Mother’s Day is an important holiday to celebrate. It’s the perfect time to praise the strong, loving women in our lives. This year, we wanted to highlight some of the exceptional ladies at Paper Source who define the term, Mom Boss. These women have two full time jobs – Paper Source and being a mom.
We interviewed a few of these ladies to find out what it’s like to be a working mom. Here is the advice they have on keeping it all together…
Winnie Park, CEO
How many kids do you have?
I have one daughter, she’s 12 years old.
What are some challenges you have as a working mom?
Being 100% present when I have time with my daughter – no email, no phone, no wandering thoughts.
What’s the best part about being a working mom?
Being financially independent and proud of being part of such an amazing brand and team.
What is some advice you can give to future moms who will be coming back to work?
Don’t aspire for perfection, because you can become your own worst enemy.
What does being a Mom Boss mean to you?
Moms are so BOSS. It’s an amazing job to be a mother – creator, nurturer, disciplinarian, confidante, cheerleader and friend, all rolled into one. It’s also important to acknowledge all the people around you who help you “Mom”…in my case, my own mother, my mom friends, my sister and my nanny.
Tara Kennedy, Regional Recruiter & Store Operations
How many kids do you have?
I have two children, Jude who’s 10 and Mara who’s 9.
What are some challenges you have as a working mom?
Challenges occur daily, and sometimes more often than that! Trying to get everything done: school projects, bath time, reading time, homework…it’s awesome. Juggling their calendars takes more skill than setting up my own. They are active with Second City, Jude does gymnastics and Mara plays hockey. And then there’s baseball and softball added to the mix!
What’s the best part about being a working mom?
I did try to be that Mom on the sidelines, sipping coffee while they played at the park, but I get impatient, so it’s better that I keep busy with work.
What is some advice you can give to future moms who will be coming back to work?
Never take yourself too seriously. You will always be loved, and adored no matter how badly you think you mess up. Take those, “I love you, moms” very seriously. They mean it. And that’s all you need to hold onto. Don’t stress about making things work, or overthink things like the “what ifs?” Things will always work out in the end.
Advice on coming back to work – Do what is right for you. It’s like the oxygen analogy. If you don’t take care of you first, you’re not doing your kids any favors.
What does being a Mom Boss mean to you?
Mom Boss means you own it. Do your best. Be your own BOSS and make it work!
Sadie Piller, Senior Merchandise Manager
How many kids do you have?
I have one and he is 9 months old.
What are some challenges you have as a working mom?
The emotions are tricky to navigate. I became a mom in my thirties, and I felt stripped of the toolkit I had built for myself as a young professional. Parenthood forced me into a way of life that felt so “other.”
What’s the best part about being a working mom?
There seems to be an underground tribe of open-armed, encouraging moms who are well-practiced in coming alongside new mothers with meals, comforting text messages, and late night calls. I take great comfort in knowing I’m not the only one.
What is some advice you can give to future moms who will be coming back to work?
Give yourself grace.
What does being a Mom Boss mean to you?
Reminding myself that this life stage is a paragraph. Not the ending of the book, not the beginning. It helps me be fully present in the chaos.
Jenica Myszkowski, COO
How many kids do you have?
I have 3 kids – Hudson who turns six next week. Olivia who is 3 ½ and Marlowe who is 1 1/2.
What are some challenges you have as a working mom?
It’s a constant balancing act – being an active part of their communities is demanding, but when you spend time with their friends and doing what they love – they are so happy and appreciative.
What’s the best part about being a working mom?
I’m a better leader at work, because I am a mom. My kids require me to be empathetic, authentic and fun – bringing those things into work makes me a stronger more relatable leader.
What is some advice you can give to future moms who will be coming back to work?
Take it one day at a time. You are only one person and support isn’t a bad thing, it’s a necessity. It takes a village at home, at work and at school. Surround yourself with people that help lift you up and offer support when you need it – and don’t be afraid of leaning on others.
What does being a Mom Boss mean to you?
Keeping all of the balls in the air. There is a lot to manage when you have little ones – I put my full self into everything I do which teaches my kids the value of hard work and dedication. It’s great to work for a company like Paper Source where our corporate values align with my personal ones. That helps me be a mom boss!
Have a mom boss in your life? Shop our Mother’s Day cards and gifts to find the perfect token of love for Mother’s Day.
Wow congratulation to the boss of papersource. Its not almost easy for a woman to handle a huge company but i think she can handle it.
Mom is one of the best relation in this world. How I can make this day special for my mom? A big challenge for every child. But you write a best blog to inspire every child. After read it i know how i can make mother’s day special to my heart close mom.
Wow, all images look beautiful. Mostly Daughter very close to mother rather than son. Mother’s day means “Day of every women”. Great content you share. I will share these with my friends. Because they always not interested to celebrate mother’s day. I hope so this blog inspires them.