Bozoma Saint John: Mother’s Day Without ‘Burnt Toast’

Forget burnt toast! When it comes to Mother’s Day, marketing executive and ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ star Bozoma Saint John has a clear vision: she wants her ‘village’ to help lighten the load. After a whirlwind week of travel and juggling her demanding career with her public persona, Saint John is all about celebrating the support systems that make it all possible.

The Power of the Village and Group Chats

Saint John, a mother to 17-year-old Lael, credits her success and momentum to the strong network she’s cultivated over the years. For her, the ‘village’ is essential, providing a crucial support system for both the highs and lows. “The group chat is the most important platform that there is,” she shared with TheGrio.

These digital communities offer a space for deep understanding, unwavering support, and radical honesty. Whether it’s asking for a DoorDash order when she’s exhausted or seeking reality checks from friends who’ve known her for decades, these chats allow her to be her ‘freest and most full self.’

Embracing Help and Redefining Motherhood

Saint John acknowledges that building such a network takes effort, especially for ambitious women, and particularly for Black women who often feel pressure to do it all alone. She recalled the challenges of connecting with other moms after being widowed at 40, when work often took precedence over social connections. “Accepting help is a very, very tough thing for highly ambitious women… because we are not supposed to ask for help,” she confessed.

This year, her Mother’s Day wish is simple: a celebration that truly eases her burden, rather than adding to it. Forget the errands or even going out for her favorite meal; she’d prefer it brought to her. This aligns with her recent partnership with DoorDash, highlighting how services can simplify life for busy moms.

A Message of Hope for All Women

Saint John also shared a poignant message for those who may find Mother’s Day difficult, whether due to pregnancy loss or the challenges of trying to conceive. She emphasizes that a woman’s worth isn’t solely defined by motherhood. “The definition of our femininity does not rest on whether or not we’re able to have children,” she stated.

She encourages recognizing the beauty in caring for oneself, friends, and community, regardless of whether one has children. For Saint John, the true essence of motherhood, and womanhood, is far richer than just receiving ‘burnt toast’ – it’s about the love, nurture, and connection shared in countless ways.