A Mother’s Day Q&A with Lilly Leas Ferreira, Lilly Pulitzer’s Granddaughter

1. Motherhood Across Generations

Mother’s Day is all about honoring the women who shape us. How do you celebrate Mother’s Day with your mother, and how has that tradition evolved now that you’re celebrating as both a daughter and a mother yourself?

Growing up, Mother’s Day always revolved around the beach. Whether we were packing picnics, surfboards, or dive bags, my mom always wanted to be with her family and near the water. She’s passed down that love of the ocean to my brothers and I, so now the tradition continues, but with more kids and more dogs. After celebrating at home with our families, we all get together for an ocean swim with mom. 

2. Lessons Passed Down

What is the most meaningful lesson your mother has passed down to you—about life, family, or creativity—that you now find yourself sharing with your own children?

My mom embodies courage and compassion. She models the type of bravery that I hope to pass down to my girls. Yes, she’s fearless when she does a backflip off a diving board after swimming a mile, but more remarkably she loves freely and without reservation. She treats every person, and every animal, with compassion. Her heart and her door are always open, and she welcomes in life in a way that’s endlessly inspiring. 

3. Growing Up in Palm Beach

You grew up surrounded by the color, charm, and coastal spirit of Palm Beach. What are some of your favorite childhood memories from the island, and how did that environment influence who you are today?

While the winter months are considered Palm Beach’s “season”, the summers felt like they belonged to us as kids. I’d leave the house with a bathing suit and bare feet and be set for the day. The network of neighbors and small businesses formed our extended family, and the next stop was only ever a short bike ride away. The island’s natural beauty and welcoming community shaped my love for adventure and my appreciation for my hometown. Today, my job as a real estate agent is a natural extension of loving where I live and getting to celebrate what makes Palm Beach so special.

4. Inspiring the Next Generation

Palm Beach is such a special place. How are you inspiring your children to fall in love with the island—its traditions, beauty, and sense of joy—in their own way? 

Alongside its historic architecture and cultural destinations, Palm Beach offers a life best lived outside. From Preschool Storytime in the gardens of the Four Arts to Turkey Trot races through the island’s quiet North End streets, there's always an invitation to enjoy the sunshine. As a family, we try to dive in and experience all that our town offers. My oldest recently spoke at a Future Waves event in Palm Beach benefitting ocean conversation, and my youngest just joined the local swim team.

5. A Lifestyle Rooted in Sunshine

What does the Palm Beach lifestyle mean to you today, and how do you weave that sense of optimism, ease, and color into everyday family life?

Palm Beach may seem synonymous with glitz and glamor, but the magic of Palm Beach is the laidback island lifestyle and treasured local community. With five generations of family calling Palm Beach home, it’s an honor and joy to raise my kids here. They’re now part of the network of neighbors, businesses, and friends that formed my village growing up, and I couldn’t be more grateful. 

6. Style as a Shared Language

Lilly Pulitzer has always been about self‑expression and happiness through color. How do you see style as a way to connect generations—especially between mothers and daughters?

Moms are often our first muses. The gold necklace I wear. My cigar band ring. The pop of color in almost every outfit. These are all style choices passed down and inspired by the generations before me. There are certain colors, prints, and styles that hold special memories with my mom and grandmother, and sharing these with my daughters lets me share the memories and connection with them. 

7. Mother’s Day Traditions

Is there a Mother’s Day tradition—big or small—that your family never skips?

Banana pancakes and a dip in the ocean. 

8. Your Lilly Mother’s Day Wishlist

If you were building the perfect Mother’s Day wishlist from LillyPulitzer.com, which five pieces would you choose and why do they feel special right now?

• Haliey Midi Dress – My beautiful cousin Cayla Leidy wore this dress to the Key West fashion show and looked incredible! I’ve been waiting to grab it ever since, along with the matching style for my girls.
• Lotta Stretch Maxi Dress – Continuing my love of the Rose Bud print from the Vintage Vault, my next pick would be my favorite Lilly maxi. When in doubt, I always go back to a maxi shift where I feel confident and comfortable in its classic silhouette.
• Colman Mini Skirt – As a longtime loyalist to jeans and a tee shirt, I’ve fallen for skirts as an easy, everyday bottom. This Colman mini skirt with a white or yellow tee is my warm-weather uniform.  
• Enzo Cotton Cover-Up Pant – Summer is around the corner and this coverup pant will be sandy, salty, and stuffed in my beach bag for trips from the ocean to the pool. 
• Life & Lilly Book – Inspired by my mother and grandmother, I wrote Life and Lilly not just for my girls, but as a reminder for myself that childhood and motherhood can be filled with adventures and the best ones are often right outside our front door. 

9. A Message to Mothers Everywhere

What message would you share with mothers this Mother’s Day—especially those balancing tradition, creativity, and the beautiful chaos of family life?

Give yourself grace. This is what I’m often repeating in my own head and what I’m quick to share with friends trying to balance all the hats we try to wear. Today and everyday, I hope you find a bit of sunshine xx