They got it from their mamas! To get ready for Mother’s Day, we talked with some members of the Aerie team about the role their moms have had in their lives.
Heather, Aerie Digital Brand Manager
Heather told us why her mom, Elaine, is her role model: “My mom has always been the strongest, most hardworking and independent woman I know. She showed me it was possible to have a successful career while being a great mom at the same time. She has been such an inspiration and is the reason I am who I am today.”
The best advice Heather has received was showed to her, not told: “My mom has always led by example. Her love of family has been something I’ve admired and carried with me every day.”
This Mother’s Day, Heather is all about the Beach Fleece for her mom. “She loves a cute sweatshirt in a bright color!” She’s pairing it with the Pique One Piece Swim because “she LIVES by the pool all summer long.”
Abby, Vice President of Aerie Merchandising
Abby is #AerieREAL and so is her mom, Linda! “Without even realizing it my Mom taught me the importance of self love. During my teens she started saving thank you cards, love notes from my Dad, positive words of encouragement from friends and pictures from her 5th grade students (she was a teacher). She hung them on her bathroom mirror and started each day with a reminder of how awesome she was! I love going back to my childhood home today as an adult and reading these messages still hung on the mirror today. My mom was and still is a badass. I am so glad so many others recognized it too!”
Abby’s mom is a role model to her because “My mom is the definition of kindness. After battling cancer she now lives every day for the gift it is. She dedicates countless hours, days and weeks giving back to her family, her friends and her community. From coming to Pittsburgh to visit me when I need help juggling my career and children, to driving seniors to doctors appointments and finally being a Big Sister to an awesome 14 year old girl…she truly is selfless and giving in a way I could only hope to be. My mom is my rock, my best friend and my north star! She IS what I aspire to be EVERY DAY! Happy Mother’s Day Mama! I love you…”
This Mother’s Day, Abby is giving her mom the gift of cozy! “The BEACH FLEECE in NAVY STRIPE is a M-U-S-T in my mama’s closet!” Abby said she would size up for “ultimate oversized coziness” and pair it with with leggings for “working in the garden or moseying through the farmers market on a Saturday morning.”
Laura, Aerie Senior Copywriter
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with Laura and her sister, Sarah, who is also a mom. Laura said her mom, Cheryl, “has dedicated her career to education, and has always been a boss. She went back to school to get a second graduate degree when I was in elementary school, and has made balancing mom life with a successful career look easy. My sister is following a similar path now as mom with a badass job, and I hope to do the same one day.” (Laura’s currently in grad school!).
What Aerie products would she buy her mom? “My mom is big into biking, so obviously I’d blow her mind that she can wear bike shorts as an outfit IRL!”
Taylor, Aerie Email & Mobile Marketing Coordinator
Taylor was so passionate when we asked her why her mom, Amanda, is her Role Model.
“My mom is my role model because she is the STRONGEST person I know. Though I’m not a parent myself, I have seen how difficult being a single mother can be. My mom, being the superwoman she is, managed to raise 4 children all on her own. I don’t know how, but she did it. And she did an amazing job at that! I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She has motivated me in every step of my journey and I couldn’t be more thankful for all of her guidance.
Speaking a little more on my mother’s incredible strength, 3 years ago she was diagnosed with emphysema and COPD, which are chronic illnesses that affect her respiratory system, making it very difficult for her to breathe. Over time, these conditions are expected to worsen, but I refuse to accept that fate. My faith is in God and I know my mother is in good hands.
Learning about my mother’s diagnosis was one of the toughest realities I’ve had to face. My mom is my everything and I don’t know what I would do without her.
Despite this change in her health, my mom continues to maintain a positive attitude and outlook on life. Like the other challenges she has faced in her life, she is tackling this illness head on. No sickness can dim her light or as she would say it, “nothing can steal her joy.” She makes the most of every day and is determined to live her life to the fullest.”
She told us about the best advice her mom has given her, which has helped her throughout her life and education.
“The best advice my mom has given me is to always pursue my dreams and that I can truly do anything I set my mind to. I am the first person in my family to graduate from college, and I couldn’t have done that without my mother’s advice always being with me. Though I faced many obstacles throughout my college career, my mom was always there to motivate me to keep pushing forward.
As a full-time student, there were a few semesters where I was taking 7 classes, all while working 3 jobs. I can’t even begin to describe how stressful that was. Every time I wanted to give up, my mom was there to remind me just how worth it everything would be in the end. And she was right. Now, I can’t even believe how lucky I am to be working for Aerie, a brand that I have admired for years. I truly couldn’t have made it here without my mother’s guidance.
Lastly, one of my favorite pieces of advice from my mother is to always be my true, authentic self. My mom has instilled that in all four of her children and taught us to always be proud of who we are. That’s why my mom is #AerieREAL.”
To treat her mom for Mother’s Day, Taylor picked the Smocked Maxi Dress. “My mom absolutely LOVES sundresses, especially on a bright sunny day. She loves to pair a cute sundress with colorful jewelry to complete her look!”