• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Mommy Mundo

multi-platform parent resource and community in the Philippines

  • Community
    • MomShare
    • Momfluence Network
  • Learn
    • Events
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

in Parenting

Mompowerment: Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, Thriving in the Business of Empowering Moms and Sharing Stories That Matter


reese 2.jpg

Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, Co-founder & President, Rags2Riches, Inc., Founder and Curator of @thingsthatmatterph

Reese Fernandez-Ruiz is co-founder and President of Rags2Riches (R2R), a fashion and design house empowering community artisans around the Philippines. The company started from the goal of partnering with a group of artisans from Payatas who were mostly stay-at-home mothers. This is Reese’s passion, her life’s work and advocacy. Unwittingly, in empowering mothers, she found her own mompowerment too.


2.jpg

It started 10 years ago when she and some of her friends saw the social injustice happening in Payatas where artisan moms were making foot rags out of fabrics; earning only P10-P16 for a whole day’s work. The fashion company Rags2Riches was born from their shared feeling of deep disturbance that something had to be done and that it wasn’t merely about giving money to people but providing opportunities.


3.jpg

Reese’s love and respect for her artisan moms grew even more when she gave birth to her son, Miguel, now 2 years old. She shares, “I never thought I could balance being a mom and being an entrepreneur. And I was right because there’s really no such thing as perfect balance.  You’re always trying to achieve it. It’s a continuing work in progress and it always will be.  I was so happy that I was able to breastfeed my son for a whole year while I was working on one of the hardest years of R2R. It was very empowering because I learned so much about myself during that time.”


1.jpg

Reese shares that as a working mom, she constantly battles with mom guilt.  “As moms, we have that guilty feeling all the time.  Like, if we stay at home or take care of our kids, okay, what about our career?  What about ourselves? Then, if you’re working, you’re always thinking about, ‘Oh, my gosh! What am I missing out with my kids?’ I think, looking back, and seeing the progress of my son now, it’s too early to tell about his character and everything but he’s very healthy, very playful but also very kind.  So I feel we’re on the right track.”

Asked about the legacy she wants to leave to her son, Reese says that R2R was built on a set of principles that she hopes her son will grow to be inspired from. She shares, “What I want him to take home from all of the things we have been through is that, he’s surrounded by amazing, nurturing but also powerful women, and he’s a boy so I really want him to grow up having respect, sensitivity and the things that are not stereotypically associated with being a boy or a man. For me, it’s about raising a child who is more human, more compassionate and more caring.  So I want him to see that in my life and I want him to see other people as equals, that there are no levels. To be kind to everyone and to know that everyone has the potential to be good.”

Her best mompowerment advice to women is to do what works for you. She shares, “We’ll get advice from everyone but in the end, do what works for you and what feels right.  We all have our stories to write, our own stories to love.”

Reese’s stories are filled with compassion and kindness. Hers are the stories we will certainly look forward to for years to come.

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @MOMMYMUNDO

At Mommy Mundo, we believe every mom’s journey i At Mommy Mundo, we believe every mom’s journey is worth celebrating — not just this May, Mother’s Month, but every single day. 💖

As the month comes to a close, we’re sharing a few heartfelt reflections from Mommy @hannasdomingo — reminders of the strength, grace, and growth that come with motherhood. 

Be part of our ever-growing mom community ⬇️

📸 Tag us in your posts for a chance to be featured 

And don’t forget to join our Mommy Mundo Moms Community — exclusive treats and surprises are coming your way this June! Link in bio! 👋🏻 

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMoms #MommyMundoCommunity #Mompowerment #Momcon #MomConnect
You give so much of yourself every single day—ho You give so much of yourself every single day—holding it all together, showing up with love even when you’re running on empty. And sometimes, it’s the smallest pause that makes you stop and think, “I needed this.” 💖

At Mommy Mundo, we create spaces where moms can breathe, connect, and feel seen. Whether that’s on ground or online, we’re here to be with you in every stage of motherhood. 🤗

Join our mom community. 👋🏻
Sign up for our mailing list and stay updated on upcoming events. 💌

You can also join our Mommy Mundo Moms Facebook group—we’ve got some exciting things coming up, exclusive to our members! 

Check our bio for the links! See you there! 🤗 

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMoms #MomCommunity #MomCon #MomConnect
Preparing for baby can feel overwhelming—but hav Preparing for baby can feel overwhelming—but having a clear checklist can make it a lot more joyful and manageable. 🤰🏻

Here are six mommy must-haves to get you started:

✨Baby Clothes – Soft, comfy outfits for newborn snuggles and everyday wear.

✨Sleep Space – A safe, cozy crib or bassinet for baby’s restful sleep.

✨Sanitizing Supplies – Clean bottles, pacifiers, and surfaces with gentle, baby-safe products.

✨Baby Bag – Pack the essentials for hospital day and your first trips out.

✨Baby Gear – Stroller, car seat, and carrier to keep baby secure on the go.

✨Postpartum Essentials – Comfort items for mama’s recovery and well-being.

Want more tips and a moment to breathe before baby comes? 

Join us this July for our next Pregnant Pause — stay tuned for the exact date and venue! 💖

Sign up for the waitlist: bit.ly/PregnantPauseJune 

#MommyMundo #PregnantPause #MommyMundoPregnantPause
Those 3AM night feedings can be beautiful—but al Those 3AM night feedings can be beautiful—but also tough. 🥹

Here are a few gentle tips to make them a little easier:
🌙 Keep the lights low to stay in rest mode.
🤱🏼 Try side-lying for comfort and extra rest.
💧 Stay hydrated—you need care too, mama.

You may feel unsure, exhausted, or overwhelmed—but you are not alone! You’re doing the most important work there is, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 💖

ALPHA Mom by Mommy Mundo is a year-long support program for new moms. 

Get expert guidance, real-life advice, and a safe space to learn and grow alongside fellow moms. 🤗

Our next session is a breastfeeding class with certified lactation counselor Abbie Yabot—perfect for those navigating their early feeding journey. 🤱🏻

Send us a dm to join ALPHA Mom or visit mommymundo.com/alphamom ✨

Video from Mommy @coffeeger_

#MommyMundo #ALPHAMom #MommyMundoALPHAMOM #MomConnect
This is how you’re going to have a good week, Ma This is how you’re going to have a good week, Mama.

Motherhood is full of moving pieces—your to-dos, your child’s needs, and everything in between. But here’s the truth: when you care for yourself, you care better for everyone else. 🥰

Swipe left for 4 simple, practical ways to set your week up for more peace, more joy, and more you. ⬅️

✨ At Mommy Mundo, we believe that an empowered mom is a supported mom. ✨

Join our Facebook group or sign up for our mailing list—and be part of a community that grows with you. 💕  Visit our link in bio. 💌

#MommyMundo #MomConnect #MomConnections #Mompowerment
At Expo Mom: The MOMentous Fair, Young Living Phil At Expo Mom: The MOMentous Fair, Young Living Philippines brought a breath of fresh air—literally—to the Mommy Corner! ✨ Moms discovered the everyday benefits of essential oils and even learned how to create their own blends during hands-on aromatherapy sessions on Day 1 and Day 2. 🤗

It was a beautiful moment of self-care and connection—something every mom deserves. 💖

Want to learn more? Visit @younglivingphilippines on Instagram or head to www.youngliving.com/en_PH to start your wellness journey today!

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoExpo #ExpoMom #YoungLivingPh #TheMOMentousFair
It’s week 17 of our #yearofconnection ! Don’t It’s week 17 of our #yearofconnection ! Don’t forget to take time for a fun Connection Question convo with the fam this weekend! ❤️✨

We’re aiming to make 2025 a year of Connection through our weekly activity.
 
The best time to have these casual discussions would be when in relax mode with your children. Sit together, (set aside the gadgets!) remove possible distractions, and be present ✨❤️ Take turns asking each other this question for week 6! Just listen and simply acknowledge the sharing.:) 

Even if tempted to dish out advice or to react, this isnt the time for that. Allow for a safe space, and connections will flow and follow.🫶🏻🙏🏼 

Most importantly, enjoy this time together! 

…

Join us weekly for this activity and after 50 questions, we will end the year more connected and attuned with ourselves and each other. If you just heard about this now, check out our highlights to get started! ✨ 

17/50 #calltoconnect
#mommymundo 
#momconnect
#parenting #family #motherhood
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · MOMMY MUNDO GLOBAL · SITE DESIGN BY FGD