THE EDMONTON JOURNAL 

MAY 10TH, 2013

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Following in Mom’s footsteps

What’s it like to work with your mother every day in the business world? We talk to four successful family pairs. Report by Amanda Ash,

Edmonton Journal10 May 2013Amanda As h

Sonia Chahal, left, with her daughter Shaan at their clothing boutique, Sonia’s Runway, 10863 23rd Ave. LARRY

Advice-giver. Rule-enforcer. Kick-ass banana bread-maker.

Moms wear many hats. Some are of the strict, no-nonsense variety. Others represent a mother’s unconditional love, even when we doodled on the wall with crayons or stuffed toy cars down the toilet.

For some Edmonton moms, the never-ending list of titles has also come to include best friend, co-worker and boss. The Journal caught up with four moms who work with their children in the local style scene, asking them what it’s like being together 24/7. For some, it means neverending giggle sessions, and for others, it’s a delicate practice of balancing creative minds.

Here’s what they had to say: Isabela Milan, 60, and her daughter Nina, 23, of Isabela Milan (214 Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre)

Nina Milan sews tiny pearlescent beads onto a poufy bridal gown that resembles meringue topping.

Her mom, Isabela, works quietly beside her. Nothing is spoken, but somehow, they know when to pass each other thread or another bead.

“We can look at each other and know what the other is thinking,” Nina laughs. “We mumble a lot.”

Local wedding and gown designer Isabela Milan’s shop in Bonnie Doon Mall is like walking into a fairy tale. Detailed gowns adorn the racks along the walls, cultivating lofty daydreams of princes and princesses. And in a way, Isabela and Nina’s relationship is also something out of a storybook.

Once upon a time there was a single mom who would bring her little daughter to work. The girl would dart in and out of the dresses, playing hide and seek in a fluffy land of billowing white skirts.

Playtime quickly grew into a genuine interest in dress making. Little Nina would try on all the bridal gowns, 10 sizes too big, and lend her two cents on the design. You see that bow? It shouldn’t go there, the fouryear-old would say. It should go here. Or here.

At eight years old, Nina worked on her first project with her mom. It was a Muslim-Christian bridal gown. She helped sew over 3,000 gold beads onto the white dress.

“I had goosebumps,” Isabela says of the moment Nina started showing a passion for dressmaking. “This was my dream. I didn’t have hope with my boys, so I thought all this work I did would just end, because no one else will continue it. I remember I had butterflies in my stomach when she said, ‘Mama, this is what I want to do for life.’ ”

Nina smiles. “(My mom) is an amazing woman. I just wanted to be like that.”

After high school, Nina decided to forgo university to dedicate all of her time to the business. Together, the mother-daughter duo — who are mirror images of each other — have created an impressive balance between traditional and modern designs. Isabela finds her inspiration in the kings and queens of yore, while Nina keeps her finger on the pulse of contemporary fashions.

Nina says she’s learned a lot from her mom over the years, like how to listen to people, how to read them, and ultimately how to make their wedding dreams come true. She’s also discovered spiritual truths, as well as how to run a store.

“She’s my mentor, my mom

“She’s my mentor, my mom and my best friend. I’ve learned infinite things from her.”

Nina, daughter of Isabela Milan

and my best friend,” Nina says looking at her mom. “I’ve learned infinite things from her.”

Isabela says she’s also learned a lot from her daughter, like how to stay on top of things and keep up with the ever-changing tastes of today’s youth.

“I’m more into the mañana,” Isabela laughs.

“I crack the whip,” Nina smiles.

Naturally, Nina began taking note of all her own bridal fantasies after being immersed in dupione silk and clouds of chiffon all her life. Isabela gave her a book when she was a child where she could keep her dreams. Nina denies having a clear vision of what her wedding dress will look like, but Isabela shoots her skeptical look. A mom knows when sugar plums are dancing in her daughter’s head.

“I hope she finds her prince and I hope he wants a big wedding,” Isabela jokes.

Article Name:Following in Mom’s footsteps

Publication:Edmonton Journal

Author:Amanda Ash