A California couple has been leaving money inside of baby products at various Target locations for parents who may be struggling to support themselves.
"When we had our first child… we struggled to make ends meet, just like most new parents," Krystal Duhaney told ABC7.
Duhaney, a self-proclaimed “Mompreneur” is the founder and CEO of Milky Momma, a company that helps boost lactation production for mothers who are nursing. The company sells signature products including lactation cookies and teas, along with educational resources to help parents learn more about the nursing process.
In a video posted to her Instagram, the couple is seen leaving $20 bills inside of sealed diaper boxes and under the lids of sealed baby formula to give purchasing parents an unexpected, pleasant surprise.
“Being a parent can be tough! Before I founded @milkymamallc, we often struggled to make ends meet," she wrote in the caption. "So, Hubby and I went to various @target stores in Southern California and hid money in baby items. We hope that the parents that purchase these items have a brighter day when they find our gifts."
The CEO is also a registered nurse and mother of two, with another baby due in October.
"As parents raising two young children, it's really important for us to let our children know… kindness matters and that you never know what somebody's going through," Duhaney said.
After leaving cash at different Target stores in Southern California, including Signal Hill, Manhattan Beach and Carson, the couple provided around $1,000 total.
Duhaney said she wanted to pay it forward for parents.
"We really wanted to make things a little easier," she shared. "Hopefully brighten their day and hopefully inspire others to kind of, you know, spread joy and kindness."
The couple was praised on social media.
“You are so amazing and inspiring! The definition of black girl magic! ????,” an Instagram user commented.
“I absolutely LOVE this! I plan to do the same thing in my city! Thanks for the inspiration. As a mom of two, I felt this gesture on a different level! Blessings to you!,” another user wrote.
Though Duhaney was placing cash gifts inside of products, she made sure to be COVID-conscious while doing so.
"Diaper containers are sealed. The diapers are wrapped inside the box as well as formula," she said. "It's not like we're putting it in the powder. There's a cover. So, we were very, you know, intentional and we were making sure that we paid close attention to those types of things as well, to make sure that we weren't actually contaminating anything."
Duhaney also wrote in her video, "you're doing a great job your baby loves you so much…I hope this helps the mamas out!"
Since its 2015 founding, Milky Mama has blossomed, accumulating close to 340,000 followers and securing an Instagram verification.
The company also provides content through a group on Facebook, which has over 30,000 members in addition to the Milky Mama Scholarship Fund, to help increase the number of Black women within the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC).
“Life isn't always going to happen the way we expect it to. When I gave birth to my son, I didn't expect to have so much trouble producing milk,” Duhaney wrote in an Instagram post. “I felt terrible, was exhausted, and needed to find a solution ASAP. Now, I realize that my unexpected problem is to thank for a business that has helped millions of women produce breast milk and feel confident. Don't let fears and doubts of the unexpected hold you back from achieving greatness!”
The couple plans on continuing their giveback in other stores and cities.
