Not too long ago, our friend Kayla Rocca (who happens to be one of the most brilliant and most highly sought after photographers in the city #girlpower) reached out to us with an idea to shoot a series that celebrates new mamas, and women. A few of her friends recently had babies and being the ray of sunshine that she is, she has stood closely by their sides through it all – all the while musing over their strength, grace, and resilience.
Our aim was to freeze these women in time – Early motherhood is a period of life that is difficult to truly see yourself in. But we want them to be able to look at these photos today, tomorrow, or two decades down the road and see how effervescent they are. We wanted to show their beauty and strength so that other new moms might be able to imaging themselves through a different lens too – a lens that sees them as individuals; one that reminds them of their right to live life with direction from their inner compass.
The photos in this series are of some of the kindest, most gracious ladies we’ve had the pleasure of meeting and we’re so excited for you to meet them too.
xx RM
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SUBJECT #1
Irene Kim
AGE: 38
PROFESSION: Fashion Consultant and Owner of La Closette
CHILD(REN)’S NAME: Hugh and Raphael
CHILD(REN)’S AGE: 4 years and 2 years
A WORD TO THE WISE:
Unapologetically build the life of your dreams for you and your family, whatever that may look like. Life is too short to be doing things because you think you should, rather than what feels right for you and your family.
Connect: @irene_kf @laclosette
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SUBJECT #2
Jessica Hotson
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Creative Director at The Kit
CHILD(REN)’S NAME: Faye
CHILD(REN)’S AGE: 3 months
A WORD TO THE WISE:
When I think about everything my body has been through – from trying to get pregnant, to carrying a baby to term and delivering a human being, I’m seriously shocked by its durability. It’s something I’ve taken for granted and something that continues to surprise me every day.
Connect: @jesshotson @thekitca
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SUBJECT #3
Krystal Lunardo
AGE: 31
PROFESSION: Founder, Editor-in-chief of Dauphine magazine
CHILD(REN)’S NAME: Son, Scotland Saint. Daughter, Lorde Élysées
CHILD(REN)’S AGE: Son, 3. Daughter, 18 months
A WORD TO THE WISE:
Your kids are your kids – period. Your maternal instinct is king, and no one’s opinion conquers your ability to parent. Being unapologetic is 100% necessary.
Connect: @dauphinemagazine
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SUBJECT #4
Becky DeOliveira
AGE: 35
PROFESSION: Creative Director and Owner of Blush and Bloom Flower Studio
CHILD(REN)’S NAME: Florence Morena Rose
CHILD(REN)’S AGE: 3 months
A WORD TO THE WISE:
I don’t give a fuck if someone tells me how they “think” I should run my business. So I’m sure as hell not going to give any when they offer unsolicited advice on how to raise my kid.
Connect: @blushandbloom
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SUBJECT #5
Scarlet O’Neill (Carone)
AGE: 33
PROFESSION: Photographer
CHILD(REN)’S NAME: Oscar James Carone
CHILD(REN)’S AGE: 3 Months
A WORD TO THE WISE:
Just go with it. Be ok with the perfectly imperfect way of life. Go with your feelings, go with your instincts, go with your gut and go with your happiness. Feel it all.
Connect: @scarletoneill
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SUBJECT #6
Jenny Macinnes
AGE: 32
PROFESSION: Real Estate Agent
CHILD(REN)’S NAME: Elliott and Isaac
CHILD(REN)’S AGE: 4 years and 7 months (respectively)
A WORD TO THE WISE:
Apps with weekly milestone markers are another real easy way to make you feel inadequate, and also distract you from the good stuff. Babies have a way of speeding up time, so just try and enjoy it (even in the middle of the night).
Connect: @jennyleighmacinnes
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You guys don’t mind if we join the celebration, do you? We’re obviously going to.
SUBJECT #7
Nikita Stanley
AGE: 31
PROFESSION: Writer and Co-Founder of The Rebel Mama
CHILD(REN)’S NAME: Sons, Beau and Rocco
CHILD(REN)’S AGE: 4 years / 2 years
A WORD TO THE WISE:
Escaping the stream of thought that tells you that you have to sacrifice your joy for the sake of your children‘s is key. A happy, fulfilled mama is a gift to any family.
Connect: @therebelmama
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SUBJECT #8
Aleksandra Jassem
8lAGE: 38
PROFESSION: Writer, Visual Lead and Co-Founder of The Rebel Mama
CHILD(REN)’S NAME: Oscar
CHILD(REN)’S AGE: 4 years
A WORD TO THE WISE:
Slow down. You cannot accomplish everything in one day. Take your time hacking away at your goals and your life to-do list – but commit to them fully.
Connect: @therebelmama
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Original photography by Kayla Rocca
Connect @kaylaroccaphoto
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