Mothers of daughters
are daughters of mothers
and have remained so in circles joined to circles,
since time began.
-Signe Hammer
Sarah is a wife, mother, and the founder/owner of Hey Presto!, a personal concierge services company based here in the Bay Area. It was my privilege to be able to not only have her come in for for updated headshots that represent her and her company, but also to capture a moment in time with her and her two beautiful daughters.
I love when women make the decision to not only step out in front of the camera for themselves, but also bring in their daughters with them for the photoshoot. A day of hair/makeup and pampering is always fun, but what makes this even more memorable is that these images are ones they will keep for a lifetime. It represents capturing a special moment in time with Sarah and her daughters, especially because time is so fleeting and children grow so fast. So why not add to the legacy and images of family memories for years to come with photos that celebrated a mother and her girls - the women of the family.
Here’s to mothers and daughters everywhere, to existing in photographs forever.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair/makeup | Katie Pheneger
How has having daughters changed you as a woman?
It's a journey of course and I guess this is true of parenting in general but being a role model to any young person is both scary and a privilege. I’m learning that each time you think you solve an issue, or get through a ‘phase', a new one takes its place. I’ve become more patient, and have learnt to trust my instinct. Oh, and to appreciate the small moments!
What are some things that you would want your daughters and other young girls want to know with regards to beauty, self-confidence, and growing up as a woman in today's world?
If only all these girls knew how amazing they are, and what potential they have. I want them to know that if you believe in yourself anything is possible. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough. You will have to work hard for your opportunities, but when you see one, be fierce and bold and grab it with both hands! Don’t regret the things you’ve done, regret the ones you haven’t!
What are some things that you would want your daughters and other young girls want to know with regards to beauty, self-confidence, and growing up as a woman in today's world?
If only all these girls knew how amazing they are, and what potential they have. I want them to know that if you believe in yourself anything is possible.
Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough. You will have to work hard for your opportunities, but when you see one, be fierce and bold and grab it with both hands! Don’t regret the things you’ve done, regret the ones you haven’t!
Are there things you hope will change by the time your daughters are your age?
Besides world peace, a halt to climate change, and equality for all!?!
Actually, I find it difficult to imagine what their lives will be like in 30 years time. Technology will surely evolve and who knows what the world will look like then. It has made life easier in so many ways, and I love that our wider family is spread all over the world but that we are still in each others’ daily lives with the wonders of the internet, FaceTime and email.
But at the same time I hope technology won’t make the world too ’small’ and discourage them from having real-world adventures and travel. You can learn so much online but nothing can replace a real-life, in-person experience.
Can you tell me a bit about you and what inspired you to start Hey Presto!, what you find most rewarding about your work, as well as what you want others to know about your company?
I was looking to get back to work after a career break and quickly realized that I was surrounded by people constantly on the go, stressed and overwhelmed, running from one activity to the next, trying to stay on the Bay Area merry-go-round.
A lightbulb went on as I realized its a perfect fit for my skills and experience. I love to organize and I love to help people, and so Hey Presto was born!
I love that I can help people with their everyday struggles, such as running errands, or admin, but also the bigger projects like vacation planning, doing the legwork on remodeling projects and dealing with life’s events like coping with life when a baby joins the family, or moving house.
It's so rewarding to know that I can make a difference and help smooth the path.
Best advice you ever received?
To follow my own path. My own mom was a working single parent but I think her biggest lesson to my sister and I was to be fierce. By that I mean that she encouraged us to have a strong will, take pride in our work, and responsibility for our tasks. She taught me to be practical and encouraged me to speak out if I ever wanted anything to change.
What do you appreciate most about your life now?
I have an amazing, supportive husband, beautiful kids, and good health and exciting opportunities.
I love my life right now!
