Inspiring Mom: Emmy Jones of Mae Woven
In celebration of Mother's Day, we reached out to a handful of working moms who inspire us, and we asked them to share their thoughts, insight, and advice on motherhood and balancing mom life with work life. Follow along all week to see our featured moms and read more!
Today we're featuring Amelia Jones—aka Emmy Jones, as she's known to her family and friends. Emmy is a lifestyle blogger, the owner of Mae Woven, and mama to Leo (almost 6), Sailor (4), and Jonas (3 months). We love Mae Woven's collection of handmade pillows, towels, baskets, and more. Below, Emmy shares what her children have taught her, what's surprised her most about motherhood, and her thoughts on balancing mom life and work life.
WHAT DOES YOUR AVERAGE DAY LOOK LIKE AS A WORKING MOM?
My average day has changed pretty drastically since having Jonas. Combating sleep deprivation and trying to get into a “groove” has been challenging, but I am trying to give myself permission to slow way down and just soak him in as much as possible. In between slobbery kisses and nursing, I make lunches, drive kids to school and lessons, manage emails, and try to fit in some sort of exercise (lately it’s been walking at the park while listening to podcasts)!
HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE BETWEEN MOM LIFE AND WORK LIFE? OR DO YOU BELIEVE THERE IS SUCH A THING?
The word balance is a little comical to me now. The unpredictability of motherhood makes it challenging, but I try my best to set dedicated “work time” so that when it’s “mom time” I can be fully present. This is something I am and probably will constantly be trying to fine tune and improve upon!
HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR OCCUPATION OR CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE TOWARDS WORK?
Although there are no words for the joy I feel as a mom, there are parts of me that still needed fulfilling. Starting Mae Woven and utilizing Instagram as a way to share and connect with other women has provided a great creative outlet and has stretched me in ways I didn’t think possible. Because of the fulfillment I have found, I am a happier person, which in turn makes me a much, much better mom and wife! I also see it as an important lesson for my kids: self-respect and self-love.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER OTHER WORKING MOMS?
Get rid of the guilt. Make the decision right now to just let it go.
WHAT'S YOUR FAMILY'S FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND THE WEEKEND?
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND AN HOUR OF ALONE TIME OR A DATE-NIGHT WITH YOUR SPOUSE?
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?
WHAT HAS MOTHERHOOD TAUGHT YOU OR WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR CHILDREN?
Kids just love. They notice the little things. They are quick to smile, quick to laugh, and quick to forgive. They inspire me and teach me more than they’ll ever comprehend.
WHAT QUOTE IS CURRENTLY RESONATING WITH YOU?