The Story of Ma Ma Osa + My Summer Essentials
To those who may not know me super well… hello, I’m Anna, and I love my mom.
Her name is Alisha, and she is quite literally one of the most kind, talented, generous, loving people I’ve ever met in the whole wide world. And that’s just keeping my description of her to .05% of the love fest that it could be.
Last year, in November of 2017, I had a front row seat to watching a life-long passion and skill of hers, turn into a brand that could touch far more lives than just mine.
My mother’s been sewing her whole entire life - for her children, her friends, her friends’ children, her home. As I grew up, I got to witness how she poured her mother-love into every stitch when she created a new garment or fabric item for someone she cared about. Always as a gift. Always envisioning how that piece would serve it’s owner far into the future.
It wasn't until my sister and I got a bit older that we wised up and quickly realized how freaking amazing it was that our mom could sew. That she could sew clothes! And so we did what any 16 year old and 21 year old would do: we brought our garment dreams to our mama, and asked her to make us feel pretty in our own one-of-a-kind pieces. She was up for the challenges that came with our many over-the-top requests (we’re extra, okay). And it was so much fun.
At that time, my mom had already begun to form her own interest in sustainable, hand-made linen garments with classic silhouettes, and so it was like the 3 of us just took turns fueling each others dream fires.
She would be sewing, we would bring her our ideas, and then a romper, or a jumpsuit, or a flowy dress would be born in a way that would quite literally demand a shop from the random people we would meet in public.
In 2017, November of last year, she did what we we’re all just dying for her to do, and decided to finally start her own clothing brand and online shop (with the help of Amanda and I), with a heart to offer her handmade garments to all woman. She named it Ma Ma Osa, translated as Mama Bear in Spanish, and took off running from there.
Since the moment she opened Ma Ma Osa’s virtual doors, I’ve watched my mother evolve her work and care for her shop in a way that inspires me daily. Her attention to detail, passion for quality made clothing that lasts, and knowledge of the slow fashion industry is incredible.
As she continues to share pieces of her heart in the form of the beautiful, luxury garments she creates, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of commissioning some clothing of my own from my mother, to continue growing my ethical closet! This summer has seen the addition of some especially fun pieces, that I wear CONSTANTLY, and I wanted to highlight them well with this tribute to my mother’s work and story!
She amazes me with her talents that I will treasure for a lifetime.
Jumpsuit: Custom Sally Jumper
Which I use in place of a smock when I paint!
A notice about adding clothing that a mother made to your closet! Alisha (Ma Ma Osa) works on a made to order basis, with 100% linen (a dreamy, durable, luxury fabric)! Because she has a heart for accuracy, quality, and your unique style preferences, she is always taking custom order inquiries if you don’t see what you’re looking for in the shop!
On the other side of her contact form, she’ll be there, excited to learn more about your dream garment!
Amanda (left): Wearing a custom Sally Jumper with Ties in Mustard Linen
Anna (right): Wearing a custom block printed Madeleine Linen Top with ties
Top: Rachel Top
Pants: Amanda Pant
Dress: Custom Lara Dress in in Mustard Linen
A custom halter dress - one of my first Ma Ma Osa pieces!
This dress kept me nice and cool at the flower farm this spring!
Top: Rachel Top
Pants: The Melanie Pant in Clay (but I call them my magic pants - because they are the most magical things I own!)
A more casual look with a black tee and some birks!
Custom Tie-Top and Skirt: Commissioned for a tastemakers event that took place at Oxford Exchange. In Ginger Linen!
I've looooved having this skirt in my wardrobe for it's seriously fun versatility! It pairs up or down with ease.
Plus it's just about the comfiest thing I could put on, and keeps me feeling so stylish.
Photo by Gaby Núñez of Alisha (Founder, Designer and Maker at Ma Ma Osa)
Thank you for letting me witness your love and talents throughout my childhood, and during this new season of your life, Mama! Here's to Ma Ma Osa and the bright future ahead!
