Brooklyn's Soup Doula Comes 1 Step Closer To $10K Grant

BED-STUY, NY — Brooklyn's postpartum Soup Doula could get a major, $10,000 boost to her growing business — but she's going up against a stacked list of Brooklyn entrepreneurs.

Marisa Mendez Marthaller's business is one of 10 finalists for the $10,000 fellowship, designed by Bethany Baptist Church and Brooklyn brand Pardon My Fro to infuse some life into a promising young Brooklyn business.

Marthaller, known around Brooklyn for her homemade soups and unique background as a postpartum doula, shined through two rounds of pitches and voting in a pool that started over 100 businesses strong.

With results coming in August, Marthaller said she already considers the fellowship process a win — she has learned so much seeing the other contenders pitch their businesses and going before a panel of judges.

"To even pitch was so helpful," Marthaller said. "It was honestly amazing."

Pardon My Fro owner Dana Bly said this growth is what the fellowship was all about.

"And really, it's not even about the money. It's about the impact, the community, putting yourself out there to make something happen before anyone else is advocating for you," Bly said in an Instagram post.

Marthaller has grown her business in recent months, opening soup pick up locations at Bed-Stuy Barb's and Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits in Crown Heights. She has plans to open a location in Forte Greene in the fall.

Originally a postpartum doula, Marthaller started Soup Doula to help nourish her neighbors year-round, through any kind of life event be it pregnancy, an injury or just a hankering for a hearty broth.

As she expands, the $10,000 would be a huge infusion for increasing marketing efforts and building out a team.

"As a small business, I am pretty much doing everything myself at this point," Marthaller said. "Any grant money would be really helpful for expanding my reach."

And the community has shown up for her in the voting period. All together, the competition garnered about 1500 votes — and Marthaller said it's been a joy to interact with her customers about the competition.

"The response was amazing," Marthaller said. "That made me feel really good."

Marthaller found herself up against some stiff competition. She was blown away hearing pitches from the other Brooklyn businesses, like Lavender Blues Music a Bed-Stuy musical education program that Marthaller has taken her son to.

Other contenders include Bed-Stuy based wellness brand owner Justin G. Nelson, an athletic-wear company expanding colors included in "nudes," and media platform called Under Her Empire.

"Whoever gets the money, it's going to go to a really great idea," Marthaller said.