Angela El Haj
Sisters Angela and Mariam El Haj (see below) are the co-founders and co-presidents of Calaca Mamas Cantina in Anaheim. “I get to work alongside amazing people who support our vision and make magic happen,” Mariam says.
Mom to: Maddox, 14; and Atticus, 9
Hometown: I claim Santa Ana and Tustin as my hometowns.
Favorite ways to spend family time in CA: My favorite way to spend time with the family usually involves being near the water and doing anything that makes me laugh. I love pool and beach days, watching and listening to the kids laugh and play together.
Your most rewarding motherhood moment: One morning last June, after a crazy winter and spring where we opened three restaurants, I was not being the present mama I want and strive to be, and my boys crawled into bed with me and just cuddled me. They each told me how proud of me and all my hard work they are. That they are so grateful that I am their mama and will do anything to make their life the best. Truly helped to heal the guilt in my mama heart.
Biggest challenge as a mom: Finding the balance between work and life.
A mother who inspires you and why: I have met amazing mothers in my life, I have no clue how to just choose one! There are traits in moms that I admire: a perfect amount of patience but aren’t pushovers, selflessness without losing themselves, and moms that can find the beauty in the mess!
Best piece of advice for a new mom: Perfection is not real. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. Go easy on yourself. Get in the pictures.
Your biggest hope for your children: I truly hope my boys will be happy, healthy, contributing members of society.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? I have no clue! That’s up to the boys. Hoping for a great brunch, a handmade gift and a beach day!
Mariam El Haj
Mom to: Twin boys who are 12; an 11-year-old boy; and a 5-year-old “sassy princess”
Hometown: Tustin, CA
Favorite ways to spend family time in CA: We love hanging out, playing board games, trying new restaurants, bowling, Dave & Buster’s and go kart racing. Pretty much anything where we can all have fun and be together!
Your most rewarding motherhood moment: I honestly adore being a mother. It is my most favorite job. I think the most rewarding part has to be my kids being happy to see me every day and that even the oldest ones can’t wait to snuggle up and tell me all about their days. I hope that never changes.
Biggest challenge as a mom: Balance. I hate missing stuff because I have to work, and mom guilt is real, but society also puts an unnecessary amount of stress and pressure on moms. We’re somehow expected to work like we don’t have a family, but raise a family like we don’t work.
A mother who inspires you and why: There are so many mothers who inspire me. I try to learn and pull the best traits from all of them so I can strive to be better, whether that means trying to be more patient or understanding or present, or artistic, or even being a better friend.
Best piece of advice for a new mom: Take the pictures, put the swimsuits on and have the dance parties because no one will remember the stretch marks or bad dance moves. They will remember you were there with them .
Your biggest hope for your children: That they grow up happy, healthy and well-adjusted knowing how loved they are and how much I truly love being their mom.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? I have no clue yet but with my kiddos and husband for sure!