*MUST READ* ???
New Interview with Shopping for a Change´s brand ambassador Daniela Ruah.

At Shopping for a Change, we’re all about empowering people around the world through fair trade, paying fair wages, to help artisans provide for their families and grow their communities.

The same is true of Daniela Ruah. You may know her as Kensi Blye on NCIS LA or as the talented Instagramer, @DanielaRuah, with adorable family photos and hilarious set pics. We know her as our Shopping for a Change brand ambassador and fair trade committed supporter.

Daniela was kind enough to share some her best moments and tips as mother’s day reflections. We appreciate her wise words, poignant memories and sage advice.

Q: If you could go back in time to one mom-moment, what would it be? Why?
Daniela: That’s a REALLY hard question… I can think of many, but I have to settle on my kid’s births. The feelings of relief and accomplishment are so intense. Seeing their little faces and hearing their voices for the first time are unmatched sensations.

Q: What are some of the best surprises you’ve had as a mother?
Daniela: I am so in love with my son that I was terrified of not feeling the same way about my daughter when she came along; I was completely wrong. To this day, I am surprised at how much adoration and love my heart can hold.

Q: What doubts or insecurities, if any, have you had as a mother and how do you overcome them?
Daniela: I never had doubts, but plenty of insecurities especially with my first kid. When I’d hear a mom was doing something differently than me, like a bedtime routine or co sleeping versus not co sleeping, I always wondered if I was doing it wrong. Then I learned to listen to my instinct and embrace the fact that every household is different. Not to say I didn’t learn a lot from other moms! I believe that as long as every decision is made with love and in the best interest of the child and family, we’ll probably all be ok.

Q: What are some of the best ways your mother has influenced the ways you raise your own children?
Daniela: My mom has been an amazing role model for me in so many ways. Open communication was always important between us and she created a perfect balance between being a best friend and a parent. I also look up to my mom as a woman; she has been a business owner for over twenty years and yet I never felt her absence. I grew up with the example that a woman can have a successful career and be a great mom. It became my goal. My mom taught me a lot by example.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice or a special mom-moment to watch for that new or expectant moms can hold on to, what would it be?
Daniela: Everyone loves to give advice to first time moms, even when unsolicited. Pick and choose what’s relevant to you and trust your instincts.

Q: There are so many different ways moms are treated and perceived around the world. What is your one hope for the future of motherhood – locally, globally, or in general?
Daniela: My hope is that every mother is able to provide for her children, educate them and raise them without fear of lacking basic needs like clean water, food and safety.

Q: We also asked Daniela if she had any favorite pictures of her and her mother in celebration of Mother’s Day and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share these special moment with our readers. Thank you, Daniela.

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