Mama Knows Best: Life Lessons From Our Mothers

Paying homage to our Sassy Mums this Mother’s Day

We here at Sassy HQ had some pretty awesome role models, which is why we appreciate women so much, #yougogirl! So, this Mother’s Day, we’re sharing the life lessons our mums have taught us. Some of us were pretty Sassy from the get-go, but rather than tame our inner fire, they just let us be our true selves (with some direction!). Mums, here’s to you, because you really do know best.

Katie Lavin, Managing Director

I was often known to have a bit of a “fresh mouth” growing up (I was a little too sassy for my own good!). When my mom finally made me shut that down, I decided to skirt punishment by saying words that were technically “ok”, but I would say them in a sarcastic or otherwise obnoxious tone (I sound terrible but I was otherwise a good kid!). My mom would always tell me, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” To this day, I think about that phrase at least once a week and personally and professionally use it as a reminder to be self aware and mindful of how I come across to others. I even keep it in mind when I am writing emails to make sure that I am saying what I mean in the most effective way.

Annie Simpson, Editorial Assistant

Whilst my mum has given me plenty of practical advice over the years, one thing she told me which has always stuck is, “Celebrate your celebrations – and always keep a bottle of bubbly in the fridge!” The fact that my mum thinks she lives in the real life Ab Fab aside, I love her positive take on the world, and am reminded everyday that whatever else may be going on in life, there’s always something good to focus on (and to toast to!).

Surmayee Tetarbe, Partnerships Manager

The biggest piece of advice my mama gave me is definitely to tackle every situation, good or bad, with a cool head and positive attitude. I tend to get really emotional and sometimes irrational when I’m faced with hurdles, so I always try to channel my mama’s class and composure, regardless of how everyone else may be behaving. I truly admire her ability to be grounded no matter what life throws at her, and because of her I always make sure to take a step back, breathe, and be grateful for whatever life has given me, regardless of how stressed out I may be!

Tania Shroff, Assistant Editor

My mum is someone I admire for all the clichéd reasons (you know, food, shelter, education, life… the basics), and if there’s one thing she’s taught me it’s how to be truly grateful. If I had to pick one piece of advice from her that resonates with me everyday it would be “say thank you”. I’m lucky that those two little words have now been so deeply ingrained in my family culture that they’ve moved past being a last minute add-on and become a feeling I can always rely on.

Roxanne Dowell, Senior Editor

When I had my first child and decided to stay home rather than continue working, I worried I was giving up too much of my life. “I started my career at 40,” my mom responded. Those words have stayed in my head ever since. Because, although she started midlife, my mom kicked some serious booty as an extremely successful interior designer, and her words of wisdom have always guided me when I felt lost. She inspired me to travel, seek knowledge and do the best I could. Thanks for always telling me I could do it, Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!