, the book took on an even deeper meaning—shortly after the presentation, Paola, one of the authors, also passed away. Her last photographs were taken on the day of the book launch, holding a copy in her hands.
Today, this anthology is more than a collection of texts. It is a form of memory, a way to maintain a presence, and a reminder that human stories matter as long as there is someone to tell them—and someone to listen.
The project grew from within: the women responded immediately, a publisher was found within the network, and every participant was given space for her voice. Over time, the book took on an even deeper meaning—shortly after the presentation, Paola, one of the authors, also passed away. Her last photographs were taken on the day of the book launch, holding a copy in her hands.
Today, this anthology is more than a collection of texts. It is a form of memory, a way to maintain a presence, and a reminder that human stories matter as long as there is someone to tell them—and someone to listen.
Sky’s the Limit
Amy believes that life is not infinite, and that is exactly why dreams should not be delayed. Every day is an opportunity to chase what truly matters without holding back. She calls this the "Why Not" approach. For a long time, Amy regularly did things she previously didn't dare to do—stepping out of her comfort zone not because it was easy, but because, well, "why not?"
"Sky’s the limit" is not just a slogan. It is a reminder that growth begins where we decide to take a step, even without knowing what comes next.
"Sky’s the limit" is not just a slogan. It is a reminder that growth begins where we decide to take a step, even without knowing what comes next.
Amy Piumarta
