Mother's Day is this coming Sunday. Becoming and being a Mother is different for everyone. And I know so many are still trying to become a Mother, some don't want to be a Mother and some stand in and become the Mother.
I wanted to honor a few amazing mothers that I feel Blessed to know and learn from!
I had asked them a few questions to do a little feature to honor them. Enjoy!
Mom: Trisha Boyer
Company: Chocolate Provisions
{I met Trisha at a birthday party our son went to and I just thought she was amazing the first time I met her! She is so down to earth, not judgemental and so kind!}
How long have you been a mom?
I've been a mom for 16 years, which is hard for me to process!
What is your best advice as a mom?
The most important thing I've learned as a mom (to two very different kids) is that you have to do what is right for YOUR family. As a work-from-home mom with a husband who works long hours, we've learned to be endlessly flexible and to change things up as needed based on everyone's needs. I spent so many years worrying that we weren't quite as organized or structured as other families around us (some nights we are eating dinner at 7 when other kids are going to bed!), but I've slowly learned to appreciate the fluidity of our life rather than beat myself up for not having a strict schedule every single day of the week.
Mom: Amy Tucker
Company: Salty Britches
{Amy joined our group Deep South Social and started her company out of wanting to help her son. And that just speaks to my heart!}
How long have you been a mom?
Mom of a 15 year old son, and adult step "kids" (30, 31) that have their own children (12, 2 months, one on the way in August).
What is your most favorite thing about being a mom?
Most favorite thing about being a Mom is loving the kids and watching them grow and learn, and push through things without giving up. All three have done that!
What is the very hardest thing about being a mom?
The hardest thing about being a Mom is letting them learn "the hard way" and not saving them or doing everything for them so they learn. It goes against every cell of my being to not do it for them!
What is it like running a business/ working + being a mom?
Running my own business as a Mom is a tremendous gift. Having the flexibility to be at my kids ball games, or pick my son up from school, is a gift. This season will pass quickly so I am grateful for the flexibility to be there when I can.
What is your best advice as a mom?
My best advice as a Mom is to make sure you incorporate a spiritual foundation for your kids. Pray over them out loud before bed and school. Read a short devotion before bedtime (we have used Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids) for 7 years. My husband and I do this together with our son. Even if you don't think they are listening, it's one of the last bits of their day and creates a nighttime ritual that is secure and comforting. I also hope that this ritual will carry on through my son's life when he is a parent. Doing this is always worth it and if we haven't done it, my son ask us when are we coming up to do it. There is a lot I haven't gotten right for sure, but this ritual is my favorite and most meaningful.
Mom: Jenny Luckett
Company: January Moon
{I met Jenny at a little pop I did shortly after we first moved to Nashville. I helped her get her unbelievably beautiful goods unpacked and I just thought she was so creative and nice! I still can't believe I was able to buy her things that I LOVED so much for our rainbow baby!!}
How long have you been a mom?
7 years
What is your most favorite thing about being a mom?
Seeing the world through their eyes and creating new family traditions. There's a long period of time between being a young adult and becoming a mom where you kind of forget the magic of holidays, but when you have kids you get to do it all again and this time it's for them. It's so joyful and exciting to trick or treat in the dark, leave cookies out for Santa and go on an Easter egg hunt. I love their pure excitement!
What is the very hardest thing about being a mom?
Never being able to sleep again. Little feet coming into your room all through the night and then early early in the morning. And staying up worrying about them and the to do list associated with being a mom when you're supposed to be sleeping.
What is it like running a business/ working + being a mom?
Tricky. It feels like you're never giving your all to either. But that you also wouldn't want it any other way.
What is your best advice as a mom?
Sleep!
Mom: Becky Strasburger
Company: Nashville Soap Company
{I found Becky's goods at a few stores when dropping off orders and bought some! I have followed along and chatted with her and just love the sweet mom she is!}
How long have you been a mom?
I became a mom 6 1/2 years go
What is your most favorite thing about being a mom?
The unconditional love, the cuddles, the boo boo kissing, watching them grow and blossom. Kissing their heads might be my absolute favorite. I know as they get older I'll have new favorites. My 6 year old is reading and writing now, and it's pretty special to watch her take off in her first year of school.
What is the very hardest thing about being a mom?
Those days when the whining is endless and the to-do list is also endless... But, I think I'll look back and miss those days a lot (them being little). The very hardest thing is wanting to fix something for them or take away a hardship for them that you can't.
What is it like running a business/ working + being a mom?
The craziest balancing act ever!
What is your best advice as a mom?
I really like the saying, "Successful mothers are not the ones that never struggled. They are the ones that never give up, despite their struggles." I think this is so true. You don't need to be perfect, you just need to show up, do your very best, and love + guide them through all of their struggles.
Mom: Caitlin Shirock
Company: Cash Color
{I met Caitlin at an event I was asked to do shortly after moving. It was for women creatives. There were incredibly wonderful women speakers and after she came and chatted with me. I LOVED her work so much!!}
How long have you been a mom?
Since my son was born two and a half years ago! I became a mom again when my daughter was born just 6 months ago! Having two, Geo and Ivy, is the most challenging and most beautiful experience of my life.
What is it like running a business/ working + being a mom?
It is a wild ride! Some days I struggle to know what the next right step is for me, my family, and Cash Color. And then there are days where I wake up so incredibly grateful that I get to call this a career! As I get to know myself better in this stage in life (where I’m learning to juggle my roles as a wife, mother, business owner, and artist), I’m getting more comfortable with myself. There’s a new level of certainty that I see in my more recent art pieces, and I’m so honored I get to share them with you.
Mom: Kate Stewart
Company: Bauble Stockings
{Kate joined our Little Group Deep South Social and I just have loved watching her grow and spread her family's holiday tradition! She helps other families make memories!}
What is your most favorite thing about being a mom?
I love hearing their big thoughts, and, since both of mine are under six, I especially love writing down their ideas and having them dictate exactly how they would like it to be written. They are so precise!
What is the very hardest thing about being a mom?
Being hard on myself. But it's gotten easier! The twos were challenging for me with both my kids, and I was so hard on myself, but you know what? They are perfectly fine now so I wish I had given myself some grace during that time.
Mom: Lillian Dokken
Company: Lilli Dokken
{We met Lillian and her husband at a tradeshow, and it turned out that we live a few streets away from each other. I just love her jewelry.}
How long have you been a mom?
8 months!
What is your most favorite thing about being a mom?
There is SO much to love. The love you feel towards them, and how proud you are of every little thing they do!
What is the very hardest thing about being a mom?
How your time is not your own anymore. Don't get me wrong: I wouldn't trade being a mom for the world, but it's hard to navigate / get things done sometimes.
What is it like running a business/ working + being a mom?
Honestly, it's hard! I'm still working to find this balance. Nap times are key.
What is your best advice as a mom?
Be confident in your decisions. Listen to your gut. YOU were chosen to be their momma!
Mom: Yana Wieckowski
Company: Hemming Birds
{I met Yana here in Nashville at a pop up event her and her friend put together. I just loved her sweet goods so much and thought she was so nice! We stayed in touch!}
How long have you been a mom?
For 8 years.
What is it like running a business/ working + being a mom?
It’s a bit of creative chaos most of the time, but honestly we wouldn’t have it any other way. I started Hemming Birds 7 years ago when we had one daughter, and since then we’ve added two more. Remaining flexible and working as a team with my husband has been essential to balancing work and home life. The best part is that our kids see us working together to achieve my work goals and our family goals - they see the hard work we put in, the struggle, and the triumphs.
What is your very best advice as a mom?
Try your best every day to focus on the joyful moments. There will be plenty of big moments as a parent, but in my experience you’ll find more happiness and peace in enjoying the tiny joys that could have been so easily missed. Actively focus your energy and thoughts on the positive, while also giving yourself grace during the frustrating and overwhelming moments (of which, there will be many!)
Mom: Erica Howard
Company: Ruthie & Oliver Letterpress
{Erica is an amazing letterpresser (I dont think thats a word, lol!) and I met with her after seeing her work and I just thought the world of her! We have done a collaboration together.}
How long have you been a mom?
I’ve been a mom for almost 4 years.
What is your most favorite thing about being a mom?
My favorite thing about being a mom is watching Oliver smile & laugh. I love the funny things that come out of his mouth. I love watching his brain process things. I love when Oliver unexpectedly tells me he loves me and gives me a kiss. A child’s love is unconditional; it’s the most rewarding thing.
What is the very hardest thing about being a mom?
Clipping fingernails & toenails! Ha. But for real, the hardest thing is watching them grow up. The sweet innocence is such a short season, and I know in the daily struggle, I’m taking for granted little moments. We don’t get more time with our kids.
What is it like running a business/ working + being a mom?
There is never enough time in the day to get to all the things. Sometimes things are put on the back burner in my business, but Oliver always comes first. It can be a struggle some days when I have deadlines, which means working late or working all day Saturday. Work / Mom balance can be tough, but I wouldn’t trade it!
What is your very best advice as a mom?
Try to remember to cherish every moment. Time is not stopping for us, and we don’t get a redo on our child’s childhood. I’m learning to say no, because making memories with Oliver when he’s little is something I won’t get the chance to do again.
Mom: Angela Wingard
Company: Angie & Co.
{Angela and her hubby Thomas were our neighbors in Atlanta and we just love them! They are so funny and wonderful and talented! Angela is a very talented designer and photographer!}
How long have you been a mom?
Been a mom for 4 years
What is the very best thing about being a mom?
The most amazing thing is the overwhelming love you have for your kids. Its something that can’t be put into words. Also watching them turn into little humans is the best thing to witness.
What is the hardest thing about being a mom?
The hardest thing is how truly selfless of a job it is to be a parent. You give up your entire identity, free time, disposable income, your body and hormones take a hit, and you always feel like you aren’t doing a good job.
What is it like running a business and being a mom?
Running a business and being a mom is such a conflicting feeling for me. My kids and the ability to spend more time with them are a big reason why I do what I do. But you essentially have multiple babies, your business and your actual kids. And when you’re not working with one, you’re with the other, and you just always feel pulled in different directions, always feel like you’re not doing enough or doing it right. I’ve just learned it comes with the territory and that everyone feels like this.
What is the very best advice as a mom?
Best advice - to give yourself grace. Remember that you’re doing the best you can and thats all anyone can do. You can only get so much done in a day so be super realistic about your schedule (remember to schedule some you time as well). And to find something that is for you, outside of work and outside of being a mom. Something for you to have thats all yours.
Mom: Maureen Brisbane
Company: Maples Rugs
{Maureen is one of my very oldest and dearest friends in life! We have been friends since we were 9 so like over 30 years! We have had so many of the very best times together and laugh a lot!! I wish we lived down the street from each other although, we would probably get very very little done, come up with way too many ideas and definitely be late alllll the time, lol!! She is also a very hardworking and amazing mom!}
How long have you been a mom?
Going on 10 years.
What is your most favorite thing about being a mom?
The early morning snuggles and the big smiles when they are proud of something they did.
What is the very hardest thing about being a mom?
All parts; especially patience.
What is it like running a business/ working + being a mom?
Challenging!! The work helps to keep my mind in focus and stay productive. The mommy part helps me to be human and show compassion and love.
What is your best advice as a mom?
Taken from my Grandmother, Hellen Donnelly ... ”Raise your eyebrows not your voice.”
Mom: Jordan Hughes
Company: Stately Made
{I bought some of Jordans things at a few of the made souths I went to! I just loved her things plus, I always love to support other awesome paper companies. She is really kind and so talented!}
How lobg have you been a mom?
I’ve been a mom for almost 4 years.
What is your most favorite thing about being a mom?
One thing I love about being a mother is the sense of wonder and fun that my daughter Adeline brings into our lives daily! I can tend to stay busy and be too serious about life sometimes, and my daughter has the best, loudest laugh & sense of humor that reminds me daily how much joy is around us!
What is it like running a business/ working + being a mom?
I’m not going to lie, I find it tough sometimes to run a business from home and be a mom to a toddler. A lot of times, I’m pulled in a lot of directions, and I feel like I’m not doing a great job in any area of my life. But I still wouldn’t trade these days for anything. And it makes me smile when my daughter creates her own greeting cards or plays “shop” as I work in my studio. I love that she can see me working hard and succeeding and failing in life and business but that I show up daily to do my best to love hard, work hard, and (daily learning) to play hard!
Mom: Sarah Howell
Company: Helmsie Baby
{I met Sarah just a little over a year ago in Atlanta at a tradeshow while I was super pregnant, she is part of our awesome group Deep South Social. Her company is inceredible! I just adore the goods she is making so much!}
What is the hardest thing about being a mom?
I think the hardest thing about being a mom is allowing your littles to fail. They have to learn things for themselves, but it is tough not to want to swoop in and fix things for them every time.
How long have you been a mom?
I have been a mom for 6 years.