Thanks Mom: Words and Stories from the Rikumo Team

Just like everyone else, all of us at Rikumo think our moms could rule the universe. Besides clothing and feeding us, every single one of our moms does something that few people can do well: teach us how to be the best version of ourselves. In anticipation of Mother’s Day, we’ve put together some words from the Rikumo team about the most important women in our lives. Warning: extremely heart-warming stories ahead. 

Caitlin, Merchandise Assistant and daughter of Ann

After finally getting through my awful teenage years, where I was really great at slamming doors and not so great at talking in my inside voice (it's a wonder I am still alive), I have gained so much respect for my crazy loving mother. Ann takes every day in stride and is doing her very best to make this world a better place. I admire her strength, her courage and her overall fearlessness. She makes me proud to be her daughter. She makes me proud to be a woman. She gives me hope that someday I can change the world too, one step at a time. Love you mama!


Sam, Marketing Communications Director and son of Wonsuk

I've always known that my mom is an amazing woman. She is a lover of art and fashion, a master of lovingly prepared meals, and a warm soul that's able to see the good in nearly everyone she meets. However, as I've gotten older and wiser, I find myself more able to imagine her life before I was ever in the picture. By now, she'd already left Korea (the first in her family) to start a new life in America with a young marine she still loves to this day. Despite knowing her my entire life, she still finds ways to inspire me.
 

Kylan, Administrative Assistant and son of Jill

My life is defined by gifts in the form of people, including Mom. The physical debt I owe her is clear enough that strangers still ask if we're siblings.  She taught me how to pray, find a bargain and give a hug. Mom also saw value in my reading and writing before others did, but knew when I needed to put the page down and play outside or socialize. She fed the whole family (and let me play around in the kitchen), home-schooled me and my siblings, coordinated everyone's schedules and ran an event catering business, while always having a kiss for hurts and a smile for joys.  Her love truly put the home in "stay-at-home mom."  I'm so grateful for her!

Miles, Concept Store Manager and son of Patti

I don't really know where to start with Patti, other than she is one of the most special people you will ever meet in your life. She always puts her family first and is a force to be reckoned with. I admire her courage and strength and am forever thankful for all of the life lessons she has given me. I was taught to be proud of my heritage, the value of another language and most importantly how to love food! One of the best pieces of advice my mom has ever given me was when I was really young and couldn't find one of my toys. She'd say to me, "Sometimes you just have to stop looking, and it will show itself to you in time." I will remember that, always. Thank you, Mom, for everything!
 

Erica, Assistant Wholesale Manager and daughter of Phyllis

I have always considered my mom to be a good friend and inspiration of mine. Since I was young she has always treated me with respect and love, teaching me about life and being a good person. My family comes from creative roots, and my mother is no exception. Since I was young I have always seen her doing art in some form, whether it was sewing, painting, or hand crafts. In the last 15 years she opened up her own business dyeing wool for rug hooking and applique. Her artistic nature helped nurture mine as a child, and I never felt like my desire to go to art school for painting was any less desirable than going to school for a trade that would (most likely) make more money upon graduation. I am grateful for my mom's support over the years, and hope that as I age I retain her kind-hearted nature and willingness to do what it takes to follow her passion and accomplish goals, whether they are immediate or far in the future.
 

Rosemary, Assistant Wholesale Manager and daughter of Stefanie

My mom is one of the most encouraging and supportive people I know. Throughout every season of my life my mom has been there to provide words of encouragement and reassurance. I really appreciate how much she told me (and continues to tell me) that she was proud of me. Even though she probably hasn't agreed with all of the choices I have made in my life I know that she trusts me and ultimately respects my decisions. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have someone like my mom to turn to for commendation. She is my biggest cheerleader! Thank you for all of the sacrifices you have made for me and for your kind and giving spirit. I love you MOM!!
 

Magali, Copywriter and daughter of Marisa

Not to be hyperbolic here, but my mom can do literally anything. She became an engineer before it was cool for women to work in STEM. She has the ability to go to a party without knowing a single person and immediately turn her assigned table into the most talkative in the room. While I was in high school struggling to stay awake through my SATs, she went and got her PhD in Physics. Physics. All while taking care of two teenage daughters. I couldn’t even do high school-level physics now, and the only thing I am responsible for keeping alive is a cactus. The point is, my mom never gets hung up on life’s roadblocks. When things get hard she simply buckles down and gets on with it, all without taking herself too seriously. When we were preparing to move to the United States, she told my sister and I that we were going on an adventure. I don’t think I realized then how important that kind of adventurous thinking is when you’re telling your kids their lives are about to change. She has been the best teacher I could have had because she always leads by example. As I get older I start to see so much of herself in me, from her taste in music to her weird facial expressions, and I'm so, so proud of being her daughter. I love you mom!
 

Chris, Photographer and son of Kimberly

Oh boy, what to say about my Ma. I've known her 9 months longer than any other person. She is the kindest, most sincere, and shortest person I know (I'm not a tall guy, but she sure makes me feel tall.) She's the kind of mom who would take the peas off of my plate when I was younger to make it look like I ate all my veggies. She bandaged up my scrapes and bruises, and drove me pretty much everywhere before I got my driver's license. She was so supportive (along with my Dad. Hi Dad,) when I told her that I wanted to go to art school, a decision that I feel is less and less supported nowadays. Basically what I'm trying to say is that she's the best. Hands down. I literally wouldn't be here without her. I love you, ma!! Happy Mother's Day!

Mary, Operations Manager and daughter of Ellen

My mother is kind, patient, tough, whimsical, determined and pragmatic.  She loves to cook, she loves carbs, she loves her grandchildren and has an amazing amount of understanding, tolerance, and ability to care for all those around her even when they might not deserve it at times.  Somehow she does all of this while maintaining her autonomy and not taking guff from anyone.  She is intellectual and loves to think, question, and discuss which produces meaningful and insightful conversations!  She really is the best person I know and I am thankful to have such a great relationship with her.