To my momma’s. Whatever your role is and you’re home.

You are enough. One of the hardest things about being a mother is the judgment. It seems like if you’re a stay-at-home mom, you’re considered lazy, and if you’re a working mom, people think you don’t love your kids enough. I know you may not agree with this, but after experiencing both being a working mom and a stay-at-home mom, I’ve found there’s no winning when it comes to how people perceive you. In fact, I received more criticism for working and wanting to work after having a child.

Growing up, my mom worked in the bar industry. That’s all she ever knew. I remember her trying to go to culinary school, but she hated cooking, so you can guess how that went. Every house we lived in, we eventually got evicted from. It was usually around tax season when we would move into a new place—something nice and clean—and before long, we would find ourselves moving again because she couldn’t make rent. When I became a mother, I promised myself and my daughter that I would break every generational curse that had been attached to me. She wouldn’t have to experience the instability I did.

Though my fiancé is the breadwinner of our family, he understands how important it is to me to contribute financially, even in a small way, and to keep my sense of identity intact. That’s one of the reasons we started this boutique. It allowed me to raise my daughter, keep the house clean, get the laundry done, and be the kind of housewife I wanted to be for my family. But it also gave me the chance to maintain a piece of my independence and sanity. I’m so grateful for a partner who respects that. He cheers me on because he knows that what I’m doing makes me feel fulfilled.

To my working moms—whether you’re working inside the home or outside of it—don’t ever feel bad for what you’re doing. Don’t ever let anyone try to tell you that you don’t love your children or that you should be judged as a woman or a mother. The balancing act you’re pulling off is incredible. You’re showing your children what it means to be resilient, driven, and caring all at once. It’s not always easy, and the guilt can creep in, but know that your efforts are not in vain. You are enough. Your family sees you, and the work you do both at home and in your career is something to be proud of.

To my stay-at-home moms, you are doing one of the most selfless and rewarding jobs out there. It may not come with a paycheck, but the love, care, and structure you provide are invaluable. You are the glue that holds everything together, whether it’s managing meals, creating routines, or being that constant source of support for your kids.

It can feel like society undervalues your role, but never let that make you doubt your worth. The work you put into raising your children, maintaining your household, and keeping everything in balance is just as important as any job outside the home. Your job may not have set hours or an official title, but it’s equally demanding and meaningful.

Whether you’re up at night tending to little ones, managing schedules, or creating special memories, know that what you do matters. You are shaping lives, building a home filled with love and stability, and that is something beautiful.

We all have different paths as mothers, but the most important thing is that we are all doing our best in whatever role we’ve chosen. So, to every mom—whether you’re working inside the home, outside the home, or full-time at home—you are seen, you are enough, and you are making an incredible impact on your family’s life every single day.