PEOPLE | MAY 2026
The Meaning of Motherhood, in Their Own Words
How do you distill the essence of motherhood into just a couple of sentences? This Mother’s Day, we invited eight women from the Tommy Bahama community to try. Their responses are moving reflections of the moments, memories, and connections that define the women in our lives—moms, grandmas, and mother figures.
“Motherhood, to me, is creating a life bigger than myself. After a longer road to get here, it’s made every moment—messy, sweet, and a little chaotic—feel that much more meaningful. She is the answer to our prayers, and everything we hoped for and more.”
Ashley Martinez
Ashley lives in Florida with her family, including 1-year-old Presley, and works with student-athletes as part of the organization, Student ACES. Keep up with her @mykindofcasual.
“Motherhood is one job I never want to quit. It’s such a rewarding role, although it does have its occasional challenges. The unconditional love that I have for my four children is unwavering, just like my mother’s love for me."
Hayley Free Bordes
Hayley is a mom to four children: McKenna (11), Rylan (7), Peyton (6), and Bowen (3). She shares her take on fashion, workouts, food, and the best things to do in the Houston area @littlemeandfree.
“Motherhood means everything to me—it’s truly the reason behind everything I do. It’s about teaching, guiding, and helping my child grow into a kind, strong individual. It’s loving them unconditionally, no matter what path they take in life. And above all, it’s learning patience, grace, and showing up for them every single day.”
Melissa Moore
As a proud mom to an 8-year-old state gymnastics champion, Melissa shares a behind-the-scenes look at balancing busy mom life with fashion, travel, and home inspiration @themelissalifestyle_.
“Motherhood is the shift from being the center of your own world to building one someone else feels safe in. And choosing that world, again and again, even when it asks everything of you.”
Jenna Colgrove
Jenna offers a glimpse into her everyday life @jennacolgrove, balancing executive responsibilities as a CFO with motherhood. Based in southern California, she is a mom to her 4-year-old son and three goldendoodles.
“Motherhood is loving fiercely, leading with resilience, and raising greatness in a world that doesn’t always make space for it.”
Keshla Fuller
Keshla, also known as Kesh, is a Houston-based mom of five who captures beautiful moments on her page @lifewithkesh centered around faith, family, and fashion.
“Motherhood is by far the hardest job I’ve ever had, but absolutely the most rewarding. I’ll never regret any moment I’ve spent with my kids. It goes by way too fast.”
Jenny Donnell
Jenny highlights everyday casual style tips @thesensibleshopaholic. She lives in Scottsdale, AZ, with her husband of 20 years and their two kids, Carter (13) and Kenzie (11).
“Motherhood is… equal parts chaos and cuddles!”
Lily Monroe
Lily, a mom of two sweet boys, shares relatable family-focused moments from DIY projects to holidays, and everything in between @mrs.lilymonroe.
“Motherhood to me is the beautiful mix of chaos and intention—days that feel full before they even begin, messy counters, endless snacks, and moments I wish I could freeze forever. It’s creating magic in the middle of real life, turning ordinary days into memories my kids will carry with them.”
Marquis Clarke
Based in Houston, Marquis is a mom of two who uses her page @marquis_clarke to inspire other women to embrace the beauty in the chaos, one cup of coffee at a time.