For many women, being a mother is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world, and a very exciting journey in life. All of a sudden there is a small living being who needs you—someone whose needs are more important than your own, and whose smile warms your heart so greatly that it immediately makes all the challenges worth it.
Meet some of the wonderful mothers who work at Olsen
To mark this year’s Mother’s Day, ten of our colleagues from Germany, Canada and Poland share their personal insights on motherhood. How does it feel for them to be a mother? How do they manage the balancing act between children and a career? And what tips do they have for mothers-to-be? They share these answers and more below!
Isabel, Global Head of Product Management, Olsen Germany.
Isabel’s daughter, Mila Sophie, was born just under two years ago and has made Isabel burst with pride every day since. Isabel manages the balancing act between her job at Olsen and her role as a mother incredibly well.
I owe it all to the support of my boyfriend. He takes Mila to daycare every morning, which saves me time. Then I pick her up in the afternoon. He also loves to cook and takes on this task almost every evening.
Her tip to all mothers-to-be:
Get your child used to other people as early as possible! I tried to bring the little one together with grandma, grandpa, aunt and friends at an early age so that she learns to trust people besides mom and dad.
Dominika, Retail Operations Manager, Olsen Poland.
Dominika’s pride and joy is her 5-year-old son, Henry, who knows exactly how to make his mother melt. Whenever he says “Mummy, I love you!” and snuggles up to her, Dominika feels like the happiest person in the world.
I love the moments when my son falls asleep in my arms. I like showing him the world and explaining different things to him, even though it’s not always easy!
Nicole, Accounting, Olsen Germany
Nicole’s daughter Amelie is no longer a child, but a young woman who just turned 18 years old. This has its advantages, like Nicole and her daughter now having the same dress size!
If an item is too expensive for her, she talks me into buying it for her or for me and then it disappears into her wardrobe.
The two have a very intimate relationship and like to fool around with each other.
We already have the same sense of humour, so there are certain running gags between us. For example, when I tell her that I love her, she replies with an unimpressed tone: ‘Oh, you tell everyone that!’ Or when she tells me I’m a great mum, I joke around saying she tells that to every mom out there.
Melissa, Store Maintenance & Visual Merchandise Coordinator, Olsen Canada
A mother to 2-year-old Everleigh, Melissa is enjoying life as a mum to the fullest.
I remember my dad talking about unconditional love in his speech at my wedding. He meant that it never fades, no matter how old your children are. I really understand that now.
To expectant mothers, Melissa advises to always listen to your gut:
If you feel something isn’t working for you or your child, feel free to trust your instincts. It can all be a bit overwhelming at first, but friends, family or a mums group to talk to can really help you. And it may sound a bit cliché, but: enjoy it! It all goes by far too quickly.
Katarzyna, Managing Director Poland, Olsen Poland
Katarzyna’s 7 and a half year old son is named Alexander, but is affectionately known as Alex. Even today, she remembers the moment of his birth with pure happiness. Holding him in her arms for the first time was the most beautiful memory of her life.
Now that my son is older, I love moments when he shares his secrets with me. I love showing and explaining the world to him. It is indescribable to see my son grow up and become a young man.
As Managing Director of Olsen Poland, Katarzyna carries a lot of responsibility and balancing child and career is not always easy. But her motto is,
The more responsibility you have, the more organized you are.
Zhale, Fashion Designer, Olsen Germany
Zhale enjoys her motherly bliss in a double pack! She is mother to two children—her daughter Nola, who is 5 years old, and her son Viggo, who is 3 years old. For her, the most beautiful thing about motherhood is discovering the world anew through the eyes of her children, and basking in their infectious enthusiasm.
Since she has been able to reduce her weekly working hours at Olsen, she manages the balancing act between her work and the family quite well.
I have found a good balance for myself. I try to plan my everyday life in advance as much as possible and weigh up what is really important. I also get a lot of support from my partner. The household and childcare are shared fairly.
Monika, Sales Specialist, Olsen Poland
Monika is a mother to her 5-year-old daughter, Lena, and 1-year-old son, Stanislaw (pictured).
I love being a mother! Since the birth of my children, my whole life has changed for the better. It has taken on a new, much deeper meaning. Being a mother is the most beautiful role of my life.
Her advice for mothers-to-be is to stay relaxed.
There are no perfect mothers. And there is no reason at all to compare yourself to other mothers. The most important thing is to make your child happy, and to love and accept them as they are.
Gaby, Executive Manager Creation, Olsen Germany
Gaby is the proud mother of three children, with her youngest daughter, Mila Lina, being 11 years old. Everyday life as a mum can sometimes be challenging, especially now that Mila is entering puberty.
That’s when I have to learn more to let go, which isn’t always so easy for me.
But the fact that Mila is increasingly discovering and defending her own opinion makes Gaby very proud.
For some time now, Mila has been redecorating her room almost daily, and has many creative, unconventional ideas. In the evening, before she goes to sleep, she then tells me about her new plans for redecorating.
The best thing about being a mother?
You learn to understand yourself better. Especially when your very special grandmother is also on board. You rethink your own values and set new priorities in life.
Iza, Administration and Retail Support Manager, Olsen Poland
Iza is the mother of 5-year-old Alicja, and soon-to-be mother to a second little miracle, who will be named Helena! Alicja is very excited about her little sister.
No matter how bad my day may have been, when I come home and hear my daughter’s giggles and she tells me how much she loves me, suddenly everything is okay again. It’s the best feeling in the world to know that you are the most important person to someone else!
Marie, Fashion Designer, Olsen Germany
Marie’s son, Pablo, has been shaking up her life for 1 and a half years now. Thanks to a reduced number of working hours, she is still able to pursue her passion for fashion design while having plenty of time for her child.
I am very happy with this arrangement. Work in the morning, play in the afternoon! BUT, without a loving husband, it wouldn’t work out so great.
Her advice to other mothers:
Enjoy everything, you don’t know what tomorrow will bring…and always eat a lot! 😊
