She’s minding the gap. Lauren Hayes (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Royal Nation, a superhero-inspired streetwear line for kids. The brand creates its own diverse fictional heroes—called the Knights of Royal Nation—that inspire the designs, allowing kids to mimic the styles of all kinds of role models, not just the ones they see on screens.

Below, the mompreneur tells when she noticed a lack of representation in superheroes, why she decided to create clothes for tiny humans, and why you shouldn’t feel mom-guilt for having a biz.

When did you first notice there was a lack of representation in children’s role models?
Being one of the only Black children in classrooms, activity groups, teams, etc. was my “normal” until I went to an HBCU. Those experiences changed my life and perspective on the Black experience. It was broader and more dynamic than I could’ve ever imagined, and more diverse than what was in the content I consumed as a child. But I never noticed the gap within superheroes until I became a mother.

What are you doing to change that?
Through Royal Nation, I’m diversifying Black and brown characters so that they can inspire and empower children. The stories we tell are our contribution to the world in closing the representation gap. We’re also solving a pain point for many parents who want their children to wear elevated, sophisticated streetwear—by choice.

Why childrenswear?
I was led to create Royal Nation as I learned 2 very important lessons in my early years of motherhood: 1) that children will one day become VERY opinionated about what they wear, and 2) much of what influences a child’s identity comes from how they relate to characters in the media. Not seeing characters that look like you or have experiences that feel relatable disproportionately impacts children that are Black, brown, and multiethnic. Everyone needs to feel seen, but particularly kids, because they’re so impressionable and it’s important for them to feel validated. I wanted to create a brand where all kinds of children see themselves represented, and benefit from a broader spectrum of diversity.

So what’s a “Royal Nation”?
This name came to me as I was praying and journaling about the vision of the brand. I wanted all children to view themselves as a part of this great nation, a very special, royal place that exists inside of them; that doesn’t depend on external factors.

What would you say to moms who are looking to start businesses but are afraid it’ll take time away from parenting?
Mom-guilt is real. And there’s not much I can say to take it away, but 2 things I try to keep in mind are: 1) My children see a mother who is passionate and hardworking. When they look back at their lives and recall moments they saw me working late at night or early in the morning, they will appreciate being able to see me that way. And 2) I do have non-negotiables, meaning I go to their activities, events, we bake, cook, play, watch movies, have storytime at night, and family meetings every week. I do the best I can, and am honest with them when I fall short. That’s the key: transparency. Kids are smarter and more compassionate than we give them credit for.