By Womaness Editors 2-Minute Read
File this one under “Genius Ideas for (and by) Women in Midlife.” Noting the lack of resources directed at women whose kids had gotten engaged to be married, career journalist Allison (Ali) Kaplan and social media pro Betsey Kershaw combined forces to launch Mother Of, a resource to help mothers of the bride or groom find their perfect look.
“The wedding industry treats moms like an afterthought. Moms are told to fade into the background on one of the most important days of their lives,” explains Ali. “‘Mother of the bride’ sections, where they even exist, tend to be full of matronly dresses that don't reflect women at this stage. We're here for the modern mom—to simplify an intimidating purchase, offer advice, create community, and shine a light on one of the most important and influential members of the wedding party.”
We coudn't agree more. Get to know this trailblazing-down-the-aisle duo in our latest Womaness Woman profile.
First thing I do each morning
Ali Kaplan: “Feed my dog Larry. He won’t even let me brush my teeth before tending to him.”
Betsey Kershaw: “Check my phone to see if I got a text from my daughter, who lives in the UK (the time difference is rough). Then I feed my dog and squeeze in a workout.”
Three things I always keep on my nightstand
Ali Kaplan: “Notepad and pen. Nothing relaxes me more at night than writing out to-dos for the next day. And lip balm!”
Betsey Kershaw: “Phone (I know, I know), a book, and three pairs of reading glasses (ha!).”
My go-to beauty hack or wellness ritual
Ali Kaplan: “I love cooling under-eye masks—the ritual of taking 10 minutes in the morning to let them work their depuffing magic. I’d like to tell you I’m stretched out on a chaise lounge in a silk robe for that time, but usually I’m at my desk responding to emails. Goals. As for wellness, even when I don’t have time for a full workout, I make sure to do weightlifting classes several times a week with my girl Tunde on the Peloton app.”
Betsey Kershaw: “We have a sauna in our backyard, so I would say try to sauna as much as possible followed by a cold plunge in my bathtub.”
“I'm 62 and I love this age. My parents are gone and my children are launched, so I've had more time to take care of me. It's been a true gift. Also, I am so much wiser.” - Betsey Kershaw
My inner age (the age I really feel) and why
Ali Kaplan: “I'll go with 35, when everything is effortlessly tight and you’re clear on who you are, doing the things you set out to do, but time and possibilities seem endlessly on your side.”
Betsey Kershaw: “I'm 62 and I love this age. My parents are gone and my children are launched, so I've had more time to take care of me. It's been a true gift. Also, I am so much wiser.”
Advice I would give to my younger self
Ali Kaplan: “Take risks, take detours. Don’t be so focused on goals that you miss the magic along the way.”
Betsey Kershaw: “Chill out! It will all be ok.”
We don’t believe in “The Pause.” Tell us, what are you not pausing on?
Ali Kaplan: “It’s funny—I’m at this major milestone moment with our youngest son headed off to college in the fall. Instagram is very aware of my impending empty-nester status, and my feed is flooded with women who are going on month-long journeys and retreats to ‘find themselves.’ I’m not lost, and I take great pride in having been a present mom with career focus. If anything, now feels like the time to go harder than ever before. I started a new day job less than a year ago—an unexpected opportunity to be part of the reinvention of The Minnesota Star Tribune, that was just too exciting and important to pass up. Meanwhile, Mother Of, my startup with Betsey, feels like it is gaining momentum every day. We’ve built a platform to support mothers of the bride and groom, and a community for all of us who are approaching a stage when we feel fiercer than ever, but are far too often unseen and underserved by the fashion industry.”
Betsey Kershaw: “The hustle! I love building Mother Of. Everything Ali said.”
Bright and Tight Kit
What's your favorite Womaness product?
Ali Kaplan: “Eye Opener. As someone with the tendency to stay up too late and still get up early, this cream is an instant day brightener.”
Betsey Kershaw: “Let’s Neck! It's so fun to apply and smells good which makes it easy to fit in my morning routine.”
Word that best describes your Womaness
Ali Kaplan: “Can I have two? Determinedness and joyfulness. Aware of how lucky I am to have my health, an amazing family, and the energy to keep striving, growing, and building new things.”
Betsey Kershaw: “Joy-ness. Just recently watched the Martin Short documentary and all his friends use the word joy to describe him. That is super aspirational for me!”
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