Mother’s Day is a day to appreciate those closest to you, reflect on the influential figures who have shaped you and pay respect to those who came before and the role they’ve played in shaping our communities. It is a day that looks different for every family.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, we spoke to some of our talented team at the Forever New Head Office to learn more about what Mother’s Day means to them. Read on to hear their personal stories.

Who has been an influential figure in your life? 

“My mum has been the most influential person in my life—she’s taught me so much about love, resilience, and the kind of woman I want to be. Alongside her, my Aunty Anne and my mother-in-law, Gabrielle, have also greatly impacted me. They’ve shown me that mothers come in many forms, each with their own beautiful strengths and life lessons to share."

What would you say if you could say anything to your mother when she was younger?  

“I’d tell her how proud I am of everything she’s accomplished and that she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. I’d remind her of how brave and inspiring she is—especially for taking a leap and travelling away from home alone. Her courage shaped so much of who she is today, and I look up to her more than she knows.”

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt about yourself since becoming a mother?

“Having an infinite amount of patience as a mother."

What is your favourite thing about being a mum?

“Experiencing a love like no other! It’s different from the love you feel for your partner, family, and friends. Also, watching Florence grow – she’s learning new things every day, which is forming her personality - it’s amazing to see."

How will you be spending Mother’s Day this year?

“My family and mum are back home in Norway (where I’m from), and Mother’s Day is celebrated on a different day there, so it will be pretty much a normal weekend for me. As I am expecting my first baby in early August, I am hoping for a coffee and a little breakfast in bed from my Fiancé."

Who has been an influential mother figure in your life?

“My mum and my late grandma! I have a great relationship with my Mum, and I'm very excited for her to come and visit when my baby is due in early August. I'm excited to share that time with her and learn from the best! Growing up, my grandparents lived around the corner, and I have a lot of great memories with my grandma. My sister and I would spend many holidays and afternoons after school at her house, doing arts and crafts: sewing, knitting, painting or pottery! She was very creative and talented in that space – something I, unfortunately, did not inherit. Luckily, I have many items in my house that she made, which I cherish dearly. ”

What does Mother’s Day mean to you?

“Mother’s Day to me is a celebration of love, and, in my case, the little life Nobu and I have created together. While I am not a traditional Mother yet, being a dog mum is such a joy and prepares me for the future. He reminds me every day to appreciate the small moments we have together and always cheers me up (unless he’s destroying something - in which case he teaches me patience, lol)."

Who has been an influential figure in your life?

“My own mum has been a big influence in my life, and so has Nobu! She looked after him for me for two months while I moved to Melbourne from New Zealand without question. She loves him as much as I do and calls him her furry grandson. ”

What does Mother’s Day mean to you?

“It’s a day to celebrate and recognise mum who has nurtured me for my whole life and who has been so selfless in doing so. It’s a reminder of mum’s unconditional love and strength and a celebration of all the sacrifices she made for my sister and me over the years, which sometimes may go unnoticed. It’s a day to celebrate my mum—to hold her a little longer and show her, even in the smallest way, just how deeply I appreciate everything she is and all that she’s done and will continue to do...She’s everything I aspire to be as a mum as I embark on my own journey of motherhood. “

How will you be spending Mother’s Day this year?

"Mother’s Day this year will look a little different for me, as it’s my first Mother’s Day pregnant with our first child! Although my husband and I will spend the day celebrating our amazing mums and grandmothers, we will also take some time out to celebrate me and the beginning of our new little family. "