Today we celebrate all moms, in every form.
We are humbled and inspired by the love, support + nurturing guidance that we experience from mothers, grandmothers, teachers, counselors, and friends every day.
We interviewed inspirational mamas in our community to chat about all things motherhood, sustainability, and everything in between. Continue reading to get to know some of the incredible women in our circle.
Olesya Rulin
@olesyarulin
Olesya wears the Rossi Underwire top in Tangerine SuperRib + The Costa Caftan
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: Hi, my name is Olesya Rulin and I'm an actor, an environmentalist, and a new mother. I live outside Yosemite National Park with my incredible husband, our baby, my mother, and our little dog. I'm originally from what was then the USSR ( Communist Russia) where I grew up living off the land in a small village of 12 houses. Sustainability wasn't a choice but simply a way of life. I feel blessed to have had such a magical childhood in the woods since it allowed me to grow into the advocate that I am today. I believe in progress vs perfection and as a climate optimist I do believe the small changes ( along with the larger ones) add up to a better world for all of us.
Q: What makes you feel the most confident? Tips for new moms?
A: I feel the most confident when I'm taking good care of my mental, physical, and spiritual health. I've noticed that it's when I'm fully " in" my body, and can process information around me from a place that's grounded in grace, everything else tends to flow easily. It's a choice to make the time in order to prioritize all three categories and I've learned as a new mother that it is time very well spent. The dishes can wait... mom's meditation can't.
Q: How do you incorporate sustainability into your daily life with your little one?
A: At this point, our little dove Ondine is only 9 months old and already it's been a fun journey to keep her items as sustainable as possible. We reuse items that our friends have passed down, choosing to purchase organic heirloom quality clothing and toys that we can then pass down to others, choosing eco diapers and clean baby products that are both safe for her and the planet. It's little things such as choosing to purchase less but higher quality, choosing to buy pieces such as her bed that will grow with her. On a larger scale, it's choosing to spend our money on experiences with her ( travel the world) vs items. We want her to feel full of life because the world is abundant.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of motherhood?
A: The grace it gives you. Somehow all of the things I would fixate on when I was younger ( my looks, how I'm perceived, etc) shifted and dissipated. You are kinder to yourself, the people around you, your own inner child. I think for me the most rewarding part thus far is knowing that I'm showing up for my daughter in the ways I should... with love, patience, and understanding. Showing up for her as my " whole" self that's been beautiful.
Q: What has been the most surprising part of motherhood?
A: I've always said my greatest accomplishment is the people in my life. It's taken me 37 years to gather them and I couldn't be more proud of my chosen family. One of the most surprising parts of becoming Ondines' mother was how much she would mean to our community. I didn't realize just how many of my loved ones had been waiting for her to join us. She lights up the room and melts hearts... she draws people close... that connection and purity is something miraculous to witness. She has filled gaps in people's lives simply by existing. It's a reminder that we ALL are so special without having to try... simply be.
Adri Leon
@adrileon__
Adri wears the Yara Wrap One Piece + the Cabana Set in Matisse
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: My name is Adriana, mom of two little, art teacher & photographer. Born and raise in the Dominican Republic, living by the sea, love sustainable and slow living. Love making meaningful connections, inspiring others and being inspired by others.
Q: What is your favorite Vitamin A piece at the moment? Why?
A: In love with my Playa Linen Oversized Shirt & Tallows Linen Short, love how soft, comfortable and airy it is. Perfect for this summer. Definitely a staple in my closet that I’ll be wearing on repeat.
Q: What makes you feel the most confident? Tips for new moms?
A: My new body, it took me months after having my babies to love the new beautiful imperfections of my new body, but once I embrace it. It gave me the confidence. It reminded me of the amazing work of life I did, this body created life twice and deserve to be praised.
See Your Body as Your New Superpower, There is so much pressure to 'bounce back' post-baby, I want every mom to know that you are a superwoman. You created a miracle and your body is remarkable. So treat yourself with more love, patience, and compassion.
Q: How do you incorporate sustainability into your daily life with your kids?
A: We love to incorporate sustainability by recycling, by growing our own food (gardening & making food from scratch), making sure we buy our clothes in places that have big environmental benefits & go outdoors as much as we can (we are the biggest role model for our children)
Therefore, when you lead by example, you're using one of the best ways possible for teaching them to care about things like, recycling, conservation, eco-friendly practices.
Q: It you could describe the perfect day with your kids, what would it be?
A: day in the beach, we love the ocean. Our days consist of a lot of trips to beach and spend the whole day by the sea.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of motherhood?
A: The most rewarding part of motherhood has been the unconditional love that I received from my little babies.
Q: What has been the most surprising part of motherhood:
A: You won't be as easily embarrassed, I have social anxiety, but when both of my kids were hungry that all goes away. I’ll whip my boob out and feed them in a store, restaurant, church. I don’t care, that was very surprising for me. Not feeling embarrassed to feed my babies when they need to be fed.
Q: Any tips for new moms?
A: Trust yourself, everyone you know will have advice and opinions about how you are raising your baby...However, you are the only real expert on your baby and what he or she may need. Trust your instincts and don’t judge yourself through social media. Do not be hard on yourself or get discouraged if you fail. If you fall down, get back up, and try something else. Remember that nothing goes as planned.
Sophia Illich
@sophia_illich
Sophia wears the Goldie Underwire + California High Leg in Matisse
Q: Tell us about yourself?
A: I am a young wife and mama with a passion for adventure and the slow and simple moments in life. I'm currently living in a tiny beach shack on the east coast of Florida with my husband, son and baby girl on the way.
Q: What is your favorite vitamin a piece at the moment?
A: I am loving the linen playa oversized shirt .. it's perfect to throw over my growing baby bump for the beach, errands, playing with the cub.
Q: What makes you feel most confident?
A: Staying nourished from within.. Eating nutrient rich foods, staying hydrated, moving my body and setting time each day to pray and write keeps me confident. I would say every mama needs space to give to herself so she can give to her family.
Q: How do you incorporate sustainability into your daily life?
A: I am a strong advocate for sustainability and supporting ethical brands or products that are meaningful to me, my family and the Earth. When you see the next generation sitting at your dinner table, your mindset shifts into a really self-aware consciousness of the practices and teachings of your everyday life.. Supporting organic food/products or growing our own, bringing bags to the market, owning a few timeless pieces or vintage clothings to reduce textile waste are just a few of the things I strive to incorporate in my daily.
Q: If you could describe the perfect day with your kids, what would it be?
A: The perfect day is definitely a sunny day at the beach with my son and husband.. A good, nourishing breakfast to start followed by a few hours in the sun and ocean.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of motherhood?
A: The everyday joys of motherhood are all so rewarding.. along with the big moments that just make your heart melt.. Motherhood is such an abundant experience for me. Showing true, unconditional love to a little human really shows when they randomly give you hugs, share their snacks, and tell you how much they love you.. those little things mean everything
Q: What has been the most surprising part of motherhood?
A: This job is full-time. Its hard. Its triggering.. And when you literally see time passing you by in the form of a physical being, your perspective on EVERYthing in life changes. You evolve so much as a woman, I am in awe everyday of how much I've grown while loving and mothering my children.
Q: Tips for new moms?
A: Once I set myself down a path in my motherhood where I was following my own heart and intutition, everything clicked. It got easier, my son felt more loved and I felt more confident as a mama and as a woman/wife. I would say, do what works for you and makes you and your family feel best.
Valerie Metz
@mamafolk
Valerie wears the Skylar Top + California High Leg Full in Tangerine SuperRib + the Costa Tunic
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: My name is Valerie–I am a Latina content creator + film photographer specifically for motherhood. I live beach side in Southern California with my husband and our kiddos, Hendrix and Rio!
Q: What is your favorite Vitamin A piece at the moment? Why?
A: My favorite piece is the Tangerine Skylar Top + Cali High Leg bottoms. I feel like it looks sooo good with my skin tone and is also flattering on my body with the high leg fit! The top has the cutest gold hoop detail that spices up my suit, I love it!
Q: What makes you feel the most confident? Tips for new moms?
A: I feel the most confident when I am grounded in myself and in community. My mental health can definitely affect my confidence (inside and out) so I try to take care of myself by allowing myself to be taken care of by a close community. Simple things like eating the right foods, staying active, and LOTS of sunshine and outdoor time also help me so much. I would tell new moms to find a safe community and to voice their needs. There is always guilt with moms needing to ask for help or feeling like a failure when we can't do it all but motherhood isn't meant to be done alone (which is why we need each other!) It truly takes a village!
Q: How do you incorporate sustainability into your daily life?
A: We spend lots of time outside so that they can gain understanding for our surroundings and natural resources. We also include them in the process of sustainability as a whole which is through small, everyday habits!
Q: If you could describe the perfect day with your kids, what would it be?
A: It would be a HOT beach day with snacks and lunch. I love being able to raise my kids where we live, they are happiest outside. We would finish the day with ice cream, its our hot summer day tradition!
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of motherhood?
A: There are so many rewards and I feel like they change depending on how old my kids are. As babies, it's so cool to see the connection and wholesome love experienced with a tiny little human and it's amazing getting to teach them the basics. As they get older, I've been more conscious of my parenting style and how I am their inner voice so becoming a mom has taught me to be emotionally self aware and work through some wounds that I still carried over the years. Feeling all the emotions and learning to be okay with them has been hard and overwhelming but such a reward. As they get older too, I feel that my relationship with them feels reciprocated and it's amazing getting to see their personalities and which personality traits they carry from my husband and me.
• What has been the most surprising part of motherhood?
It's how emotional you get! I had been a private crier my whole life up until I had kids and now I cry at everything and it's honestly so freeing and great! haha
Q: Any tips for new moms?
A: Lean on community! Relationships are so needed as a mom. Moms aren't meant to do it all and it's important to lean on each other. Also make space for an independent hobby or experience with something that separates you from being a mom 24/7- It is so refreshing to be able to just BE a person apart from your kids. It's improved my mental health and has added to my identity!
Brooke Lawrence
@brookellawrence
Brooke wears the Costa Tunic + Costa Pant + Moss Bralette + California High Leg Full in White EcoRib
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: My name is Brooke Lawrence, I was born and raised in CA but recently bought and renovated our first home and moved to Franklin, TN! We had our first baby boy in January 2022 and quit my full time job so I could be a full time mama. Life has slowed down quite a bit but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Q: If you could describe the perfect day with your kids, what would it be?
A: Well let me describe our Saturdays! (They are my favorite) We wake up, have some coffee and head to the Farmers Market to get provisions for the evening. Then while Vaun naps, my husband and I work on the yard then we take a family trip for a country drive to see all the farm animals. We then play in the yard before we cook dinner from all the things we got at the farmers market!
Q: What has been the most surprising part of motherhood?
A: I was definitely surprised by how much motherly intuition kicks in - I was so fearful that I wouldn’t know what my baby would need, and it’s the most wild thing to be able to tell the different cries apart and just feel deeply in tune with them and their needs.
Q: Any tips for new moms?
A: Give yourself grace and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
In the early days postpartum, my husband would take his lunch and watch Vaun so I could do some form of exercise and take a shower. It seems simple but it made me feel human in a season where everything felt foggy. I think post baby if you don’t feel good about yourself it effects how you treat others and also makes small things feel more overwhelming - I found if I moved my body and got ready for the day, it made the daily tasks feel achievable.
Nicole Spencer
@nicolezpencer
Nicole wears the Alia One Piece in Black EcoRib
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: My name is Nicole- I’m a wife, mom, and photographer who enjoys the simple things in life. I was born and raised in Maui, now living in Southern California. I married my high school sweetheart 9 years ago and gave birth to my son a little over a year and a half ago. Since having our son we make our way back to Hawaii often. It’s a special place that will always be home.
Q: What is your favorite Vitamin A piece at the moment? Why?
A: The Alia Bodysuit has been my go-to suit. Coverage is just right and it stays on while I chase after my toddler.
Q: Tips for new moms?
A: With motherhood comes change, and with change comes the opportunity for growth. Embrace those moments and give yourself grace–lots of it. At the end of the day we’re all figuring it out. It’s messy and beautiful all at the same time.
Q: How do you incorporate sustainability into your daily life with your little one?
A: I love shopping at thrift stores, flea markets and second hand sites so it was only natural to do the same for Elliott. Babies grow out of their clothing so quickly with over 200,000 tons of kids clothes ending up in landfills each year. If we can make a dent by circulating our clothes I think that’s a win.
Q: If you could describe the perfect day with your kids, what would it be?
A: In Maui at our favorite beach with our favorite people. Bonus if I have chilled pineapple and a poke bowl in the cooler.
Q: What are your beach day must haves?
A: Cannes hat from Vitamin A, Sunday Supply umbrella and cooler full of food and drinks so we can post up all day.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of motherhood?
A: I love seeing Elliott’s personality come out and getting glimpses into the little boy he is becoming. He is so much fun and pure joy.