Fab Mom: Tu Le
Tu Le is a Madison-based realtor, community builder and mother of four who even spent more than two decades as a fashion designer. “I am a realtor who loves to negotiate on my clients’ behalf and take into consideration the emotional part of selling and buying.”
Mom of: Kai, 17; Hanna and Tru, 14-year-old twins; and Ellie, 12
Hometown: Holland, MI
Favorite ways to spend family time in WI: My family loves to go for walks and, for some reason, we end up at many of the local bubble tea shops in town. We also love to spend time on our huge family-size SUP at Lake Wingra.
Your most rewarding motherhood moment: Seeing how my kids want to support social justice issues and understanding the work that they want to get involved in to make changes in our future. When I see my kids expressing empathy for others, it reminds me that motherhood isn’t always perfect but these are the things that matter most to me.
Biggest challenge as a mom: This family photo says it all. Even though you have this idea that your kids would participate in something you planned for (such as a family photo session) anyone at any moment can change their mind at the last minute and step out. I realized that teens have their own emotions they are trying to figure out as we have to find ways to support them and not force them.
A mother who inspires you and why: My mom inspires me because even though she has four kids and a household to manage while she worked full time, she always made time to do something for herself. She continued to find other passions and creative hobbies to focus on throughout my childhood.
Best piece of advice for a new mom: First, let kids get messy with art. Second, kids grow so fast so let your kids wear their best outfits to school and not just save them for special occasions. Third, you don’t need to be a super mom, just a present one.
Your biggest hope for your children: They find their true passions in life and help build a stronger, better community for all.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day: I hope to have breakfast in bed prepared by my children. If they are reading, hopefully, it will be waffles, vanilla ice cream with strawberries, and black coffee.