Mykel B Davis Brings Femtech Innovation to Atlanta During Forbes BLK Summit & Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Atlanta, GA — Mykel B. Davis, entrepreneur, mom of twins + 1, and Founder of Muscle Up Mommy, the first Black-owned wearable breast pump brand, returned to Atlanta early October for the Forbes BLK Summit. Her visit coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, shining a spotlight on how femtech can deliver accessible solutions for mothers worldwide.
Muscle Up Mommy has made history with its completely cordless wearable breast pumps — designed not only for convenience but also inclusivity. With single-sided suction and adaptable design, the pumps provide much-needed support for moms impacted by breast surgery, mobility challenges, or breastfeeding after breast cancer.
“Motherhood doesn’t look the same for every mom — and that’s exactly why our products are designed with accessibility in mind,” said Davis. “Whether it’s a first time mom, career mom on the go, a mom recovering from surgery, or a mom navigating breastfeeding after breast cancer, every mother deserves tools that let her thrive.”
Table of contents
A Foreword From Mykel
Hey Muscle Mommy's, this week marks a milestone that I could've only dreampt of many years ago when launching Muscle Up Mommy.
Am I nervous? Not really. But I mostly think that's because I feel prepared. I have been made for this. I've spent nearly a decade learning the business, pivoting with the ebbs and flows of the economy, studying what our community needs and being in the right spaces that have helped me navigate our brand to this point right here.
As Stephen A. Smith, well-known journalist and sports commentator, also speaker at Forbes BLK said "Forbes, Now that's a different story." And I feel that whole heartedly.
The people that are in the room are sharp, ready for connections and ready to help their peers succeed. I came to Atlanta with our most challenging needs in mind---overcoming our supply and demand chain.
Selling out of product is a good problem to have, but when you want to continue to support the needs of everyday moms and be accessible, we have to do more, be available in more spaces, and produce higher volumes.
Before I head back to Houston, I will learn a new thing, share our global impact with other founders, and get connected with changemakers who will have a hand in making this happen. That is what I anticipate.
Why This Moment Matters
Being personally invited by the Forbes BLK team to join the conversation around innovation, impact, and entrepreneurship was a complete honor. It was also a reminder of how far we've come as a brand since launching in my primary bedroom via Zoom.
In full transparency, it reminds me of how important maternal wellness is to the conversations at large around business and entrepreneurship.
Our mission at Muscle Up Mommy has always been bigger than wearable breast pumps and all or products for that matter. We exist to redefine what support looks like for mothers everywhere — through access, innovation, and empowerment. Being in the room with global leaders at Forbes BLK gives us a platform to amplify that mission and spark conversations that can help close the gap in maternal health outcomes for moms, and for women of color.
This moment also represents a shift in how we're moving the mission forward. We've highlighted our community impact with the launch of MUMFEST, our annual wellness festival. We also curated the newly launched MUMFEST Social Series, created to keep connections alive year-round through networking and wellness experiences.
So being excited about Forbes BLK? Absolutely! Our attendance means more than just being present. We're here soaking in gems from brilliant minds, and shaping what's next for moms in business, wellness and technology.
Inside the Forbes BLK Summit
Held in Atlanta, the Forbes BLK Summit united entrepreneurs, investors, and creators driving cultural and economic impact across industries. For Mykel B. Davis, it was an ecosystem of possibility.
Throughout the event, Davis connected with influential voices including Stephen A. Smith, John Hope Bryant, Pinky Cole, Emma Grede, Jabari Young, Wyclef Jean, Tyrese Gibson, Danessa Myricks, Shannae Ingleton Smith, Jenee Naylor, Dr. Judith Joseph, Ayisha “Miracle” Mendez, Asahi Pompey and many others. Each conversation reinforced Davis’ vision for Muscle Up Mommy—to build a global femtech brand at the intersection of motherhood, wellness, and innovation.
Stephen A. Smith’s unapologetic message on owning your story and standing firm in your lane resonated deeply with Davis’ journey as a founder. Conversations with industry powerhouses like Emma Grede, Pinky Cole, and Shannae Ingleton Smith highlighted the importance of brand visibility and legacy. Leaders such as John Hope Bryant and Jabari Young offered insight on wealth, access, and capital—elements Davis believes are key to scaling the Muscle Up Mommy movement and expanding access to maternal wellness technology worldwide.
She also exchanged powerful insights with changemakers like Dr. Judith Joseph and Danessa Myricks, both of whom emphasized the intersection of mental health, beauty, and empowerment—a message that aligns seamlessly with Muscle Up Mommy’s commitment to supporting mothers holistically.
And while Davis didn’t have the opportunity to speak directly with E-40, Andre Dickens, Latham Thomas, Beatrice Dixon, Don Peebles, Brandon Blackwood, Van Jones, Kandi Burruss, or Robert F. Smith, other speakers and influential voices from the summit and in culture, she was deeply inspired by the conversations they led on stage about perseverance, ownership, and purpose. Their stories sparked a renewed drive to never play small—and to continue building a legacy that empowers mothers and families everywhere.
“Being in that room wasn’t just inspiring—it was affirming,” Davis shared. “We belong in the same spaces where economic power and cultural impact intersect.”
From high-level conversations to heartfelt exchanges and genuine connection, the summit underscored to Davis how much her leadership has grown and shown up to set Muscle Up Mommy apart—and how far it’s destined to go.
Femtech Innovation Meets Advocacy – The Muscle Up Mommy Impact
Coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Muscle Up Mommy’s wearable tech innovation has opened an inclusive conversation about accessibility in maternal care. The brand’s wearable breast pump, uniquely designed with a single-suction option, serves mothers who aim to nurse and pump simultaneously, those recovering from surgery or living with physical limitations—ensuring every woman can experience comfort and dignity in her breastfeeding journey.
This innovation not only addresses real challenges mothers face but also reflects Davis’s broader mission: to make maternal wellness equitable, empowering, and tech-driven.
Unlike traditional pumps, the J35 prioritizes mobility, comfort, and accessibility. It’s a fully wearable, hands-free pump engineered to fit seamlessly into a mom’s daily life—whether she’s at work, in transit, or caring for her family. Its single-sided suction option makes it a game changer and offers adaptable solution to continue their breastfeeding journey in confidence.
Looking Ahead
Following the incredible connections made at Forbes BLK, Davis returned to Houston more inspired than ever to push innovation forward. Her brand’s signature J35 wearable breast pump continues to disrupt the femtech space with thoughtful, inclusive design—crafted by a mom, for moms.
Beyond product innovation, Muscle Up Mommy continues to build community. The brand will host its next MUMFEST Social on October 29 in Houston — a curated wellness and networking event that bridges motherhood, entrepreneurship, and self-care. RSVP here
From here, Davis and her team are focused on expanding their partnerships, growing their retail presence, and amplifying the conversation around maternal wellness and innovation through more live experiences, collaborations, and global outreach.
“The goal is simple,” Davis says. “We’re redefining what motherhood looks like in tech, business, and beyond—and we’re just getting started.”
About Muscle Up Mommy
Founded in 2016 by Mykel B. Davis, Muscle Up Mommy began as a postpartum fitness and lifestyle brand before making history as the first Black-owned wearable breast pump brand. Today, Muscle Up Mommy empowers mothers worldwide with innovative products, wellness essentials, and maternal health advocacy. Through initiatives like MUMFEST—the brand’s annual wellness festival—and the new MUMFEST Social Series, Muscle Up Mommy continues to redefine motherhood by blending community, culture, and cutting-edge solutions.
For press interviews, appearances and media inquiries, contact:
press@muscleupmommy.com | www.muscleupmommy.com
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