A mother is the one who fills our heart in the first place! True, as Mother’s Day is this weekend we thought of bringing some of the inspiring stories of mommies.
Which is why we caught up with Avantika Mohan, who is a fashion and travel influencer and mommy to an adorable 2-year-old daughter Rayna. She is married author Durjoy Dutta and before marrying him she even won Miss Uttarakhand title in 2004. She spoke to us about work, motherhood and what motivates her to continue her passion. Read on to know Avantika manages motherhood and her travel.
Firstly Avantika, tell us all about your work as an influencer.
Influence is a serious word that means your actions influence others, that definitely comes with an added responsibility so I try and keep it real with my followers. Also, be mindful of the impact of the brands I endorse so picking the brands that I truly believe in. A lot of my interactions with my followers is about telling them to be independent both mentally and financially even after entering motherhood.
And what does motherhood means to you? How would you say it has changed you as a person?
(Image Source: Instagram/avantii2) 
(Image Source: Instagram/avantii2)
Motherhood has certainly made me more empathetic towards other mothers, I no longer frown upon the kids throwing a tantrum on the plane and the mall. I find myself exchanging glances with the mothers to communicate that I understand what’s happening. Motherhood means being the bridge between your baby and the outer world, so giving values to the child that will shape not just them as human beings but also make them sensitive towards the needs of other people, also giving them different experiences, learning from them, growing together and making fun memories.
That’s so sweet! But have you had to make any changes in your career after becoming a mother?
(Image Source: Facebook/Avantikamohandatta)
(Image Source: Facebook/Avantikamohandatta)
I am a flight attendant and I resumed work after 6 months of her birth. So there was no major change there. Now my sacrifice is like any other working mothers we miss out on being with the baby’s milestones. I was not there when she walked for the first time or when she spoke her first word.
Oh Okay! We can also see how your life is full of hectic travel and events. What advice would you give moms who need to travel extensively for work?
I certainly live a very hectic life, I don’t wish to give any advice to moms who need to travel extensively for work because I know that we all have “mothers guilt” so why add another advice to make their life more difficult. But what works for me is putting my phone aside and just enjoying the baby time when I am home.
So, what tips would you give to mommies who want to travel with their children for leisure?
Firstly choose a destination which is suitable for their age and pack well! Always carry their medicines as well in carry on bags, I see so many mothers struggling on the plane when the kids getting sick on the plane and being left with limited resources. Also, holidays are so important not just for the kids but for the mothers to relax. So, don’t make it all about the kids, hand them over to their father and get a spa that you deserve.
Sounds lovely! Do you sometimes find it difficult to strike a balance between your work and your family life? If yes, what motivates you to keep going?
I struggle each day and feel sad when I feel I’m unable to spend enough time with my daughter. I still try, because deep down I know that working is important, it makes me feel relevant, strong, not answerable to anyone about my expenses. If I stop working how will I teach my daughter how important it is for men and women to work no matter what stage of life they are at.
And yes, maintaining a huge social media presence and a regular feed is a challenge in itself. How do you manage time?
Yes, it is but I have started taking my daughter to events now so that I can spend more time with her. But, I also wish there were more offices which allowed kids to bring over so that you can work and spend time with your kid as much as possible.
Oh! What do you feel are the best way to bond with your children if you are a working mom?
Listen to them, talk to them, do activities together. Spending time with them is such an amazing feeling. Keep your phones, laptops aside and just make memories with your adorable baby.
(Image Source: Facebook/Avantikamohandatta) 
(Image Source: Facebook/Avantikamohandatta)
That’s really sweet! Lastly, Avantika, a lot of working moms don’t find enough time to integrate say a workout regime or beauty regime in their lifestyle. How can working moms fix this?
I have just started working out with my daughter it makes it fun. But I really take care of my skin when she falls asleep. Because it is also really important to maintain your own lifestyle.
That’s NOT a wrap, people. We also caught up with another super successful blogger mommy, Harpreet Suri. She was previously a corporate hustler and is now a full-time mommy influencer, along with being a reviewer and brand consultant. Harpreet Suri of Mom Wears Prada has donned many hats. But the most special one is that of a mother. We caught up with Harpreet to chat about her kids, work and much more. So put your reading glasses on!
First of all, Harpreet, tell us about your family, your children and about your work life?
Image Source: Instagram/momwearsprada 
Image Source: Instagram/momwearsprada
I live in a big joint family with 2 wonderful kids aged 8 and 3. I married my school sweetheart of 20 years and we have been on this amazing journey together & everything has been pretty awesome. *touchwood*. Marrying Kunal has been the best decision, not only did I get a best friend for life but also a big family! Which makes a huge difference, especially when you’re coming from a nuclear family. Living with my in-laws & extended in-laws has been quite an extraordinary journey! Work life has been quite something as well. I had been working in the corporate circle for as long as I could remember. And then, momwearsprada happened! Being a mommy influencer is something that excites me, thrills me & makes me want to do so much more for my little ones.
What does motherhood mean to you?
Motherhood for me is eternal love & friendship. I want my kids to feel that they can share anything and everything with me. I want them to want to go out with me on trips and brunches etc. I want to be a friend to them, before anything else. Being a mom is like sitting on a throne, but when you’re their friend too, it’s like sharing that throne together while we laugh & cry.
We are sure being an influencer is not easy, with all the events and the travelling and long shoot days, tell us how you juggle both motherhood and such a busy career?
My profession now is something that involves my kids as well. It is in a way attached to the kids, I would never have been a mom influencer if it wasn’t for them. So it’s all of us actually experiencing the best life together.
That’s great. But, do you sometimes find it difficult to strike a balance between your work and your personal life? What keeps you motivated at such times?
Of course like everybody else I sometimes have my days too! But the beautiful comments that I get from my followers just makes everything better for me. They’re as involved in my life as anyone else. I have kept my life out there in the most simple & plain manner and it’s really good to see that people have accepted me just the way I am.
So sweet! Maintaining a huge social media presence and a regular feed, which we absolutely love btw, is a challenge in itself. How do you manage time? What time management tips would you give women out there who have hectic jobs?
Image Source: Instagram/momwearsprada 
Image Source: Instagram/momwearsprada
I try to work on a schedule. I don’t do more than 3 shoots in a week or attend more than 1 event a week. Weekends are completely for my kids & in case there’s something that’s very important to attend, we all go and treat it as a family outing! As far as my posting time is concerned, I only do that once my kids are asleep so that I don’t miss out on the best of time with them.
Wonderful! And in your view, what’s the best way for working moms to bond and connect with their children and have quality family time?
I feel you have to prioritize your time because no matter how much we try to balance it out, it is extremely difficult. So just prioritize and you’ll be good to go!
As a working mother yourself, how do you think can society be more supportive of career women?
Well, in the past few years there has been quite a shift in the mindset of people. They have become more supportive of working moms. Which is enabling women to pursue their dreams & change their lives. However, we’re not completely there yet, but yes I would say we’re getting there which is a great start!
And lastly, Harpreet what’s the most important piece of advice you have for mothers who are pursuing a career?
As I mentioned earlier, just make sure you prioritize your time, there’s nothing called a balanced life – you have to have to prioritize. What’s more important & what’s not.
Instagram: Harpreet Suri
So, mommies & daddies, we hope you got great insights from our conversation with these two amazing mothers. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And, Happy Mother’s Day!
