Dragonfly Maternity
Dragonfly Maternity
Where motherhood meets community
Pregnancy and early motherhood often bring a mix of excitement, change and uncertainty. But for Cher Compton, the founder of Dragonfly Maternity, those experiences inspired the creation of a business designed to support women through every stage of the journey.
“I was navigating my way through all of this and finding what was working for myself with the challenges I was going through early on, and I wanted to share that with others,” said Compton.
Located on Centre St. N, Calgary, Dragonfly Maternity combines a maternity consignment boutique with a wellness studio. Offering affordable maternity clothing alongside prenatal and postnatal yoga classes.
Inspired by experience
The idea took flight when Compton was pregnant with her second son. She noticed there were very few maternity consignment stores serving the city’s large population of expectant mothers.
Those that were present did not stay open long in the city, leaving many women like Compton to rely on online shopping.
She says she believes women deserve a place to try on maternity clothing before purchasing it. Ensuring the pieces are both comfortable and practical.
Dragonfly Maternity’s wellness offerings formed after Compton decided to use her experience in yoga training from before the store opened.
Today, the store also offers prenatal and postnatal yoga classes that encourage women to connect with their changing bodies, while building relationships with others experiencing similar transitions – an offering that arose from Compton’s passion for yoga and qualifications as an instructor.
Together through motherhood
The spirit of transformation is reflected throughout the business, even in the branding. The dragonfly, a symbol closely connected to the business, was chosen by Compton because of its meaning.
“I have always been personally fascinated with dragonflies,” Compton said. “They actually symbolize transformation and growth. . . The specific transformation a dragonfly goes through really connects to the transformation a woman goes through into motherhood.”
Beyond products and classes, Dragonfly Maternity has a strong emphasis on community. Clothing that is not accepted for consignment can either be returned to the consignor or it is donated to local charities such as, Mamas for Mamas, Made by Mama, The Calgary Pregnancy Care Centre, or Emma’s House.
Dragonfly Maternity has also recently expanded its support beyond its physical location through the launch of its online wellness library, Connection Through Motherhood, making its wellness services more accessible to mothers.
A place to belong
For Compton, creating opportunities for connection remains the heart of her business, and it is her favourite thing to form relationships with customers.
“There are a lot of beautiful moments and there are a lot of hardships and challenges. It can feel like a lonely journey sometimes, and I know I’ve felt that in my own way. Learning about the connection points, the support I had and all the ways people in my community showed me that—I want to be that place for other people,” said Compton.
Through affordable maternity clothing, wellness programming and a commitment to a fostering community, Dragonfly Maternity has become more than a boutique and fitness studio. It has created a space where mothers can find support, friendship and confidence as they navigate one of life’s biggest transformations.
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