Mother's Day 2024 | ERNESTA & JESS

Fella Hamilton thrives on the warm, family atmosphere that's at the heart of everything we do. It's all about that special tie between generations & we try to honour that every step of the way. And so, in celebration of Mother’s Day, this week, we introduce the gorgeous mother & daughter, Ernesta & Jess.

Left to right: Ernesta (Retail Sales) & Jess (Factory Assistant) at Fella Hamilton

Ernesta is coming on to 12 years in the business. Now working in Retail Sales at our Berwick store, she has also worked across many of our other Victorian stores. With her delightful enthusiasm, she brings joy to every customer she encounters. Jess joined our Factory team last year, balancing her role with being a super-mum to four young children. Alongside Ernesta, who has also juggled her own four children, they share a beautiful friendship. Beyond their radiant smiles, family holds a special place in both of their hearts.

1. What do you like to do together?

Mum and I love to have brunch together. There's nothing better than chatting over food and coffee!

2. What has been your most memorable holiday together?

Our most memorable holiday would have to be when we travelled to Italy and Argentina visiting both my parent's place of birth. Seeing where they grew up and meeting family was a highlight. Mum was born in a small town about an hour outside of Rome in Italy. She lived there until she migrated to Australia at the age of 12, together with her parents and younger sister. I was 12 old when we travelled on this holiday together, so it’s been twenty-eight since then. It was very special for me, being the same age as she was when she left. We spent 3 months in total overseas, with one month in Italy and two months in Argentina.

3. What’s the funniest thing that’s happened between the two of you?

There isn’t one specific moment that stands out because whenever we’re together, especially with my children, we always manage to find something funny to laugh about! I’m a mum of four very energetic boys aged 12, 10, 8 and 5, which certainly keeps me on my toes! They’re always up to something, which is usually what mum and I laugh about. I remember when my third son, at around 3 years old, was unhappy because I wouldn’t let him drive my car and was demanding to know why. I explained to him that he wasn’t old enough, didn’t have a license, and his little feet couldn’t reach the pedals. However, he didn’t find this answer satisfactory and was upset with me for quite a while. My mum, who raised four children herself, can relate to these moments, but she says that my siblings and I weren’t quite as energetic as my boys!

4. How will you be spending Mother’s Day this year?

We haven’t booked anything yet, but for Mother’s Day we like to go out to eat so that us mums don’t have to cook or clean up! Our celebration usually includes my parents, husband, sons, in-laws and sister-in-law. We all make an effort to see mum at some stage throughout the day. It would be wonderful to have our whole family together, but one of my sisters lives interstate, so that makes it hard.

We tested Jess with four questions to see how her answers compare to Ernesta's!

What’s your mum Ernesta's favourite colour?

JESS: Mum doesn't really have a favourite colour in particular, but she does prefer bright colours. I think she looks amazing in red.

ERNESTA: I don’t have a favourite colour, but I love anything that is bright and colourful. I find as I get older that I’m more drawn towards greens.

If your mum could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

JESS: If she could go anywhere in the world, it would be back to Italy. She still has a lot of family and friends there, and I think there are parts of the country that she’d like to see like the Amalfi Coast.

ERNESTA: I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled a lot over the years, but if I had to choose a special place to still see, it would be Africa to experience the Serengeti’s wildlife. The Serengeti is a region that’s hailed as one of the seven wonders of the world.

What makes mum feel happy?

JESS: Her seven grandsons make her happy and her dog Tiger.

ERNESTA: My family and grandchildren. I absolutely love my grandsons; I have seven in total and they bring so much love and happiness in my life.

What’s your mums’ favourite piece of Fella Hamilton clothing?

JESS: Suzy jeans! She owns them in quite a few colours, but I think that the blue Suzy Jeans would have to be her absolute favourite.

ERNESTA: I have so many favourites, but my most loved is the Suzy Jeans. I have every single colour that’s available! They are very comfortable to wear, and so and versatile.