Featured VentureMom: Lela Becker and Tim Kaeding – Founders of MOTHER, the Denim Brand with Heart, Edge, and Soul
First of all—can we talk about the name? MOTHER isn’t just memorable; it’s bold, warm, and slightly rebellious—just like the brand itself. Founded in 2010 by Lela Becker and Tim Kaeding, two industry veterans with a serious denim pedigree, MOTHER was born from a desire to do things differently.
With a shared vision and decades of experience between them, Lela and Tim set out to build a label that stood apart from the sea of denim brands. Their goal? To combine quality craftsmanship with a uniquely authentic voice, and to create jeans that felt as good as they looked.
The name MOTHER plays off of the idea of duality – it can be nurturing or a cuss. It evokes unconditional love and teenage rebellion all at the same time. The brand’s attitude and collections always present a juxtaposition of hard and soft. The brand launched with denim at its core—ultra-soft, impeccably tailored, and just the right amount of cool. Their jeans quickly became cult favorites, loved for their fit, feel, and fresh take on vintage-inspired silhouettes. But MOTHER was never going to stop at denim.
Over time, Lela and Tim built MOTHER into a full-fledged lifestyle brand, now offering a wide range of tops, outerwear, accessories, and sportswear. Each collection—there are four released annually—blends laid-back California vibes with a touch of irreverence and rock-and-roll spirit.
From graphic tees with attitude to cozy outerwear and effortlessly cool loungewear, MOTHER creates pieces that feel personal and playful.
At its heart, MOTHER is proudly Made in LA. A significant portion of its production happens locally, allowing the brand to maintain high standards of quality and sustainability. Committed to doing good, MOTHER uses recyclable and biodegradable materials, and continually finds ways to lower its environmental impact.
Through its “MOTHER Loves You” platform, the brand supports causes related to equality, family, and the environment, and donates to a wide range of nonprofits each year. MOTHER’s effortless style and premium denim haven’t gone unnoticed—celebrities, stylists, and influencers regularly sport their pieces, cementing MOTHER’s place as a must-have name in both street style and everyday wardrobes.
When asked how they feel about their business, “We stand for having fun and not taking yourself too seriously.”
VentureMom Tip
Build on your past experience and grow from that base.
