Celebrate Moms Everyday!
The celebration of Mothers in America dates back to the 19th century. And, unlike other countries whose original Mother’s Day celebrations were linked to church and religion- American Mother’s Day was always first and foremost a celebration of the amazing women who have sacrificed for the betterment of their children and their family. Mothers, or mother-like figures in our lives, not only sacrifice but they inspire, teach, and guide us to become the people we are. And, we’re grateful for it!
Long before Carol’s Cookies was a business/company, Carol was baking cookies in her childhood home with her mother. Perfecting recipes and learning not to take shortcuts or substitutions in order to uphold the integrity of your creation. These values supported Carol as she took a leap of faith and convinced a local grocery store manager to see if her cookies would sell. After staying up baking all night, her 50 lbs of cookies she delivered sold out before the day’s end. It wasn’t easy mapping out the logistics of starting her own business while taking care of 2 kids, but with hard work, passion, and a drive to show her kids that you can do anything you put your mind to, Carol’s Cookies not only survived, but thrived! Four bakery moves and over 40 years later, Carol not only works in the bakery every day, but she continues to use the exact same recipe, high quality ingredients, and makes cookies by hand still today. Never comproming the product that bears her name.
Another mom-etrenuer, Katrina Markoff of Vosges Haut-Chocolat, references her mother’s business ambitions to giving her the confidence to do what makes her happy even if it means striking out. Meanwhile, she built one of the top specialty chocolate companies selling major chains like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s across the US. . Julie Smolyansky of Lifeway Foods credits her parents as her greatest role models, who immigrated with her from the former Soviet Union with $116 and fought to succeed. And, they now have worked extensively both in the corporate world but also in the philanthropic world setting examples to make sure young women make their dreams a reality.
These woman are just a few examples of mothers who are thankful for the sacrifice and influence their mothers had on how they’ve shaped their own lives. But, there’s definitely not a shortage of Chicagoland moms with a hustle that you can admire and support. Check out THIS LIST compiled by Red Tricycle of other mother’s stories.
We can celebrate the mother’s out there who run businesses, who are stay-at-home moms, who have birthed us, or even those that have just stepped in and make an impact on us while they help to guide us while making sacrifices for us. This Mother’s Day we hope you’re able to celebrate the women in your life, as they have given so much of themselves to make you who you are.
Happy Mother’s Day to you all!