What Mother's Day Means to Us: Personal Stories from the Team
In this blog, we share how Mother's Day is experienced within our team — from the deep bond between mother and daughter to encouraging creativity in your child. We reflect on the power of small gestures, video call moments, and meaningful memories, especially when you can’t give each other a hug. Because even from a distance, the connection remains strong.
Hester on: passing on creativity to your daughter
How do your children challenge you to be creative — in parenting, daily life, or work?
“My kids challenge me to be creative every single day — not just with arts and crafts or making up games, but especially in how I deal with situations. No day is the same, so I’m constantly learning to think flexibly and come up with solutions that fit them, not just what I had in mind.”
What’s the most fun creative project you’ve done together?
“One of the best creative projects we’ve done together came after a trip to Texel. We collected seashells — a treasure trove of shapes and colors — and once home, we turned our finds into a beautiful framed artwork. It wasn’t just about the crafting; it was about the whole process: searching, selecting, arranging. That final piece now hangs on the wall, and every time I see it, I think of that moment. It’s so special because we truly made it together, with care and joy.”
In what unexpected ways does she surprise you as a mother?
“She surprises me every day. I’m constantly amazed at how quickly kids learn and how much they absorb from everything around them. The other day, she came home with a huge painting — so refined and detailed that I actually thought, ‘How can a four-year-old have made this?’ Her fine motor skills, her eye for detail… she keeps surprising me with what’s growing and blooming in that little head of hers.”
How do you give her the space
to find her own path while staying involved?
“I try to give her space by actively nurturing her sense of wonder — by observing together, asking questions, staying curious about what moves and inspires her. At the same time, I give her the trust to make her own choices and believe in her capabilities, even if her way is different from mine. That mix of freedom and trust is, to me, the essence of involved motherhood.”
Demi on: staying connected to your mother from afar
What’s a small gesture you or your mother do to let each other know you’re thinking of one another?
We stay in close touch through WhatsApp and often send each other random photos without any context. The
beautiful thing is that words usually aren’t needed — we just know. That feeling of connectedness is always there; we’re simply present in each other’s minds.
What does your typical moment of contact look like — a call, card, voice memo?
We mostly text, but we also video call regularly, especially in the evenings to talk about our day, what we’ve been up to, and what’s coming up. But we also chat about silly things — the shows we’re watching or funny things we've come across.
Is there something in your home that reminds you of your mother?
Yes, just before my parents emigrated, they gave me a small picture frame with the words “Altijd Dichtbij” (Always close). It reminds me that even though they no longer live in the Netherlands, they’re never truly far away. They’re always reachable, and that gives me comfort.
If you could surprise her today with the perfect Mother’s Day gift, what would it be?
My mom loves personal gifts — something I’ve chosen with care. Think of a beautiful vase with fresh flowers
or a piece of decor that fits her home perfectly. For her, it’s all about the time and thought I’ve put into it, not about how big or expensive it is.