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This Mother's Day we are celebrating all our Kirrin Finch mother's and parents, including founders, Kelly and Laura. In the spirit of Kirrin Finch's mission to empower people to be their authentic selves, we spoke to three families about what being a Mom means to them and in what ways they encourage their kids to be themselves.
Laura Jellinek
Laura lives in Brooklyn with her wife Sara and two kids, Miles and Eli.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A PARENT?
It's a bit of a cliche, but I've found that I really do see the world differently since having kids, and find joy in things that I had always taken for granted. For example, I saw a Long Island Railroad train go by on the way to work the other day, and found myself genuinely excited by it, even though my kids weren't there to be excited too.
WHAT ROLE DOES CLOTHING PLAY IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
We pretty much only have kid clothes that are comfortable and easy to get on and off, and try to avoid anything too gendered in any direction. I've found that the boys are equally interested in sparkly, pink things and anything that has Batman or a superhero on it, and it's fun to see how they wear all of those things, sometimes all at once! We did manage to get our older son into a bowtie for a wedding, but we mostly want them to be comfortable to play and get dirty, without needing to be stressed about it.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO BE THEIR MOST AUTHENTIC SELVES?
I think the fact that we are both women but that I wear ties and my wife wears dresses gives the boys a living example of wearing whatever makes them comfortable. We don't talk too explicitly about it, but they know that not only men wear suits and have short hair, and I do think it gives them a freedom in how they dress. Our older son has been growing his hair long since he wants to be able to put flowers in it like his cousin can, and the conversation has never had to go beyond that as a valid reason.
Khahtee Turner
Khahtee lives in Brooklyn with her two kids, Ansel and Marlowe.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A PARENT?
The best part of being a parent is recognizing and nurturing what you understand to be the most unique part of your child. This takes time to reveal and announce itself. Limiting comparison of my children to each other and other children allows me to fully love and rejoice in who they are completely.
WHAT ROLE DOES CLOTHING PLAY IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
Our rule is that there are no rules as long as it is clean and appropriate! Dress to be free and to express some aspect of yourself! Always shine through in what you wear. It is that time on Earth - wear anything! I have to remind myself of this rule, however when my vision of the children's dress opposes their own.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO BE THEIR MOST AUTHENTIC SELVES?
I call out their accomplishments and salute their courage and presence even when goals don't work out. I keep reminding them and trying to be as present as possible to that which gives them joy. I remember to play, and hold it as a practice. It has to be a practice, because as a parent this can be challenging.
Lisa DeRienzo
Lisa lives in Staten Island with her wife, Kerri and their twin boys, Cooper and Michael.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A PARENT?
When I was younger, the idea of having children never crossed my mind. My career as an NYPD Detective had long, grueling hours, not leaving much time to focus on anything else. It wasn’t until I met my wife, Kerri, 12 years ago, that the discussions began. She always wanted children to join her loving, tight knit family. The conversation would arise occasionally, which I would politely dodge. As time passed, I knew there was something missing and it was a family of my own. On March 4, 2010, Kerri and I were blessed with having identical twin boys, Cooper and Michael. The day they were born changed my life forever. The love I have for these boys is a love I have never felt before. Watching them grow is truly a dream come true. There is not a second I take for granted, starting from morning breakfast until tucking them in at night.
WHAT ROLE DOES CLOTHING PLAY IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
Cooper and Michael have their own unique style when they dress. Michael enjoys wearing bow ties and prefers pink as his first choice for colors. Cooper sports suspenders and is not picky about his color preference. As parents we let them choose what style they are most comfortable in. We feel this is important because I always had a distinctive style myself growing up, not always conforming to society’s vision. It will be difficult not to find me sporting some type of hat daily and there are no ruffles in my closet. This is what made me fall in love with the Kirrin Finch collection. Their clothes have a unique design, are stylish, exceptionally well made and fit perfectly. Kirrin Finch shirts can be worn casually at work or can easily be transitioned to attend a more formal engagement.
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Happy Mother's Day from Kirrin Finch! We hope all the moms and parents out there have a wonderful day!
