Today’s Mother Essentials come from a mom—D.C.-based Kelley Williams—who’s always looking out for the very best for her kiddos. Which is why the mother of two (Guiliana, 3, and David, 1) created her own brand, Curasalve, in 2017. The idea was born out of necessity: Guiliana, then a baby, was experiencing extreme diaper rash, brought on by a food intolerance, and none of the creams on the market that were helping were also free of potentially harmful chemicals. So, Kelley made her own—Curasalve, which she describes as a “100% organic, 100% effective” diaper rash cream. Now that she’s got another little one in diapers, it’s no surprise her own creation made her Mother Essentials list below, along with so many other stellar, mom-founded brands. Read ’em and get inspired!

The Spice Suite. “My culinary game has increased ten-fold during the quarantine. I purchase spice boxes from The Spice Suite in D.C. The latest box included a cajun coffee rub, smoky porcini, and citrus sorrel. Your fish and chicken go up a notch when you season with the Spice Suite, which has very flavorful and creative spice combinations.” Spice Box, $100, The Spice Suite. 

Toki Mats. “Because the kids are home, I’ve gotten super creative with entertainment. We get in a lot of great floor time and tumbling with these super cute Toki Mats. The mats are non-toxic and ultra soft. They work perfectly in a playroom for minimalist and eclectic parents alike.” Play Mat, $145, Toki Mats.

Supermom Status. “Quarantine has changed the way we operate as a family unit. Having my two young children home with me all day is an amazing experience, but it requires me to play the role of mom, teacher, and best friend. I usually throw on the most comfortable clothes that allow me to move with ease and get the job done—usually that means rocking a pair of leggings and this super comfy Supermom tee. The cotton is so soft and it allows me to get down on the floor and play with the kids like us Supermoms do!” Supermom Tee, $29, Supermom Culture. 

Fat Brain Toys. “When I need to get in a half hour of work uninterrupted, I can sit David in front of me with a toy from Fat Brain Toys and he will keep himself entertained in enough time for me to write that email. Right now he loves the roll again tower where he can drop colorful balls through a twisting tunnel.” RollAgain Tower, $49.99, Fat Brain Toys.

Shea Butter. “I only use non-toxic skincare products for myself and my children. Hanahana Beauty is a skincare and wellness brand that empowers women of color. I use their shea body butter on the whole family. It’s ultra moisturizing and stress free. I don’t have to worry about the quality of ingredients when I use their products.” Shea Body Butter, $26, Hanahana Beauty.

Lovevery Play Kits. “My one-year old David loves the interactive toys from Lovevery. We subscribe to their Play Kits and every month we get a wonder-inducing box. The best part of the Play Kits is that you get toys and cards with great ideas on how to best engage your child and support their learning.” Play Kits, starting at $36/month, Lovevery.

Face Scrub. “It’s hard to get in time for self-care but I pamper myself when I can. I love Salis Skincare scrubs. The hibiscus rose salt scrub is a weekly ritual in the shower. It is non-toxic and amazing for the areas of my face with hyperpigmentation. Add in a Eucalyptus shower bunch from K-Squared Flowers to your shower and a regular Monday becomes a spa day.” Hibiscus Rose Salt Scrub, $24.99, Salis Skincare. Eucalyptus Shower Bunch, $30, K-Squared Flowers.

PJs All Day. “On the weekends we occasionally have a stay-in-pajamas day and I love the pajamas from Softsie. They are incredibly soft and infused with aloe.” Footie PJs, $49, Softsie.

Piccolina Kids Clothes. “I keep my three-year-old, Giuliana, and one-year-old, David, in comfy threads throughout the day, too. Piccolina has a great line of inspiring t-shirts for girls. The brand’s mission is to break gender stereotypes and empower girls to take on their dreams. I am on a personal mission to buy every t-shirt in the trailblazers line and two of my favorites are the Maya Angelou and Rosa Parks tees.” Maya Angelou Short Sleeve Trailblazer Tee, $22, Piccolina Kids.

Birthday Cake Cookies. “I allow my kids to indulge in a sweet treat often. The treats are guilt-free when it comes to Partake Foods. Their cookies are vegan, allergy friendly, and delicious. Our favorite cookie flavor right now is Birthday Cake. The kids love the sprinkles.” Crunchy Birthday Cake Cookies, $14.99 for 3 boxes, Partake Foods.

Art Supplies. “I do weekly art projects with the artist in the family, Giuliana. We paint butterflies and caterpillars with dot art painters from Lakeshore. The Lakeshore website has over 1,000 free resources for parents trying to keep their children engaged at home and amazing arts and crafts supplies for purchase.” Regular Dot Art Painters, $14.99, Lakeshore.

Diaper Paste. “Curasalve non-toxic diaper paste is also a staple in my home. I battled chronic diaper rash with Giuliana’s sensitive skin. I formulated Curasalve for moms who want high-quality, organic ingredients and a diaper cream that works fast. I put Curasalve’s treatment paste on David every night. It shields his skin and prevents a pesky rash.” Treatment Paste, $16.99, Curasalve.  

For more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with Trade Street Jam Co. founder Ashley Rouse, Weelicious and One Potato founder Catherine McCord, Milky Mama’s Krystal Nicole Duhaney, mega-influencer Chriselle Lim, Matana Organics founder Gabriela Babila, interior designer Susan Work, author Tiffany Dufu, Les Gamins founder Veronique Nguyen, Lonny editor Angela Tafoya, Wiley Body founder Vanessa Wade, DockATot’s Roma Patel, designers Anna Wallack, Cynthia Rowley, Rebecca Atwood, and Dana Haim, Olympian Alysia Montano, cookbook author Hetal Vasavada, model and muse Slick Woods, children’s author Serena Minott, clean living expert Kristian Henderson, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, wellness influencer Joanne Encarnacion, author LaTonya Yvette, and many, many more!