“A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.” – Unknown

I’m grateful to have spent 36 years with my grandmother. As a child, she taught me the value of being kind to others, the importance of guarding my reputation, and the benefit of loving and serving other people. My mother and my aunts, too, were industrious women. They taught me about work ethic, integrity and taking pride in whatever I do. These lessons have borne much fruit in my life and have become the seeds I have planted into my children. To me, that’s true generational wealth—the building of character.

In this issue, we pay a special tribute to all mothers, the women who have loved and shaped us. This special section, Phenomenally Female, shares the stories and wisdom of women from across the region. From working moms to the mothers who lay the foundation at home, we celebrate all mothers in their various stations in life. We asked them each how motherhood shaped them and for one nugget of wisdom they could pass along. I hope you enjoy these vignettes. 

We also spent a little time talking to a pair of teenage girls who are running their own businesses. Since we are honoring mothers, we thought it would be fitting to show you the fruit of that maternal influence in the lives of these amazing young women. 

To tie it all together, we have a list of ways to help you celebrate and enjoy Mother’s Day. 

In conclusion, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day and hope you enjoy whatever it is you find to of on your special day.