From Humble Beginnings to Transformational Impact: My Journey to Creating The Essential Baby Company

A smiling Gemma Poole with curly hair poses in front of a soft, leafy background.

Growing up in Hyson Green, a multicultural and economically challenged area in Nottingham, shaped much of who I am today. My community was vibrant, filled with families from diverse backgrounds, many of whom faced immense struggles. For me, the idea of attending university or starting a business seemed impossible. I was the first in my family to pursue higher education, venturing into uncharted territory with no blueprint to follow.

Despite these challenges, I wanted to make a difference—to break the cycle and inspire others from similar backgrounds. My journey, though unconventional, has been deeply rewarding and transformational.

Finding My Path

I always dreamt of becoming a midwife. After enrolling in a health and social care course at college, I worked as a dinner lady in a local antenatal ward. It was here that a midwife advised me to gain life experience before diving into midwifery, a recommendation that changed my trajectory.

Driven by a desire to support others, I started my own business helping older adults maintain their independence. During this time, I noticed how mobility issues confined many seniors to their homes. To address this, I qualified as a gym instructor specializing in chair-based exercises. My efforts gained recognition, and a local college offered to sponsor my university education to become a lecturer—an opportunity I eagerly embraced.

A group of cheerful caregivers and elderly residents engage in a wheelchair exercise class, fostering community and well-being in a supportive environment.

From Lecturer to Advocate

As a lecturer, I designed courses for underserved communities, including refugees, domestic violence survivors, and excluded teens. By co-producing these courses with my students, I ensured they were relevant and accessible. This approach taught me the power of collaboration and listening—skills that would later influence my work as a midwife.

When I eventually pursued midwifery, I was struck by glaring gaps in education. For instance, our training rarely addressed how conditions like jaundice or sepsis present on darker skin tones. This lack of representation was more than an oversight; it had dire consequences for patient care. As a student, I witnessed firsthand how this knowledge gap impacted my nephew, whose severe jaundice went undiagnosed because healthcare professionals weren't trained to recognize it on brown skin.

Participants engage in a professional development workshop in a classroom setting, focusing on collaborative learning and discussion with instructors guiding the session.

Bridging the Gap: The Birth of The Essential Baby Company

These experiences fueled my determination to create The Essential Baby Company. Our mission is clear: to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and maternity care. By co-producing tools and resources with the very communities we serve, we ensure our solutions are inclusive, practical, and evidence-based.

We advocate for better training for healthcare professionals, emphasizing the need for representation and cultural competency. For example, we develop training materials that teach midwives and doctors how to recognize medical conditions across diverse skin tones. Additionally, we create accessible resources for families, breaking down complex medical jargon into understandable language.

Expectant mothers and their children gather, sharing joyful moments and anticipation in a vibrant setting adorned with colorful circles.

Collaboration and Mentorship

Collaboration has been at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s working with community leaders, healthcare professionals, or families, I believe we achieve more together. Through mentorship, I aim to empower women and girls from disadvantaged areas, showing them that success is possible regardless of their starting point.

Looking Ahead

My vision for The Essential Baby Company is expansive. I dream of creating a national and international platform where healthcare professionals and community members can collaborate, share resources, and innovate. By housing inclusive tools and resources co-created with diverse communities, we can transform maternity care across the UK. This platform will not only amplify the voices of underrepresented groups but also provide healthcare professionals with the tools they need to deliver equitable care.

A Final Thought

My journey—from a girl in Hyson Green to a midwife and advocate—is proof that no path is too unconventional. Every experience, challenge, and collaboration has shaped the work I do today. If there’s one message I hope to impart, it’s this: with passion, persistence, and a willingness to collaborate, we can create meaningful change and inspire others to do the same.

Family advocates for improved jaundice testing for children of color after close call with son's health.