“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” - writer Anne Lamott

Mother’s Day always brings up a mix of emotions for me—gratitude, reflection, and a quiet ache. I named Bobbe Active after my mom —a beautiful, smart, strong, and stylish woman who always made her family feel loved. She had impeccable taste, was an incredible cook, and worked hard her whole life. She struck that rare balance—letting me stand on my own while always being right there beside me. More than anything, she was my friend.

When I lost her, I was deep in the throes of motherhood myself. My kids were little, life was full, and the grief felt especially heavy.

That’s when I picked up a tennis racket again—mostly to cheer myself up. My husband gently nudged me to try something that might help me feel a little more like myself, and tennis did just that. What began as a small escape quickly became something much bigger. The court became a space where I could move, laugh, and feel lighter. A space that was just for me.

I started with club leagues, then joined a USTA team—and that’s where it all began. I met an incredible group of women, most of us moms, who weren’t connected by school drop-offs or playdates, but by our shared love of the game. We played hard, we laughed harder, and we built real friendships—chosen ones. We supported each other through it all—and we had a lot of fun, too. That circle became a lifeline—and part of what shaped the spirit behind Bobbe

Motherhood shifts as the years go by. Most of my friends and I have kids in college or heading out into the world, and with that comes a new chapter—not just for them, but for us too. We’re starting new careers, rediscovering passions, and finally carving out more time for ourselves, while still nurturing our families and friendships in deeper, more intentional ways. The daily hustle may look different now, but the heart of it—showing up with love—hasn’t changed. And having something like tennis, and each other, has made the journey all the more meaningful.

What I’ve learned is that being a mother doesn’t mean losing yourself. In fact, the most powerful thing we can model is what it looks like to keep growing, playing, and showing up for ourselves—and how doing that actually makes us even better mothers. Tennis gave me that—and so did my mom. 

That Afghan hound in our new Heritage Collection cover image? That’s a little nod to my mom. She had an Afghan named Nigel, and there was something about the elegance (and attitude!) of that dog that reminded me of her. It felt like a playful little tribute to someone who was stylish, a little dramatic, and totally unforgettable.

However you show up in a nurturing role—whether as a mom, stepmom, pet mom, mentor, aunt, or anything in between—I hope you take a moment for yourself this Mother’s Day. Wishing you a  joyful day.

See you on the court.
Warmly,
Erica