our vision

We are a global community for moms of faith to find resources and relationships that will help them to Be Still, Stay Connected & Live Well. Led by Black women, we provide relevant tools that will empower our members to take care of themselves, their families, their communities, and ultimately the world.

Our greatest impact comes from gathering moms to form authentic relationships during our virtual and local experiences. We strive to sharpen one another through our time together. Our growth as women will be a beautiful reflection of God's love for us.

our pillars

We are deeply rooted in God's truth and love for one another.

We are growing together as we build an authentic and purposeful community.

We are bearing fruit as we grow in our motherhood journey.

our story

Motherhood is the most difficult job in the world. It's not just diaper changes and teenage angst thats tough, but also the feelings of worry, vulnerability, loneliness and guilt that come along with it.

As a mama, I wanted a place where I could be amongst sisters who understood my challenges, who were balancing dreams & mommyhood, and who were trusting Jesus in the messiness of it all. I searched lots of different communities, but could only find cookie cutter moms groups. So I created something different—a place where we could go beyond just laughing together, do more than craft, and dive deeply into things that impact the Black community.

In 2016, the first chapter of Growing Up Gorgeous began. The South Jersey Moms Coterie has since held dozens of events, welcomed hundreds of moms into our Facebook group, participated in online workshops, and crafted meaningful sister relationships.

If you think of us, please whisper a prayer that we will remain committed to helping mommas through this journey. To believing that God makes them gorgeous even in their mess. To pushing one another to see ourselves as a reflection of God and to stand in awe of Him.

Be Well Mama,
Christina Acosta-Martinez, Founder

our programming

Be Still- From work deadlines to changing diapers, moments of stillness are few and far between for busy moms. Our members are invited to beautifully curated experiences that help them to slow down and receive food for their souls. Whether its webinars for spiritual growth, self-care sessions, luxury events, book studies, or retreats; a GUG Mama can expect to leave a GUG experience feeling refreshed and restored to continue to do her most important work.
Live Well -A GUG mama is not living a picture perfect life. Instead, she understands that she was created to do good works and strives to grow for herself, her family and her wider community. Our in-real-life and online experiences are opportunities for mamas to learn from our village as they support her holistic development. We will provide expert advice to better take care of her emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, and mental health.
Stay Connected- The most important part of our work is to be sure that no mama has to do life alone. We create an environment where moms can grow honest and authentic relationships that endure the test of time. Every member of our tribe is valued and appreciated for their contributions to the health of our community. We are so much better together.

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

Read Our Feature in the Courier Post

our team

GUG Village:

The GUG Village is a collective of kingdom-driven entrepreneurs who recognize the importance of community in growing their businesses. This group of women works together to fuel the success of one another's missions. The GUG Village provides tangible resources for the benefit of the clients in all of our communities.

Members of Growing Up Gorgeous can find support for all of their needs with the GUG Village. Among the crew you will find educators, nutritionist, personal trainers, women’s pastors, writers, counselors, birth educators, therapists, and so much more. This village has become the driving force behind helping to provide resources for our mamas.

Beau Monde Originals for DivaGirl Philly

Makidada Mamas

Makidada Mamas play an integral role as mom leaders in our community. They are the hands-on force that supports the health and growth of each group. It is their dedication and commitment to seeing moms flourish that help to keep every Growing Up Gorgeous Coterie going strong.

Makidada Mama Roles:

Companion
Host
Ambassador
Creative Growth Team
Strategic Growth Team

To contact a group leader or apply to serve, please email hello@growingupgorgeous.com

Meet our founder:

Christina Acosta-Martinez is a community builder for moms of color, postpartum doula, wife, mama, educator, and faith-driven leader.

She founded Growing Up Gorgeous, LLC in 2016, to provide a diverse community of moms with a one-of-a-kind support system. Currently meeting in the greater Philadelphia area, this group of 1,000+ women spends time laughing, crying, learning, and sharing their resources & dreams.

She is proud to also serve moms in their homes as a Certified Postpartum Doula using Traditional Moroccan Medicine. She founded Postpartum Restoration to care for moms using ancient practices that support their healing and recovery after birth.

Christina has been married to Miguel for eight years. When she’s not chasing or homeschooling her three girls, she is learning how to cook plant-based meals and taking long walks through the beautiful aisles of Target. You can find Christina on Instagram @lifeofacosta

South Jersey Coterie

A co·te·rie is a small group of people with shared interests or tastes. The South Jersey Coterie was established in 2016 as the first “sister circle” of Growing Up Gorgeous. Combining mamas from the Greater Philadelphia area, this group has participated in programming to help to lift their souls and get to know one another.

Some of the most memorable events have included: Stroller Walk for New Mamas, Couple’s Game Night, Mom’s Empowerment, Paint Night, and more. The events both in-real-life and online have provided years worth of growth and friendship.