The Women Who Believe in Us First
by Mercedes Leahy, CEO + Creative Director, Vested
As Mother’s Day approaches and with it the need for another Vested blog post, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about motherhood and entrepreneurship. I want to start by saying I know not all of you are mothers, whether by choice, circumstance, or heartbreak. Some of you may not have the relationship with your mom that you wish you did. Maybe you’re a mother in a non-traditional sense.
Our relationships with motherhood and identity are often layered, emotional, complicated, beautiful, painful, and deeply personal all at once. It’s something that deserves to be honored, whatever your story may look like.
My mom isn’t flashy and loud. She is the parts of me that are calm, patient, and creative. She quietly stands up for what is right and good.
In contrast, I can remember feeling so embarrassed when I was growing up at her being my literal biggest cheerleader at softball games (imagine your usually quiet mother yelling louder than any other parent every time you hit the ball…). When I studied abroad in college I would roll my eyes that she printed my weekly blogs to show all of my aunts, uncles, and grandparents what I was up to.
Now, as an adult, a mother, and a business owner, I see her actions so differently.
If you’ve ever shared anything with the Vested community, you may notice you have a very loyal new follower on Instagram (spoiler alert: it’s my mom). She has her own “Champion of Women” mug and is always asking about my latest event. And do you know what she told my dad she wanted from me for Mother’s Day? A shirt from one of my Vested gals. 🥹
Somewhere along the way, the things that once embarrassed me became some of the greatest gifts of my life. Having someone who believed in me loudly, unapologetically, and with nothing to prove. Someone who is unwaveringly celebrating not just my accomplishments, but who I am always becoming.
I know I say this all the time, but I am forever grateful for this community of women for trying to do the same for each other.
And now, as I raise two little boys of my own, I think constantly of the kind of men I hope they become. I hope they grow into the type of people who cheer for others loudly, celebrating ambition instead of feeling threatened by it. The kind who notice the invisible load, speak kindly, lead gently, and clap the loudest for the women around them.
Because if there’s anything my mom taught me, it’s that fierce belief in someone can shape the trajectory of their life. And what a gift that is.
