This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who do it all—and somehow make it look effortless. The ones who lead with strength, love with their whole heart, and show up in ways big and small. The ones whose presence feels like comfort, like home.
Enter Elsa Hosk. Supermodel, brand founder, and mom of one, she knows a thing or two about wearing multiple hats. She lets us in on how motherhood has shifted her perspective—the joys, the challenges, and the everyday rituals that keep her grounded. Like slowing down and ending the day in her favorite Eberjey PJs with her little one.
What is the Greatest Reward of Being a Mother?
The greatest reward of being a mother is giving and receiving your child’s love in return. There’s nothing better than that. Nothing feels better than when your child is running to you at the end of your day after work. There’s nothing better—not a boyfriend, a husband, or even your own mom. Nothing beats that. It’s so pure.
Being a mother has definitely changed me for the better, just by making me way more selfless. I don’t even think about myself anymore. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing, but I think it gives us a lot more freedom in the brain sometimes. Everything used to revolve around me, and now I never think of myself. Your child’s well-being is the most important thing in the world, and it’s a huge life change.
What Lessons Have You Learned From Being a Mother, and How Has It Influenced Your Everyday Life?
Patience is a huge one. Your child is such a mirror to you, so all of your character flaws are immediately shown to you through your child. I’ve never seen myself so clearly as when I had my daughter. I think it’s our job to take that and better ourselves because you don’t want to pass on your bad self to your child.
Has Motherhood Ever Surprised You in Unexpected Ways?
All the time—every day. How emotional I get when she says things. How much I listen to her and how inspired I am by her. I never thought a child could generate so much inspiration and pure joy.
Also, I think the flip side of that is how hard it is. How difficult it is to balance motherhood and work. There’s always guilt. Whatever you do, you don’t feel like you’re doing enough. You’re preoccupied at work thinking about your kid, and at home, you’re thinking about work. I think it’s a lifelong search to find that balance. A new stage of work or motherhood will come up, and you just have to roll with it.
If You Had to Choose Five Words to Describe Yourself as a Mother, What Would They Be and Why?
Loving, patient, encouraging, supportive, and proud. I think my favorite part of being a mother is maybe doing what I didn’t have growing up. Parenting back in the day was very much about boxing kids in. I love just letting my daughter be who she is—letting her have her opinions and listening to them. Encouraging her to do what she loves and not trying to push my ideas and thoughts on her. I take a lot of enjoyment in seeing her be her own human.
How Has Your Own Mom Influenced Your Journey in Motherhood?
I never fully realized how incredible my mom is until I became a mom. She is the kindest, most selfless human being. She finds joy in the smallest things—she’ll pick up a pine cone, admire it, and say, Look how beautiful! She’s just the happiest.
I am not like that. I care so much about work and other things. But I find myself trying to see the world the way she does, to appreciate the little moments the way she does.
She’s like a Finnish forest fairy, and my goal is to be more like her.
What Does Being a Mom Feel Like to Elsa?
Emotional and proud. My proudest achievement is my daughter.
What Do Elsa and Her Daughter Do When They Get in Their PJs?
Cuddle, cuddle, cuddle, cuddle. That’s the first thing we do—we love to cuddle. We’re a cuddle team.
What Do Eberjey PJs Feel Like to Elsa Hosk?
Eberjey PJs are the softest. You feel like you’re sleeping in nothing but you’re wearing something. I was a naked sleeper until I discovered Eberjey.
