ABOUT
The Wild Child
Lauren's path to entrepreneurship has been anything but conventional. Her love of photography and storytelling led her to California, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Photography and spent over a decade pursuing creative work in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Along the way, she freelanced as a photographer while traveling the country, living out of a van, before eventually landing a corporate role with an international company based in Australia. Through that experience, she worked within niche medical markets and had the opportunity to travel the world. A turning point came when Lauren’s dog was diagnosed with lymphoma, leading her to work closely with a homeopathic veterinarian. That mentorship sparked a deep interest in natural health and holistic wellness that would ultimately reshape her path. Five years later, Lauren returned to her hometown of New London, where she and her partner — alongside a family of nurses — opened Mother’s Cupboard in March 2024.
The Brains
Ashley is the steady force behind the scenes at Mother’s Cupboard, bringing both heart and structure to the business. With a background as a Registered Nurse (RN), she has spent years working in a variety of roles within the medical field, gaining a deep understanding of health, healing, and patient care. Today, she continues that work remotely with a Colorado-based clinic while also helping her family grow Mother’s Cupboard. Ashley’s passion for wellness extends far beyond her professional life. Her journey into natural healing has been shaped by both personal curiosity and years of caring for a beloved fur companion with complex health needs. Through that experience, she has developed a deep respect for holistic approaches and the body’s ability to heal when properly supported. When Lauren brought the vision of Mother’s Cupboard to life, Ashley knew she had to be part of it, not only to support the mission, but to make sure everything behind the scenes stayed grounded and sustainable. As the one who “keeps the books in order,” Ashley plays a vital role in ensuring the business can continue to grow and serve the community. Mother’s Cupboard simply wouldn’t be what it is without her steady presence, thoughtful perspective, and unwavering support.
The Mother
Joanne is the heart and foundation of Mother’s Cupboard—the true “Mother” behind it all. With a lifetime of experience in the medical field, she has walked many paths within nursing, always guided by a deep desire to help others heal. While raising three children, Joanne pursued and earned her Registered Nurse (RN) degree—a feat in itself that speaks to her strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to caring for others. She went on to work in a variety of clinical settings, gaining valuable experience, but ultimately felt called to explore healing beyond the limits of conventional medicine. Driven by her passion for education and holistic wellness, Joanne pursued additional certifications and trainings, eventually opening her own practice, New U Vitality Center. There, she became a trusted and innovative provider of natural health solutions in the community. Although the center was tragically lost to a fire, her impact—and the knowledge she cultivated—never faded. When Lauren dreamed up Mother’s Cupboard, she knew it wouldn’t be complete without Joanne. Encouraging her to come out of retirement, Lauren brought her back into the work she was always meant to do. In many ways, Mother’s Cupboard is a continuation of Joanne’s life’s work. The name itself is a tribute to her—the cupboard Lauren grew up admiring, filled with herbs, remedies, and intention. Today, that same spirit lives on in every product, every conversation, and every act of care that happens within the space.
