Kaitlin O'Malley '16 on Finding Her Calling to Entrepreneurship and Doula Life
From the halls of Marianapolis to the heart of the greater Boston area’s birthing community, alumna Kaitlin (Kait) O’Malley ’16 strives to build a life rooted in compassion, courage, and purpose. Her journey from business marketing to full-time doula and advocate for postpartum care is a testament to the power of following your passion, even when the path is uncertain. In her own words below, Kait shares her inspiring story of bold leaps, late nights, and the unwavering support that helped her become a guiding light for families navigating life’s earliest chapters!
Marianapolis was such a formative and special experience for me—it truly pushed me to think big, work hard, and believe in myself. That mindset carried me into college, where I graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2020 with a degree in Business Marketing in Advertising & Marketing Communications, and a minor in Creative Advertising. I studied hard, grew so much as an individual, and made lifelong friends. Graduating into a pandemic was far from ideal—and definitely not part of the plan—but it pushed me to reflect on what I really wanted out of life.
Marianapolis was such a formative and special experience for me—it truly pushed me to think big, work hard, and believe in myself. That mindset carried me into college, where I graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2020 with a degree in Business Marketing in Advertising & Marketing Communications, and a minor in Creative Advertising. I studied hard, grew so much as an individual, and made lifelong friends. Graduating into a pandemic was far from ideal—and definitely not part of the plan—but it pushed me to reflect on what I really wanted out of life.
Living in Boston and working a corporate job I didn’t love, I started exploring something that truly sparked joy: newborn care. So I took a chance. I started working overnight as a postpartum doula—10 p.m. to 6 a.m.—then heading straight to my 40-hour-a-week corporate job. I was exhausted, but I felt more alive than ever! I ended up leaving corporate behind in early 2022 and trained to become a birth doula as well as a postpartum support doula. I loved helping new parents, soothing babies, and guiding families through some of the most tender, raw, and emotional moments of their lives. It gave me peace knowing I was helping such tiny humans (and their parents!) adjust to the world. I knew this was my calling in life!
In July of 2023, I took a huge risk. I left the agency I was working for and launched my own doula business! The past two years of entrepreneurship have been wild, beautiful, and full of purpose. I advocate for better maternity care, raise awareness about postpartum mental health, and support families through everything from sleepless nights to emotional breakthroughs. Each client teaches me something new and leaves a lasting mark on my heart!
During my time at Marianapolis, I was lucky to have so many incredible teachers and mentors who supported me from the very beginning. Even years after graduating in 2016, they’ve continued to cheer me on—especially as I launched my business—and have remained some of my biggest supporters. Their encouragement has meant the world to me as I’ve grown professionally. That kind of lifelong support is rare, and I’m so grateful for it.
I’ll always stand up for those who can’t—whether that’s by sharing postpartum truths, educating partners, or simply listening when someone says, “I’m not okay.” I love what I do, I love my city of Boston, and if I could leave you with one piece of advice: take the risk. Bet on yourself. Life’s too short to settle for anything less than what sets your soul on fire!
Feel free to follow along for more exciting updates and information at thedoulakait.com and @thedoulakait on Instagram!
Feel free to follow along for more exciting updates and information at thedoulakait.com and @thedoulakait on Instagram!