For us, Mother’s Day 2019 is all about the things we’ve got from our mamas - whoever that may be. From your biological, adopted or step mum to a big sister, friend or uncle, we’re celebrating all mother figures. Natalie, AKA @stylemesunday was raised by single mum, Sue along with her other adopted siblings. We caught up to talk style (of course) and similarities ...
What’s unique about your family?
Natalie: It’s very female heavy - there’s a lot of oestrogen around. We’re all quite feisty but when we argue, it doesn’t hang around long, we’re talking again in ten minutes. We don’t hold grudges.
What’s the most important role to play as a mum?
Sue: I would say to make your child confident and know their worth. I tried to do that with my own children, I hope, but I saw it with foster children particularly, who really needed building up and I think that’s the most important thing you can impart with children.
How’s the dynamic different between foster children and your genetic children?
Sue: With foster children they’re generally coming from some kind of damaged background so it’s always going to come out in behaviours.
Natalie: But you treated your children all the same.
Sue: Yes, I tried to make them as much a part of the family as I could, of course there are restrictions on that but I think it was good for us as a family.
Natalie: Yeah definitely. It teaches you a lot about how much you take for granted and the important thing about family, that support and unconditional love. Not everyone gets that and that’s so sad. I could probably murder someone and she’d still love me [laughs]
How would you describe each other?
Natalie: Mum is vivacious, colourful.and feisty, she’s always there at the end of the phone and very supportive and loyal.
Sue: We’re quite similar in lots of ways so that does lead to some clashes, you know, we’re not all lovey-dovey. She’s very opinionated.
Natalie: Am I? [laughs]
Sue: You see! But I like that, I like that she’s really comfortable with herself now and admire her total independence and strength. I feel the tables are reversed now and I’m learning more from her.
Do you have a first memory with your mum?
Natalie: We used to go shopping a lot, she’d really encourage me to try to wear wacky outlandish clothes.
Sue: Don’t forget we were living near Portobello Road - that’s where I did most of my shopping. When Natalie was little - she probably didn’t want second hand stuff but now she’s come full circle.
What have you got or learnt from your mum?
Natalie: So many things, resilience is definitely something I’ve got from her. I know that whatever happens I can get through it. I’ve definitely got my love of style from her. She was a risk-taker and didn’t always play it safe so that’s something I’ve took from her too. And I’ve got her eyes and the same amount of hair [laughs]
Sue: When Natalie was young she didn’t like her hair at all, it was the bain of your life. And I had to learn to cope with it, I learnt to cornrow and everything. Now she’s embracing it.
How has your relationship changed as you’ve grown older and had your own children?
Natalie: It makes me appreciate what mothers do. I didn’t realise how tough the job was and I’m especially proud for my mum doing everything on her own.
Sue: I was a single mother and didn’t have family support.
Natalie: When I was born, because I’m mixed race, she kind of got disowned.
Sue: I was only 22 so I was learning on the job and sure I made loads of cock-ups! Also Natalie was an only child for 15 years so we were a very tight unit.
What would be the perfect Mother’s Day gift for both of you?
Natalie: Well a holiday to the Maldives would be lovely! [laughs]
Sue: Just to all be together.
Natalie: That’s cheesy, mum.
Sue: But it’s true!
