Fab Moms: California

Natalie Mariani Kling

Natalie Mariani Kling is the marketing manager and active board member of family-owned and -operated dried fruit company, Mariani Packing Company. “I feel very fortunate to stand on our family’s shoulders of over 117 years of hard work and have the opportunity, with my family, to steer it forward.”

Mom to: Killian, 16; and Colton, 9

Hometown: Winters, CA

Favorite ways to spend family time in CA: Having adventures in our VW camper van, reading under a shady tree and sitting around a campfire.

Your most rewarding motherhood moment: Parenting was not an easy transition for me. One day, not long ago, I looked at their faces and was overcome with emotion at the thought that I get to be these people’s mom. I get to witness their lives, teach them how to love and be that life line they’ll look back on. Then I thought…I better get my shit together.

Biggest challenge as a mom: Losing my freedom.

A mother who inspires you and why: Michelle Obama. She raised her girls to expect that the world will be tough on you, but that home is the place you’ll be loved and belong – always.

Best piece of advice for a new mom: We live in a day and age where supporting a new mom looks like having an Instagram-worthy baby shower. What we should be doing is making her meals, holding the baby so she can shower, surrounding her with love and reassuring her that it’s hard and that she’s doing it! Gather your women – I don’t think we’re meant to do it alone.

Your biggest hope for your children: That they stay aligned with their inner compass, love hard and tell the truth.

How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? I don’t know, but coffee in bed and a good book sounds lovely.

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