A ZipsGuide to Mother's Day

“My Mother is my fashion icon,” Wendy Geonis, co-owner of Northside Cellar wrote on her website. 

“She always managed to look like a million bucks while on a tight budget. Perfectly matched from her hat & gloves to the tip of her shoes.” 

 This sense of fashion made an impression on Geonis, who credits her mom for her love of fashion. 

“She always had gloves and hats. I used to get in her drawer and look at her olive-green gloves, orange gloves, pale-pink gloves, navy polka dotted gloves, I can still see it,”  

When asked how her parent’s managed within their means, Wendy explained, “[My mother] sewed and saved and shopped sales, [...] she sewed for me, she used to make us matching outfits.” 

Painting the story of a woman who was serious about her closet, she wrote, “Even when I was little, I wasn’t allowed to wear play clothes. If I was sick and had to go to the doctor, she made me put on a sunday dress- I mean, that’s the way it was in the 60s, very proper,” 

Wendy’s mom had a lasting impression on her daughter and her daughter’s journey.

“When I have mothers and daughters come in here to shop, I tell them they remind me of my mom and I,” she said. “My whole life, my mom and I have always been shopping girlfriends,”

From childhood onward, she recalls experiences that shaped their mother-daughter bond, 

“I remember going to Rolling Acres Mall, bra-shopping together- I was an adult. I wanted mom to buy a push-up bra,” she said. “We were in the dressing-room laughing so hard- like a couple of teenagers.”

Summarizing her affinity for a well-crafted wardrobe, Wendy once more credited her mother, “It’s all her fault!”

How did your mom impact your journey? What did you giggle over?  If you don’t have your mom, what about the motherly figure or female mentor in your life - or maybe dad?

It’s that impact that makes shopping for Mother’s Day feel so high stakes.

Remember those… Uniquely awful knick knacks you assembled for Mother’s Day, from ages 5-10? It’s probably time to start atoning for all the glittered-monstrosities of mother’s-day-past; and I don’t mean in the form of a dehydrated potted plant from the clearance aisle of Home Depot. 

Yes, this year we’re aiming higher than a hastily bought hallmark card. This will require some labor, think of it as making up for hers!

*To clarify, that double entendre is in reference to multiple types of labor, as not all moms give birth; yet all moms face truly laborious working conditions. I wouldn’t be doing my job as a writer if I didn’t acknowledge that.* 

Crush expectations, whether your mom prefers a day to herself or time spent together. The only difference between these options is execution. All the businesses listed sell gift cards, so in-person or in-spirit you can treat mom to a fantastic Mother’s Day in Downtown Akron. 

Check out our list of Mother's Day events here.

If you find yourself seeking DIY- options, visit Street Craftery at 356 S Main St. to try candle-making and splatter-painting (see their website for special classes offered). If you’re wondering why Zeber-Martell Gallery & Clay Studio wasn’t suggested, their spring pottery classes are currently sold-out. However, if your mom appreciates local art, stop by the gallery at 43 Furnace St # G to browse one-of-a-kind creations. 

Head just ever so slightly outside of downtown (right down Market) to Shamanic Beads in Highland Square. Owner Jeremy Ondo has a variety of beads and beading materials that range from affordable, to ‘Indiana Jones probably unearthed it while hunting antiquities’ expensive. 

The shop also features finished jewelry, some of which is made by Ondo himself, and some of which comes from other makers. Ondo knows the history of vintage pieces and can tell you that the brooch you’re eyeing is from the 1940s, or the ladybug bracelet on the shelf is crafted with beads from the 1920s. Sometimes he even knows more history behind the pieces, which makes shopping there a fun experience.

Does mom like unique or historical pieces? How about some radium/uranium glass beads that glow a haunting green under black light? A singing bowl from Nepal? Ondo has those too. Shamanic Beads offers organized classes, which you can learn about on their Instagram page, but if you just stop by during open hours, Ondo is more than willing to jump into a project. 

Take mom in with a project in mind (call ahead and plan with Ondo), or just browse through the shop. ZipsGuide is a downtown guide, so we don't recommend outside of downtown except in special cases, but while you're there, just take a gander around - you may see some fun places to visit *wink*. 

After crafting, take mom out for a nice dinner. Where? Check our Guide A-Z here for some of our favorite spots. 

Did we find your mom's perfect gift idea?

If none of the above seems fits your mom, we recommend checking out our ZipsGuide to Father's Day here. Let’s be real, gifts aren’t specific to ladies or gents, and perhaps one of the next-level gift ideas on that list will inspire you.