A Mother-Daughter Dynamic Duo at Chick-fil-A Park
Olivia and Terine, May 2024
As Mother's Day draws near, we often reflect on the unique bond between mothers and daughters. For Olivia and Terine, that bond extends far beyond the traditional mother-daughter relationship, intertwining with their shared experiences at Chick-fil-A.
Humble Beginnings
Olivia's remarkable journey at Chick-fil-A spans over a decade, evolving from a modest kitchen lane worker to the role of Operations Director, overseeing the entire store. On the other hand, Terine embarked on her Chick-fil-A adventure amid the challenges of Covid during her high school years. Beginning as a Front of House Team member, she steadily ascended to the position of Shift Leader while pursuing her nursing studies.
Working Side by Side
At Chick-fil-A, Olivia wears two hats: boss and mom. Despite the inherent challenges of balancing these roles, Olivia is steadfast about maintaining a clear boundary between family and work, ensuring that their professional relationship remains unaffected by their familial ties.
Olivie and Terine sharing a fun moment
Life in their household can be hectic, with Olivia also being a mom to four children, and Terine juggling her studies alongside other activities like sports and band.
Yet, despite their busy schedules, Olivia and Terine find time to work together at least once a week. For Terine, working alongside her mom provides invaluable support and guidance, as she looks to Olivia for advice in navigating her role effectively. At the same time, Olivia trusts Terine implicitly especially during critical moments, having personally trained her and witnessed her adeptness firsthand.
“I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine. She helps me prosper and reach great heights.”
A Proud Mama and a Grateful Daughter
Over the years, Terine has gleaned valuable lessons from working alongside her mom, including the importance of standing firm and making her voice heard. She has found solace and encouragement from her mom especially during difficult situations.
Conversely, Olivia finds inspiration from Terine's work ethic and interpersonal skills, learning how to connect with the younger generation by observing her daughter's interactions with others.
Olivia’s pride in her daughter extends beyond her professional achievements. Customers often commend her kindness and helpfulness. “It warms my heart when I hear a customer praise Terine, not just because she is a valuable employee but also because she is my daughter,” she says.
Mother’s Day is Everyday
While Mother's Day holds significance for many families, Terine and her siblings view it not as a singular event but look for opportunities to celebrate their mom everyday. Whether it's surprising their mom with thoughtful gestures or simply spending quality time together, they strive to honor her every day.
“Take a moment each day to sincerely express your gratitude to your Mom.
Being intentional in showing your appreciation can strengthen your bond and bring joy to her heart.”
A Deeper Connection Forged
For Terine and her mother, Chick-fil-A has played a pivotal role in strengthening their relationship, bringing them closer together both at work and at home. It was not always this way - before Terine joined Chick-fil-A, their relationship was slightly strained because sometimes Terine felt her mom was not there for her. However, working together has brought them closer, fostering empathy and understanding for each other's challenges. Their shared experiences over the years, have deepened their bond, enriching their relationship in ways they never imagined.
As we honor mothers everywhere this Mother's Day, let's draw inspiration from Olivia and Terine's journey. Let's show our appreciation for our moms not just on Mother's Day, but every day. Whether it's with a kind word, a helping hand, or just a big hug, let's make sure our moms know how much we appreciate them
