Through Their Eyes: What Motherhood Means to the Women of Mixbook

Motherhood is rarely just one thing. It’s early mornings and late-night snuggles. It’s joy so big it makes your chest ache—and exhaustion that leaves you speechless. It’s growth, both for the child and the mother. Motherhood is a rich, complex experience full of ups, downs, flips, and spins. But one thing is always certain: it's a journey.

This Mother’s Day, we turned inward and asked some of the incredible women who help make Mixbook what it is—our team members and the spouses of our teammates—to reflect on what motherhood means to them.

We’re honored to share the voices of:

• Victoria, wife of Senior SEO Manager Minh
• Kelly, wife of Director of Product Design James
• Natalie, wife of CMO O’Neal
• Oihana, Senior UI Designer
• Leslie, Senior Director of Brand
• Mila, Controller
• Tegan, Art Director
• Laura, Executive Assistant
• Arly, Senior Director of E-commerce

Their stories are honest, funny, raw, and deeply personal. Together, they paint a portrait of motherhood that reflects the mess, the magic, and everything in between.

The Many Faces of Motherhood, in One Word

We began with a deceptively simple prompt: What’s one word that describes motherhood for you?

The answers told a story all on their own—of resilience, compassion, chaos, and joy.

Victoria shared “transformation,” describing how motherhood reshaped her from the inside out.

For Leslie, “evolving” captured the constant change of raising children.

Kelly summed up her journey with “compassion”—because you provide love, care, comfort and support that comes innately from the heart, no matter when or where.

Oihana chose “Love. A kind of love I had never known before." while Laura said "Joy. Because even in the chaos, being a mom fills your heart in a way nothing else can."

From “unconditional” to “rewarding,” from “growth” to “joy,” the words they chose remind us that while no two motherhood journeys are the same, they are all full of heart.

How Moms Really Want to Celebrate Mother’s Day

Forget the fancy brunch reservations. When we asked the moms how they’d like to spend the day, the answers were a mix of calm, creativity, and connection.

Natalie described her ideal Mother’s Day as “A nice brunch, planting in my garden and painting in my little art space.”

Tegan shared "Ideally, I’d love a lunch out with my family—something thats easy and with good food. And then, just a little time to myself. A quiet moment to relax, recharge, and just be."

Leslie longs for simplicity. “No multitasking. No decisions. Just sunshine, quiet, and kindness to myself.”

Arly looks forward to a fun day trip as a family (theme park, zoo, etc.), *after* being able to sleep in and drink her coffee in peace and quiet

Across all responses, there was a shared desire for presence: time with their families, time for themselves, and the freedom to be off the clock, even just for a day.

The Most Memorable Gifts Are the Meaningful Ones

When asked about their favorite Mother’s Day gifts, every mom recalled something heartfelt, handmade, or deeply personal.

Victoria said, "I love the handwritten gifts where my son fills in the blank with what he feels. "My mom is... [blank]. My mom likes... [blank]."

Oihana recalled a spontaneous hug from her son that came at just the right time—an unscripted expression of love.

Mila said "Breakfast in bed, made by my son. Such a kind gesture of love."

Laura said she treasures photos—especially candid, unposed moments with her children.

Leslie reflected on a core memory "It was breakfast in bed - whipped cream, candles, a sweet little note…she even decorated the hallway and my bedroom door with handmade signs that said “Happy Mother’s Day” and “I love you.” It was pure love, and it completely melted me."

If Motherhood Were a Photo Book...

We asked each mom to imagine a photo book of their motherhood story—and what moments would be captured within its pages.

Leslie imagined "All the little and big moments of my daughter growing up - adventures we’ve gone on, the messy, hilarious, heart-bursting in-between stuff."

Arly’s book would feature the spontaneous, imperfect moments and trips that are not well planned or particularly aesthetic, but turn into core memories.

Victoria would include "Our trips to New York City and Disney World, my son's first day(s) of school, his smile with teeth missing, the Halloween costumes I assembled for him weeks in advance."

Tegan described "It would be filled with moments from every stage—starting with her birth, the milestones, the little moment, the good and the messy."

And Oihana? She’s already made hers. A Mixbook that chronicles everything from pregnancy to her son’s 18th birthday. “It’s the most important story I’ve ever told.”

This Mother’s Day, Celebrate Her Story

There’s no universal experience of motherhood—but every journey deserves to be seen, remembered, and honored.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the beautiful complexity of motherhood. The small moments, the big milestones, and the memories that live in between. Want to give a gift she’ll cherish forever? Create your Mother’s Day photo book today.