FAMILY DYNAMICS / GOVERNANCE

A New Chapter

September 17, 2025

Becoming a mom has always been one of my biggest dreams. Growing up, I looked up to my mom in every way imaginable. She carried herself with beauty, strength, care, and love—the kind of woman and mother I always hoped to become. Together with my dad, their love for each other was infectious, and they raised four children without ever running out of love or support for each of us in the ways we needed most.

From an early age, I was drawn to the idea of caring for others, creating a sense of security and belonging. Nurturing others – even in pretend – was my way of learning what it means to guide, protect, and show up for something beyond myself.

My dream of motherhood takes me back to childhood memories with my Bitty Babies and American Girl Doll twins. I cared for them as if they were real babies, and what made it even more special was how fully my mom encouraged this love I had for them. She did things like helping me feed them, change their diapers, and take them on walks. Every Christmas and birthday for years, she made sure they had something new: outfits, sleds, cribs, strollers, pets, purses, playgrounds…you name it!. Looking back, I realize she wasn’t just fueling my imagination or spoiling me; she was shaping the way I saw and dreamed of motherhood.

Now, holding my own son in my arms, I see just how extraordinary this journey is—and how extraordinary it is to finally comprehend the love my parents have for me. No doll could have prepared me for the depth of joy, love and responsibility that comes with being a mother. How lucky am I to have the opportunity to guide, nurture, and love a little human who will one day create his own path in the world.

When I took maternity leave, I stepped away from our family business for a few months – though, as anyone in a family business knows, you never fully step away. Even in personal conversations with my dad, business naturally wove itself into talk of family, daily life, and our shared vision for the future. From that distance, I gained a new perspective, and it felt even more meaningful knowing I was living my own version of that story at home. Those three months became a sacred pause. My focus shifted to the miracle in front of me: a child who is half of me and half of the person I love most. Of course, there were (and still are) sleepless nights when the crying feels endless, but when the morning sun comes up, so does the relief of, “Oh my gosh, we made it.” The cuddles, baby scrunches, and chubby cheeks breaking into the biggest smiles make every moment worth it.

Motherhood has transformed the way I see life. My happiness feels fuller, my fears run deeper, and my purpose shines brighter. More than ever, I understand why keeping family businesses together and thriving matters. Family isn’t just an abstract value or a legacy to preserve – it’s the heartbeat of why we do what we do. For me, this work is about showing my son, and other families, that family and business are not separate worlds but deeply connected. When nurtured with care, they can flourish side by side.

As I juggle the roles of mother, wife, daughter, friend, and consultant, gratitude remains at the center. Gratitude for the family that raised me, gratitude for the family I am now raising, and gratitude for the opportunity to help other families find harmony in their own businesses and legacies.

This is just the beginning of a new chapter – one where family and business are not simply overlapping circles, but one interconnected, living story.