LIFE DOESN'T COME WITH A MANUAL, IT COMES WITH A MOTHER

I first decided to compose a Mother’s Day post a couple of months ago. My desire was to honor some of my closest friends who happen to be mothers. When I think of a mother, what comes to mind is someone who is authentic and shows their vulnerability but demonstrates strength at the same time. Katrina and Locina both came to thought – I’ve had the pleasure of watching them raise their children over the years. They have very different personalities and Katrina has 3 boys while Locina has a daughter. I met them at different parts of my life, however, I realized as I was interviewing them that what they have in common is their belief that there is no perfect recipe in being a parent, especially a mother. To succeed in being a mother one must remain authentic and honest with themselves. I hope my readers enjoy the interviews below with these two amazing beautiful mothers:

I met Locina during freshman orientation at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. She happened to be from Richmond, VA as well. Locina has always had a motherly personality. We called her Mama-cina. In fact, my mother took a liking to Locina and before my parents dropped me off at campus first semester, my mother asked Locina to look after me, lol. I can laugh about it now but at the time I was truly confused how someone my age would look after me. Well guys, she did!

What do you love the most about being a mother? What I love most about being a mother is the creation of life. I look at her often and think I carried her for 9 months and I have a front row seat in watching her grow and bloom into a beautiful little person.

What is the most difficult thing about being a mom? The most difficult thing about being a mom in my opinion is that there are no days off, lol. Your job as mom is 24/7 and 365 days.

What do you enjoy doing to relax after your kids are sleep or away for the weekend? When Bailey’s away for a day or few, I go out and have girls time or me time. When she falls asleep I’m asleep too!

How do you identify your style? Did your style change any after having children? Yes, my style completely changed when I had my daughter. I always wore chic girly clothes now I choose more casual fashion. It comes with the territory; being a mother requires a lot of running around so I’d rather put on flats than heels when going from Girl Scouts to basketball practice.

I understand that there is no perfect formula to being a parent but what bit of advice would you give to a first time mom? I would tell a first time mom to create her own rules. Everyone is going to tell them oh this works and that works. In my experience I learned what worked best for me and my daughter. For example, my daughter’s bed time is 9:30 pm. Some may say that’s too late or early, but that’s what works best for us.

Who is your mom style icon (celebrity)? Why? My style icons (I have two) are June Ambrose and Beyoncé. Both of their daughters aren’t girly like them and they allow their daughters to dress how they want while finding ways to match their style.

Katrina is my sister – I’ve known her since I was 6 years old. We grew up living in the same neighborhood and went to elementary through high school together. Katrina was always wise for her age and is one of the most dependable and patient people I know. She was always good at explaining – teaching different subjects and I now relate that to her being an administrator and mother of three boys.

What do you love the most about being a mother? Watching your children grow physically, emotionally and spiritually, while navigating life at their developmental stage.

What is the most difficult thing about being a mom? Feeling the need to explain yourself to others. Enjoying each stage in life while your children lead. Motherhood is truly a journey, and no book is written to tell you the ‘right way.’

What do you enjoy doing to relax after your kids are sleep or away for the weekend? I enjoy living life and taking what it brings. Relaxing may be: staying in my bathrobe all day, an impromptu dinner with friends, a glass of wine or binge watching on Netflix.

How do you identify your style? Did your style change any after having children? My style is true to me and my mood. My style is boho chic, modern, urban, and rock and roll. My style did change after having children, my look matured with age just as your palate does. The change was due to lifestyle changes more than motherhood.

I understand that there is no perfect formula to being a parent but what bit of advice would you give to a first time mom?

Dear 1st Time Mom,

You won’t and don’t have all of the answers and neither did your mother. You will never stop worrying. Some things do have to wait. So just breathe and enjoy motherhood. It is not always easy but always worth it. Always, always find time for yourself even if its 5 minutes with the bathroom door closed, a spa day, or weekend getaway.

Who is your mom style icon (celebrity)? Why? I don’t have just one. I admire fierce women and fashion. I get ideas from celebrity and everyday moms. I admire them/you all.

Photographer: Sincerelyjenae (Instagram)