Mother’s Nature
Members of the Anthro community tell us about the figures who’ve helped them stand tall.
When it comes to the people who’ve been there through thick and thin – those who encourage, nurture, and advocate – chances are, there’s something about them that sets them apart from the crowd.
Maybe it’s their love of colour. Perhaps it’s their baking prowess, kindness, or something as simple as the way they laugh. They’re the distinctive characteristics that make them, them – and what better time to celebrate these attributes than Mother’s Day?
In honour of the occasion, we reached out to some of our friends in the Anthro community, to shine a spotlight on the mothers – and mentors – in their lives. From inherited quirks to intergenerational inspiration, this Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the qualities of those who’ve shaped us (and choosing gifts that are equally one-of-a-kind).
Read on to meet these mum-entous maternal figures, and pick up a few pearls of wisdom along the way...
Maybe it’s their love of colour. Perhaps it’s their baking prowess, kindness, or something as simple as the way they laugh. They’re the distinctive characteristics that make them, them – and what better time to celebrate these attributes than Mother’s Day?
In honour of the occasion, we reached out to some of our friends in the Anthro community, to shine a spotlight on the mothers – and mentors – in their lives. From inherited quirks to intergenerational inspiration, this Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the qualities of those who’ve shaped us (and choosing gifts that are equally one-of-a-kind).
Read on to meet these mum-entous maternal figures, and pick up a few pearls of wisdom along the way...
Hannah MacLeod
As stylist and founder of the Graham St. blog, Hannah MacLeod has made it her mission to close the generational gap in the British fashion industry. With her (enviably chic) mum in tow, Hannah provides style inspiration for all women, at any age.
Who have been the inspirational mother figures in your life and why?
“My mum, without a doubt. She’s my rock; her support and love are unwavering.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“Most problems seem a little less difficult after a good night's sleep!”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“My mother is an extremely kind person. I hope that I have inherited some of her compassion – and likewise, I tell my daughters to show kindness wherever and whenever they can.”
As stylist and founder of the Graham St. blog, Hannah MacLeod has made it her mission to close the generational gap in the British fashion industry. With her (enviably chic) mum in tow, Hannah provides style inspiration for all women, at any age.
Who have been the inspirational mother figures in your life and why?
“My mum, without a doubt. She’s my rock; her support and love are unwavering.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“Most problems seem a little less difficult after a good night's sleep!”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“My mother is an extremely kind person. I hope that I have inherited some of her compassion – and likewise, I tell my daughters to show kindness wherever and whenever they can.”
Hannah’s Mother’s Day Picks:
Photo by Candice Lake
Serena Hood
As co-founder of Collagerie – the go-to destination for all things uniquely beautiful – and former executive fashion director at British Vogue, Serena's work sees her collating some of the best pieces in fashion, interiors and beauty.
Who have been the inspirational maternal figures in your life and why?
“My mother has always been, and continues to be, my biggest inspiration. She is truly the most selfless and kind woman: always going above for all her family and friends, and never wanting or expecting anything in return.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“She always encouraged me to make the most of any opportunities in life, whether it was travelling, taking up a new sport, or learning an instrument. I remember her saying that you make your own luck, which really stuck with me.”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“My mother has an amazing sense of style. As a teenager, we would go to Portobello Road every Saturday and explore all the incredible stalls, discovering vintage one-of-a-kind pieces along the way. This has influenced my own sense of style (I adore colour in both my wardrobe and my home).”
Serena Hood
As co-founder of Collagerie – the go-to destination for all things uniquely beautiful – and former executive fashion director at British Vogue, Serena's work sees her collating some of the best pieces in fashion, interiors and beauty.
Who have been the inspirational maternal figures in your life and why?
“My mother has always been, and continues to be, my biggest inspiration. She is truly the most selfless and kind woman: always going above for all her family and friends, and never wanting or expecting anything in return.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“She always encouraged me to make the most of any opportunities in life, whether it was travelling, taking up a new sport, or learning an instrument. I remember her saying that you make your own luck, which really stuck with me.”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“My mother has an amazing sense of style. As a teenager, we would go to Portobello Road every Saturday and explore all the incredible stalls, discovering vintage one-of-a-kind pieces along the way. This has influenced my own sense of style (I adore colour in both my wardrobe and my home).”
Serena’s Mother’s Day Picks:
Jess Lathan
It’s fair to say that Jess has an eye for finding beauty in the everyday. Her life behind the lens began with the birth of her eldest daughter, and, beyond her photography business, her family features in every magical moment she captures.
Who have been the inspirational mother figures in your life and why?
“I’m lucky to have so many supportive women in my life. I’m super close to my Mum, who spent thirty years of her life as an NHS midwife. She inspired me to get into birth photography and she’s a wonderful granny to my two children.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“The best advice in my own motherhood journey was that babies don’t keep. Treasure each and every moment – and always allow others to help you.”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“A sense of humour. Life (and parenting) requires it!”
It’s fair to say that Jess has an eye for finding beauty in the everyday. Her life behind the lens began with the birth of her eldest daughter, and, beyond her photography business, her family features in every magical moment she captures.
Who have been the inspirational mother figures in your life and why?
“I’m lucky to have so many supportive women in my life. I’m super close to my Mum, who spent thirty years of her life as an NHS midwife. She inspired me to get into birth photography and she’s a wonderful granny to my two children.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“The best advice in my own motherhood journey was that babies don’t keep. Treasure each and every moment – and always allow others to help you.”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“A sense of humour. Life (and parenting) requires it!”
Jess’s Mother’s Day Picks:
Hayley Johnston
Having founded her own business – Socially Crafted – alongside her partner, entrepreneur Hayley has gone from strength to strength. Drawing inspiration from the women around her, she attributes her empathy to several maternal figures, past and present.
Who have been the inspirational mother figures in your life and why?
“I'm fortunate to have a few individuals in my life: my mum, of course, but also my sister, my step-mum and my partner’s mother. I know I can count on them all for love and support – that’s really precious to me.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“To take each day as it comes. It’s great advice for life in general, but it’s something I leaned upon during my own motherhood journey – particularly those newborn days. I would take comfort knowing tomorrow was a chance to start afresh.”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“I'd say empathy and patience, both of which I hope I can pass onto Bowie, my son. I think they’re such deeply important attributes, and relevant at all stages of life.”
Having founded her own business – Socially Crafted – alongside her partner, entrepreneur Hayley has gone from strength to strength. Drawing inspiration from the women around her, she attributes her empathy to several maternal figures, past and present.
Who have been the inspirational mother figures in your life and why?
“I'm fortunate to have a few individuals in my life: my mum, of course, but also my sister, my step-mum and my partner’s mother. I know I can count on them all for love and support – that’s really precious to me.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“To take each day as it comes. It’s great advice for life in general, but it’s something I leaned upon during my own motherhood journey – particularly those newborn days. I would take comfort knowing tomorrow was a chance to start afresh.”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“I'd say empathy and patience, both of which I hope I can pass onto Bowie, my son. I think they’re such deeply important attributes, and relevant at all stages of life.”
Hayley’s Mother’s Day Picks:
Lucy Russell
One of our very own: Lucy is Anthropologie’s Senior Buyer, and passionate about all things flowing, fitted, patterned and printed.
Who have been the inspirational mother figures in your life and why?
“All of the women in my family are or have been strong, successful and confident – that is the biggest inspiration to me.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“My mum has always told me to just go for it. Knowing she believes in me keeps me going, and has prompted me to try new things; she’s my biggest cheerleader!”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“Our shopping habits! We both can’t resist nice things… I’d love to pass on her appreciation of life’s beauty.”
One of our very own: Lucy is Anthropologie’s Senior Buyer, and passionate about all things flowing, fitted, patterned and printed.
Who have been the inspirational mother figures in your life and why?
“All of the women in my family are or have been strong, successful and confident – that is the biggest inspiration to me.”
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
“My mum has always told me to just go for it. Knowing she believes in me keeps me going, and has prompted me to try new things; she’s my biggest cheerleader!”
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
“Our shopping habits! We both can’t resist nice things… I’d love to pass on her appreciation of life’s beauty.”
Lucy’s Mother’s Day Picks:
Chloe Booth
A lover of fashion and media, Chloe is Anthro's savvy Marketing Intern. Her step-mum is a central figure in her life, with the two sharing values (and occasionally, a wardrobe!).
Who have been the inspirational maternal individuals in your life and why?
"My step-mum. She’s been in my life for over fifteen years and has always supported me, even when she didn't have to. She's got an unstoppable work ethic, and inspires me to be a better person (both at work and in life)."
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
"Have confidence, and believe in your capabilities. It's something I always try to keep in mind."
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
"Definitely my sense of fashion (and love for Anthropologie!). She’s very kind and caring, and I’d like to believe I’ve inherited those qualities too."
A lover of fashion and media, Chloe is Anthro's savvy Marketing Intern. Her step-mum is a central figure in her life, with the two sharing values (and occasionally, a wardrobe!).
Who have been the inspirational maternal individuals in your life and why?
"My step-mum. She’s been in my life for over fifteen years and has always supported me, even when she didn't have to. She's got an unstoppable work ethic, and inspires me to be a better person (both at work and in life)."
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
"Have confidence, and believe in your capabilities. It's something I always try to keep in mind."
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
"Definitely my sense of fashion (and love for Anthropologie!). She’s very kind and caring, and I’d like to believe I’ve inherited those qualities too."
Chloe’s Mother’s Day Picks:
Emily Schone
Wordsmith, tea connoisseur, and one of the newest members of the Anthro team – Emily credits her family's matriarchal bond for being a constant source of support and inspiration.
Who have been the inspirational maternal figures in your life and why?
"My grandma and aunt are two absolute powerhouses! They're fiercely independent and unafraid to speak their minds. My mum is an incredible woman, too; she gives without restraint, and continues to support me through my highs and lows. She's my best friend, and I'm so grateful for her."
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
"When one door closes, another opens. It's an adage I'll forever associate with my mum and her ability to spot silver linings."
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
"My creativity, I think – not only as a writer and serial doodler, but also in the way I approach challenges. I'd love to pass that on."
Wordsmith, tea connoisseur, and one of the newest members of the Anthro team – Emily credits her family's matriarchal bond for being a constant source of support and inspiration.
Who have been the inspirational maternal figures in your life and why?
"My grandma and aunt are two absolute powerhouses! They're fiercely independent and unafraid to speak their minds. My mum is an incredible woman, too; she gives without restraint, and continues to support me through my highs and lows. She's my best friend, and I'm so grateful for her."
What's the best advice they've ever given you?
"When one door closes, another opens. It's an adage I'll forever associate with my mum and her ability to spot silver linings."
What qualities did you inherit from your mother figure that you'd like to pass on?
"My creativity, I think – not only as a writer and serial doodler, but also in the way I approach challenges. I'd love to pass that on."