MOTHER LOVE: AJIRI AKI
As a lover of all things vintage, I was beyond excited when a friend introduced me to Madame de la Maison and their vintage gorgeous pieces. What also filled my heart with joy was that it was founded by a woman of ethnicity. My friend quickly did and introduction to Ajiri and I am happy to share her tips and tricks for the perfect Mother’s Day table setting and the advice from her mother that she would like to share with her children.
BY SHIRLEY ERSKINE-SCHREYER
Wunder Stories What is your Mother's Day tradition currently and what was it when you were growing up?
Ajiri Aki Every mother’s day the kids make me cards, sometimes a performance and we also have a lovely lunch together. It’s pretty simple for us. Growing up I remember that we always did pretty much the same. We told our mother that the mailman came so she could check the mailbox where she would find all the cards we made her. Then we helped with the food, ate together and showered her with our homemade gifts.
WS What is the best Mother's Day gift you ever received?
AA My kids are still pretty small but I am looking forward to fancy gifts when I get older. Ha! Until then I am pretty happy with how they try so hard to make me smile with their creations.
WS What advice has your Mom given you that you would like to pass on to your children?
AA My mom used to sing “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” which Doris Day sang in Alfred Hitchcock’s film The Man Who Knew Too Much. She would sing this to me because I was pretty anxious about the future as a child and what was to happen. And she would sing it to remind me that the “future is not ours to see. Que sera, sera. What will be, will be.” This was her way to teach me to stop worrying and to just be present.
WS What tips would you offer for creating the perfect table setting for Mother's Day?
AA Get your children involved if they are old enough to help you set the table and style the flowers. Then ask them to draw name cards for everyone and maybe you will get lucky and they include little notes or pictures as well. Having my children help style the table brings me joy, especially on Mother’s Day as I watch them feel proud about helping and knowing it will make me smile.
WS How do you balance work and motherhood?
AA I don’t! Ha! It’s never balanced for me and is always more like a juggle. There are times that running a business means I miss out on watching my kids play tennis or taking them to a museum. However the one thing I prioritize is sitting at the table together as a family for dinner. That is our precious time to connect and share.
