By CW The Freelancer
In a powerful display of community, remembrance, and appreciation, more than 20 women gathered on May 10th at J Street Pier in Chula Vista for the “Mother’s Day Purse Bouquet” event hosted by Malika Hollins, founder and CEO of It Takes A Village Community Organization.
The event was more than just a celebration, it was a reflection. A space created to honor mothers who are still with us, remember those who’ve passed, and embrace mothers who have lost children. As the sun glinted off the water and music floated through the air, women connected, shared stories, and created purse bouquets to take home and cherish along with an assortment of other goodies. Tamara Davis also provided a thoughtful spoken word that touched the hearts of all the mothers in attendance.
For Hollins, the event was deeply personal. It was the first Mother’s Day since losing her own mother, Ursula Douglas, on December 15, 2024. Hollins wanted to honor her life and legacy in a way that would bring others comfort, too. “She was the definition of strength and style,” Hollins shared.
Hollins provided background information about her mother. “Ursula’s early years were spent in San Diego, where she attended Balboa Elementary School, O’Farrell Middle School, and Lincoln High School. She began her career at the first Wendy’s in Point Loma, where she quickly became known for her work ethic and friendly demeanor. She later worked at a senior living facility, spreading love and compassion to all she served. Ursula also built video games for Gremlin Industries before transitioning to welding at the San Diego shipyards. But ever stylish, she eventually walked away from welding, famously saying she couldn’t deal with her clothes getting burned, Ursula always wanted to look her best.”
Hollins wasn’t alone in organizing the day. Lavigne and ShaNina helped bring the vision to life, “acting”, as they described it, “as a village,” fitting the organization’s name. Together, they brought soul food and care to the pier.
Sisters Tiffany and Ashley curated an artfully arranged charcuterie table, offering a spread as thoughtful as the words shared throughout the day. Guests also enjoyed massages by the water provided by Whitney Turner, adding a peaceful pause to an emotionally rich afternoon.
Porsche Wingate, the organization’s President, summed it up in one word – “Love.”
When asked how the participants responded, Wingate didn’t hesitate. “Everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a beautiful day with beautiful women, good vibes, good music, good food, and great company.”
Though the event centered on the many sides of motherhood, joy, loss, memory, and resilience, it also emphasized what can happen when people come together to support each other in meaningful, intentional ways.
It wasn’t about grand gestures, but the small ones: a shared plate, a kind word, a memory spoken aloud, a flower handed to someone who needed it. That’s what Malika Hollins hoped to create. That’s what she delivered.
In a world that often forgets the everyday heroes among us, isn’t it time we all asked ourselves: Have we given the flowers to the mothers in our lives while they’re still here to hold them?
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