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Growing up, I was constantly into my mom's clothes. I'd put on her heels, drape myself with jewelry, and parade around like I was on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. And while we were neither rich nor famous, these dress-up days have had a lasting impact on my self-confidence and relationship with fashion. In that spirit, we asked a handful of boutique owners and designers what it's like to be a mom and run a business in this industry. See what they had to say and read their adorable sartorial stories involving their little ones, below. Happy Mother's Day.
What’s one of your favorite fashion memories with your son?
I’ve been thrifting with my son since he was born—he was basically raised to thrift and antique with me! He always finds something cool, but I realized when he was six, he had never been to a mall. So I took him the other day, and it was so funny. It was like an “omg I’m the mom now” moment when I was so used to being the child in that particular situation, a real treat for me.
What does it mean to you to be a mother and a business owner?
It means I have two babies, but my son will always come first. The hardest part for me was trying to figure out both of them at the same time. I found out I was pregnant two months after opening the shop. I wish I didn’t stress out about the business so much when I was a new mom because, really, you never get that time back. But both survived and are thriving now (I think haha)!
What's on your Mother’s Day wish list?
The shop just got in the coolest bags from Wicker Wings, and I think I need one of those for sure!
What’s one of your favorite fashion memories with your daughter?
Bringing my daughter on a buying trip for the first time in NYC was so special. She loved picking out the shiniest and most colorful styles off the rack for me to try on. It was fun to show her where our clothing comes from and meet the designers behind them, and they had just as much fun meeting her.
What does it mean to you to be a mother and a business owner?
I'm so proud to show my daughter that I can run my own business doing something I love and still show up for her when she needs it. It means I can provide and support her and contribute to our family. It also means that when the going gets tough, I have an extra reason to push through. Owning my own business allows flexibility like being able to set my own schedule, which means more time for play dates, hugs, and laughs with my little one.
What's on your Mother's Day wish list?
Family brunch and a nap!
What’s one of your favorite fashion memories with your children?
The joy of receiving handmade knit clothing from my grandmother and family friends for my firstborn. Those sweaters and jackets hold a special place in my heart as they were crafted with love, and now, seeing my younger daughter wear them brings back cherished memories and connects generations through fashion.
What does it mean to you to be a mother and a business owner?
Being a mother and a business owner means that my children are my top priority, but my mind is always focused on both aspects of my life. Having my second child a year ago taught me the importance of accepting limitations and being patient with the pace of progress on the business side. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has instilled in me resilience, as I'm always prepared to adapt and bounce back from challenges, whether it's tending to a sick child or facing setbacks in business.
What's on your Mother's Day wish list?
I have so many ideas this year! Tickets to a concert, a sunset picnic at the beach, a written card—and if I have to choose something from our collection, I would absolutely get our new weekend bag in indigo or in a more colorful option.
What’s one of your favorite fashion memories with your son?
I’m usually dressed in casual neutrals, but one day, I went to pick up my two-and-a-half-year-old in a very sculptural Rodebjer blue-and-black print jacket. He looked at me, pressed the fabric between his fingers, and said, “It looks cute.”
What does it mean to you to be a mother and a business owner?
I love that Jenny and I have an understanding that family and motherhood come first, and business will take a back seat when it needs to. We try to uplift and encourage each other every day, which makes sense in our five different chat windows—but I still need to remind myself that it’s okay to feed my son chicken nuggets after a long day of work or ignore work for some much-needed toddler bonding/reset time. It’s a constant balancing act of priorities.
What's on your Mother's Day wish list?
A custom ring or bracelet with the birthstones of my little family of three: diamond for my son, emerald for me, and opal or pink tourmaline for my husband.
What’s one of your favorite fashion memories with your daughter?
Before Alice and I started a business, we would go on Smallable.com at the same time, proceed to scroll through all the pages and swoon (together) over all the mini knitwear, Copenhagen raincoats, and sock shoes from Collégien (thank me later)
Every OOTD since my daughter was born has been a truly joyous fashion journey for me. Now that she’s four and a half, and has a big voice of her own, we shop together. She loves a good dress and beams when she finds that it has pockets. Every shade of purple is her favorite color. White shoes are her go-to. The list goes on. It is so much fun.
What does it mean to you to be a mother and a business owner?
Alice and I started the business together as mothers. The most important conversation we had from the very beginning was how much we both prioritized our friendship and our families. We are as much each other’s village as we are business partners. And that truly is a gift.
One moment we’re talking about next season’s silhouette, the next minute one of us is at the grocery store asking the other if they need anything (we’re neighbors as well, so actually a village). I am deeply grateful for this.
What's on your Mother's Day wish list?
A pair of Shaina Mote Boy Trousers to go with Tercette’s Boy Tee. I’m always going for something that can take me from meeting to grocery to pick up.
What’s one of your favorite fashion memories with your child?
One of my cherished memories involving fashion and my child happened one busy morning as I hurriedly got us both ready for the day. As I juggled dressing him for school and myself for work, I impulsively grabbed a floral vintage blouse from my closet, pairing it with Levi’s jeans. With little time to spare, I wondered about my outfit choice. However, as my child looked up at me with a beaming smile and exclaimed, "mamãe você tá lindo," meaning "you look so pretty, mommy" in Portuguese, my doubts vanished instantly. It was a genuine compliment that melted my heart.
What does it mean to you to be a mother and a business owner?
Being a mother and a business owner is a beautiful juggling act. It's about loving my family and chasing my dreams, even when the balance isn't perfect. It takes resilience to raise children, manage work, and run a business, but it's worth it for the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
What's on your Mother's Day wish list?
A beautiful handwritten card, plus a tight hug.
