As head of the Creative team at SIDIA, Camille Duncan looks up to her mom, Coni, for her attitude, work, art and style.
When you think of your mom, what comes to mind?
Always unintentionally wearing a pair of holey jeans, a tee, and a fringe cut. One of Elvis's biggest fans, with Janis Joplin's rock n’ roll vibe. My mom is the coolest, and the most creative person I know.
What about her inspires you the most?
My mom inspires me all the time. I love how she thinks and watching her hone her own talents. Now working in a similar career, I have never felt more similar. My mom is my biggest fan & supporter. Always the calm, positive force, and thinks the best in any situation. When I am stuck, she is my soundboard.“Don’t worry about what anybody else is doing, worry about the next thing you are going to do”, my mom would say. She inspires me to smile every day, to think outside of the box, and to do what makes me the happiest.
What are your favourite memories with her?
There wasn’t any instance where my mom wasn’t there. My favorite memories of my mom are the adventures she took us on, such as cottages, playing hooky, road trips, and our spontaneous day trip to Paris.
How do you recognize the impact your mom has left on your own life?
My mom has always pushed me to pursue any new activity. She gave me the opportunity to do art classes, become a soccer player, and even, a cheerleader. Traveling hours every day back and forth from practices & showing up to every game. My mom immersed my brother and me in culture, music, movies, and galleries. She read us books, on top of books while growing up, which has shaped the person that I am today.
I can’t mention my mom without thinking of my grandma, Irene. She raised 3 of my favorite women. A true beauty queen—you won’t catch her out of the house without her hair & makeup done, topped with a kitten heel. I am the most similar to my grandma because we cherish family over everything (plus, we share the same birthday). I am the person that I am today because I grew up surrounded by love, and laughter. One of my favorite things is to be able to sit with all these women and hear stories from them growing up, lots of dancing and fun when we’re all together.
What are the most valuable life lessons you have learned from your family matriarchs?
My mom and grandma have taught me to be strong and independent. I see my mom’s caring trait in myself, and my grandmother's selflessness from her dedication to her daughters.
As you get older, you realize how much your mom has shaped you. I love the bond I have with my mom and the ability we have to tell each other everything. Thank you for being my mom, my role model, my best friend, and letting me steal your clothes all these years. <3
“Don’t worry about what anybody else is doing, worry about the next thing you are going to do”, my mom would say. She inspires me to smile every day, to think outside of the box, and to do what makes me the happiest.
Who are the women in your own family matriarch who have left a lasting impression?