Did you know that Mustard Lane was founded by and is still run by a woman? It true! ML's internal team is 80% women and they're certified by the WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council). I know...we think that's pretty cool too! If you don't know the founder's story, it's an awesome one. Kristal Mallookis is truly a inspiration for women in business! She founded and built Mustard Lane from the ground up and she's a total Bad A**!! We're so lucky to work with her!
Mustard Lane Origin Story
Kristal moved to NYC after graduating from the dance program at the University of Northern Colorado. She quickly began putting her entrepreneurship roots to work by booking side gigs in order to survive in NYC while still pursuing dance. She started helping her friends find side gigs to pay the bills! She quickly realized that she enjoyed the business more than her love for dance. The clients were immediately drawn to her professionalism and began reaching out to her for more and more staffing needs. That is where Mustard Lane began! Little did she know, ML would grow into a nationwide, WBENC certified company! From there Kristal focused her energy into growing Mustard Lane and now has over 5,000 staff across the country and even expanded to Canada in 2020!
We chatted with some ladies in the office to learn more about other woman who have been influential to them!
Jillian
I look up to my grandma, she's 102 years old. She was born in 1919 and went on to become one of the first women to attend college. At the time she wanted to be a librarian and she needed a degree for that. I admire her strength and perseverance every day!
Lauren
I also look up to my grandma who we call Oma (grandma in German). She's from Berlin and lived through the war there. When she was 18 years old she met my Opa and with permission from her parents, she moved to America with him. She knew zero English and taught herself the language by spending her days at the grocery store listening and talking to people. I respect her determination to learn English and build a life in Michigan. She was the spunkiest, sassiest Oma and brought such a light to our lives!
Tara Layne
I look up to so many women and truly believe that when women support other women, there is nothing we can't accomplish! Most of all, I look up to my mother. For over 20 years, my mother has worked as the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels. While she is passionate about serving others and her community, she always makes time to be a loving mother, doting grandmother to my children, and dependable friend to the relationships in her life. After losing my father last year, she has still managed to put others needs first with strength and love. I admire her for who she is and the continued compassion she has for others.
Other Influential Women We Love!
We're a group of women who love to support other women! Here are some quotes from our favorite influential women.
Ruth Bater Ginsberg
"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception."
Amelia Earhart
"The most effective way to do it, is to do it."
Beyonce
"If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow."
Mary Barra
"What I always say is, 'Do every job you're in like you're going to do it for the rest of your life, and demonstrate that ownership of it.'"
We'd love to hear about your favorite influential women! DM us on Instagram and let us know @mustardlane!