Jen Byard
Byard is the founder of Communal, a creative-minded cafe and shop with four California-based locations.
Mom to: Lincoln, 20; Ben, 18; and Harrison, 16
Hometown: Olympia, WA
Favorite ways to spend family time in CA: We love the beach! Swimming, surfing, spending time with friends. We love watching and playing baseball. Love exploring CA on road trips. Some of our favorite spots are Lake Arrowhead and San Luis Obispo.
Your most rewarding motherhood moment: Honestly, I’m in a sweet spot with my boys right now. My oldest and youngest are really starting to have a great relationship, and I love seeing them grow closer as they become adults.
Biggest challenge as a mom: Balancing each child’s individual personalities and needs while running a business!
A mother who inspires you and why: I’ve been blessed to still have a relationship with a woman who mentored me in high school. I’ve been involved in her kid’s lives since they were born and they’re now all in their 30’s. I learned so much about having fun with kids, being nurturing and available for them through her example.
Best piece of advice for a new mom: Remember that our job is to help them become independent, healthy people. It’s so easy to try to shelter them from hard things, but it’s our job to help them navigate their way through hard things.
Your biggest hope for your children: For them to find contentment in their lives! Jobs they love, deep friendships and partners who encourage and support each other.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? With my boys! I’m going to leave it up to them.