Notes on motherhood as a new identity this Mother's Day
12/3/2021
Ahead of Mother’s Day we’ve been thinking about what it means to be “mum.” After all, it’s only with the birth of a baby this identity is created too. And it feels like a topic that many are discussing right now.
For example, in Pandora Sykes’ collection of essays How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? she discusses what she calls the flattening of female identity – the idea that once a mother, that’s all a woman can be in society’s eyes.
Sykes discusses this too with fellow journalist-turned-author Nell Frizzell on her podcast, a mini series that coincides with her book of the same name, The Panic Years.
In a year that has seen the line between professional and personal blurred, with many small business owners juggling homeschooling and parenting, it’s intriguing how multiple responsibilities and identities may have merged. Many of us have had to be many things to many people all at once – and that’s not reserved just women or mothers in fact.
But, it seems only natural and timely that women are rejecting the concept that there’s one identity for “mother.” That mums look a certain way (mum jeans, anyone?) That mums behave like mothers should. For people who mother do so in a myriad of ways, reflecting their unique perspectives, upbringings, styles. What is universal, though, is the feeling that becoming a mother changes you.
We were curious as to what some of the amazing female founders behind our brands thought. So we asked them!
Quazi founder, Doron Shaltiel
“Motherhood has given me a new appreciation for creativity,” says Doron Shaltiel, founder of Quazi, a unique jewellery brand on a mission to empower female artisans in Swaziland while upcycling waste materials in the process.
“For making something out of nothing. For being able to turn that old cardboard box into a colourful home for a mouse. The wonder, fun and enjoyment of making,” she adds. No surprise really considering Doron’s jewellery turns waste pulp from newspaper and magazine pages into its colourful earrings and rings.
“And on a deeper level I think motherhood has made me more passionate about social justice. Making, buying, and using products that are ethically made, that respect the planet and it’s inhabitants.”
Shakti.ism founder, Jitna Bhagani
For Shakti.ism founder, Jitna Bhagani, as a mum of two girls, “motherhood has certainly shaped my identity, and for the better. My priorities changed once I became a parent – I quickly prioritised everything I was passionate about, and dropped everything else. At the end of the day, I’m simply too tired to do things that I am not passionate about. Both of the social impact projects I founded (including Shakti.ism) were born after my girls were. They inspired me to follow my heart!
Shakti.ism does good by women too. That’s because this brand was set up to empower women, particularly those who are at risk of gender-based violence. Artisans based in India and Bangladesh handmade every item, from makeup bags to tote bags, and they’re even made from recycled sari material helping to avoid waste too.
Peruse these purposeful products here
The Glasshouse co-founder, Kali Hamerton-Stove
For plant-preneur Kali Hamerton-Stove “motherhood has certainly expanded, possibly exploded my identity – though at the core I feel the same.”
Pictured below, Kali and her kids have a very real moment. The plant next to the framed picture is by The Glasshouse, naturally.
“Each time one of my babies arrived, I was blown away at how different and unique they were from minute one,” Kali adds. “If anything, I’ve raised them to be more similar but they were all little individuals from the very beginning and remain so. I’m pretty convinced they’ve all done this. Such fun to get to know them.”
Shop plants that empower female ex-offenders
Dalit Goods Co Head of Marketing, Natalie Hawthorne
To summarise it in the simplest of terms, Dalit Goods Co‘s Natalie says of motherhood: “it certainly does change you, I haven’t had a good night sleep for about 5 years and I definitely have more grey hairs but I’ve also never laughed so much.”
Dalit’s Megah candle appears in our Home Comforts gift box, a treat for anyone that mothers who needs 5 minutes of peace, surely?
Shop gift boxes with Dalit’s candles here
Rubies in the Rubble founder, Jenny Costa
“Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come after having a baby,” says Jenny Costa, the founder behind food waste warrior brand Rubies in the Rubble.
“Of course, I was aware we had a new addition to the household but the overwhelming love for and dependency of a child is immense,” she continues. “I’d gone from primarily looking after myself and my ambitions, to bringing another little soul into our wonderful world. Balancing work, family, friends and motherhood is a crazy but wonderful roller-coaster yet I feel thankful to be on!”
Rubies in the Rubble’s Jenny and her team have had a busy time during the pandemic no doubt – not unlike many of our small business founders. “I am forever grateful and in admiration to all the wonderful mothers, stepmothers and carers out there. The most challenging yet rewarding job on the planet!”
Switch to these vegan, food waste-saving condiments
From Babies With Love founder, Cecilia Crossley
We couldn’t write about motherhood and social impact without drawing on From Babies With Love, the mission-led babies and childrenswear brand. Founder Cecilia Crossley was inspired by her own family when she founded the brand.
“When I became a parent, one of the big children’s charity adverts came on TV and my emotional response was so profound and I think parents everywhere feel the same. Of course, your own children are your priority. But one’s concern for children everywhere becomes so much deeper,” she explains. “And I was out shopping for my son’s baby clothes and I had the idea – what if I could buy beautiful baby products that also helped children in need. That would completely speak to the emotions I experienced and made me feel amazing. […] And so, From Babies With Love was born.”
From Babies With Love products, including baby clothes, gifts and toys, help to fund SOS Children, an organisation that builds children’s villages for orphaned and abandoned children around the world. Instead of profiting shareholders, 100% of the brand’s profits go towards this mission – a message that is sure to resonate this Mother’s Day.
Get to know From Babies With Love now
Feeling inspired? Discover more female-led brands & stories:
