Moms to Know: Yamel Belen, Founder, One Love Doula & One Love Nanny

Yamel Belen was 17 when she had her first of five children. Another baby arrived three years later. Fast forward two decades and those daughters, now 27 and 24, are a huge part of their mother’s career success. They not only help with childcare for their younger siblings but also work alongside their mom at the businesses she founded: One Love Doula and One Love Nanny.

For Belen, the impetus for becoming an entrepreneur was — like many working moms — the desire for a more flexible work schedule that allowed her to prioritize family. While working as the nursing director for Tampa Bay’s Medical Foster Care Program was fulfilling, it meant missing important moments and milestones.

With her husband’s support, Belen took the leap of faith. Twelve years later, she’s as successful in business as she’s been in parenting. 

TBPM: Tell us about your business and the services you provide.

YB: Think of us as your space for hands-on support and education during your pregnancy, labor/birth, postpartum and early parenting journey. One Love Doula provides everything from birth and postpartum doula support to childbirth education, lactation support, placenta services and more. Our sister company, One Love Nanny, provides nanny placements for families looking for their forever nanny and occasional care for those families who may need a little date night. We also provide event care! (Think: childcare at a wedding.)

TBPM: Share your advice for other mom-preneurs looking to launch a business.

YB: My first piece of advice is to do it afraid. Some of the most meaningful things I’ve accomplished began with fear. We often carry a fear of failure or a fear of how others might perceive us — and to that I say, so what if you fail? You showed up and tried. And as for what people think — LET THEM. No one needs to understand your path or your choices except you.

My second piece of advice is to remember that your children are always watching. There is something incredibly powerful about allowing them to witness their mother pursuing her passion. By doing so, we give our children permission to follow their own dreams with confidence and courage — and that, to me, is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.

TBPM: Are there any resources that helped you when you were starting your businesses?

YB: Honestly, there was very little guidance available 12 years ago, as the services my business offers were —  and still are — quite unique. Much of what I learned, I learned independently. If I were launching this business today, my advice would be to intentionally build community and seek out support. Join your local Chamber of Commerce, connect with small business owner groups and remember that just as we value being compensated for our own time, we should extend that same respect to others.

When seeking business advice, offer to pay for someone’s time rather than simply suggesting a coffee — expertise is valuable, and honoring that builds stronger, more professional relationships.

TBPM: What’s the hardest thing about being a business owner, and how do you tackle it?

YB: One of the most challenging aspects is learning to disconnect. My business feels like an additional baby — something I deeply care for and feel responsible for nurturing and protecting. This responsibility feels especially significant now, as more than 20 team members rely on the business for their livelihoods.

I navigate this by listening closely to those very team members and reminding myself that if I don’t step away to rest, recharge and enjoy life, I cannot show up fully for them as the CEO and visionary of a brand that has grown far beyond just me. They often encourage me to take that space, and they are incredibly thoughtful, capable women —so I trust them and listen.

TBPM: Lastly, since you’re a mother of five, I have to ask if you have any parenting advice to share.

YB: After more than 27 years of parenting, there is so much advice I could share. One that comes to mind immediately is the importance of apologizing to your children — and doing so quickly. We will make mistakes. We may say the wrong thing or respond imperfectly in moments of stress. When we acknowledge that and apologize, we show our children that they matter more than our need to be right, and that repair is a powerful part of love.

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