Every mother is a goddess. Creating a human with your body is more than a superpower, and nurturing that new little life is a full-time job. We wanted to feature some special mothers who have a very exciting life in Beijing either as entrepreneurs or creatives, and who might be able to impart a bit of wisdom on finding balance between their professional and familial obligations. With some hair and makeup help from Blow + Bar in Sanlitun, we took to the streets of Beijing for some wonderful pictures that show off their fierce individuality. After all, there’s more than one way to mother.
Krista McGowan is from the Pacific Northwest in the US, and both her six-year-old girls are from Taiwan. When living in Taiwan, Krista and her husband decided to submit adoption requests at two different agencies, thinking they might only hear back from one. To their luck and surprise, both of these agencies replied with a bundle of joy and they couldn’t have been more thrilled. They have been living in Beijing for the last five years. McGowan is a humanities teacher, and teaching at the same school her daughters go to allows her the luxury of seeing them during the day. She can even run down and give her kids a hug during breaks. McGowan feels fortunate to have a career where her kids and her share similar day-to-day schedules as well as holidays. In addition to her life as an educator and parent, Krista enjoys hunting for vintage designer clothes to sell at private trunk shows at her apartment and various markets around town.
My Darling Daughters,
The years have flown since you were first placed into my arms. Two babies at once, I had no idea what to do or how we would manage. At that time, I knew only that I would do everything in my power to keep you safe, to help you grow up to become strong, empathetic human beings. Today, I am so proud of who you are. You are strong, resilient, and have a passion for life that leaves me in awe. You are both so uniquely you, and yet are still able to come together in a bond of sisterhood, fiercely defending, loving, and supporting each other.
To SLM my motion machine: Your ability to meet challenges head-on, overcome obstacles and subsist on little to no sleep amazes me. I hope you always spend your days dancing through life, with a huge goofy smile on your face, and your feet hovering above the ground.
To XO my little adrenaline junky: I love that you are always up for anything from skateboarding, to rock climbing saying, “I don’t know if I can do it, but I will try.” I hope you always take the time to stop and smell the flowers, and continue to find your home and peace in nature.
I couldn’t be prouder of you two crazy little monkeys. My life would be less without you in it. Thank you for allowing me the gift of watching you grow.
All my Love,
Mom
Photos: Uni You
This article appeared on p48-53 of beijingkids May 2018 issue.