Every new mother knows that as soon as your baby is born – and, to be completely honest, even before then – a sentimental piece of jewelry becomes all the more special. A ring, bracelet, or necklace symbolizing that little bundle of joy is a way to take them with you, even if you have to be away from them. Meghan Markle knows this as well. Shortly after little Archie’s birth, Meghan was spotted wearing several sentimental pieces of jewelry. Most memorably, Meghan wore a coordinating set of horoscopes pendants, one for Archie and one for Harry, from Montreal-based jewelry brand Suetables.

Suetables, pronounced like the plural of “suitable,” is a jewelry and gift brand created by designer and mompreneur Sue Henderson. As we learned more about the Suetables brand (they have a large product base full of MM-approved styles, and they have a passion for supporting their community), we were most inspired by Sue herself, who started the brand in her basement in 2005, working after her children’s bedtimes.

Right now, we are all united by the disruptions to our lives, with every one of us being affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. As mothers, we find ourselves acting as teachers and playmates, while balancing our usual roles as employees and family members. So many of us – Meghan Markle included, considering the significant restrictions placed on Los Angeles residents – are working from home, entertaining our little ones, while trying to work towards career goals, personal goals, and keep the never-ending laundry pile at bay. Given the current circumstances, we were inspired by Sue Henderson’s journey from her basement to a thriving retail and online brand. We asked her to give us some advice on how to thrive as mothers and as women, working from home in unique circumstances.

Via e-mail, Henderson shares,“right from the start, it feels important to say: The world is upside down right now. I know this. As a mother and business owner, I have a ton of empathy for all of of you in your corner of the world grieving a life that has changed so dramatically and having less space for yourself with kids at home all day. So, as a mom whose business emerged from a need to create something beautiful that was not made with Lego or that would wilt or leave a stain on the sofa.”

Sue shares these tips with Meghan’s Mirror readers for this unprecedented time:

• Resist the messages of self improvement, to get in shape, to be your best self. You showed up today. That is what matters.
• Find your corner to work. Set boundaries of space (if you can) and expectations to others at home. Don’t expect perfection. There is no shame in PJ’s, unwashed hair and a messy kitchen.
• That tenderness that you show your child when he/she is most vulnerable? Give a little of that to yourself. Being a working mom is hard. Full stop.
• The best ideas pop up when we give our mind space and time to reflect. Let yourself day dream in your cocoon. Let that dream take shape. (Psst – It is possible that your hobby/basement business can become your full-time job).
• This is the time to pause and reflect on what you want (more of) on the other side of this.

Henderson really lives what she preaches – she is an open book, sharing her secrets to success with other women. She is, quite honestly, an epitomized example of women supporting women, and for good reason. “What you focus on expands,” says Henderson. “To that to get more of what you want in life, you need to set your intention. Do you want more creativity? Consider stamping CREATE on a pendant to invite more of that into your life. Need a reminder to slow down your whirling thoughts? We can hand stamp BREATHE on a pendant.” Keeping your intentions close to you, through a pendant, bracelet, or even just a note taped to the wall, can help keep us all grounded during this time.

We love the Suetables idea of celebrating loved ones and keeping them close with the same pendants Meghan Markle wore. Here are the pieces close to our Editor Amanda’s heart lately – zodiac signs like Meghan’s representing her own two children. (And if gold isn’t your thing, they come in 10K gold or sterling silver)

Suetables is unique in that they are a full jewelry line – but with a founder that truly also wants to help women find jewelry that tells a story. You can personalize your own piece with the brand, and if you still can’t find exactly what it is you’re looking for? You can schedule a chat with owner Sue to discuss your own bespoke piece, just email her!

We hope you are all safe and well in this crazy time, and that you are, as Sue suggests, finding a way to stay grounded when everything around you is most certainly not. If you’re having some trouble finding a way to set an intention or finding words that speak to you to help you through this time, Suetables has a great list of inspirational words that they’ve shared on their website. Words like light, strength and hope are all ones we are wishing to each of you.