A BORDERS businesswoman is encouraging people see mothers as 'more than a mum' as part of a Mother's Day campaign.

Lauren Jamieson, founder of The Colourful edit and mum of three, is encouraging people to think about what mums truly want and need this Mother's Day.

The 'more than a mum' campaign by the Scottish Borders Gift Card (part of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative) aims to highlight the ways parents can treat themselves this Mother's Day, all while celebrating their personal and parental achievements.

Lauren, who grew up in Galashiels and moved back to the region after living and working in New Zealand and Australia - where she set up her colour analysis business - said: “I’m pleased to be a part of the ‘more than a mum’ campaign because I think it’s a powerful message.

"For mums, I think it’s about finding joy in little things, going gentler on themselves, and still trying to carve out time to do what makes them happy, professionally or personally.  I enjoy the seasons, take time for a hot drink at a local independent cafe, walk in nature, or make something with my hands.

“Colour analysis can impact how you go about your day, and It doesn’t have to be massive changes either; it can be as small as wearing a coloured t-shirt to lift your mood, creating a wardrobe that can be easily rotated for timeliness and shopping pre-loved or at a swap party are also great ways to achieve an affordable wardrobe. However, it's never really about the clothes!"

In a bid to help mums enjoy the "little things", Lauren is backing the Scottish Borders Gift Card scheme, which can be spent with more than 100 Borders business.

The scheme is supported by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) and the founders of the gift card initiative Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Miconex.

Lauren added: “The Scottish Borders Gift Card is a super initiative. If mums are given a Scottish Borders Gift Card for Mother’s Day, they can use it to have lunch with a friend, a pampering treatment, or a colour analysis and styling session to feel confident inside and out.

"Not only that, but it’s supporting many other small and female-led businesses in Galashiels, which is a positive thing.”

In the lead up to Mother's Day, Scotland Loves Local Gift Card surveyed 370 mums.

The results showed that more than 75 per cent of mums felt guilty for spending money on themselves, with 92 per cent saying they wish they had more time to themselves.

And 95 per cent of surveyed mums said that since having children they worry more.

“There is a lot of financial pressure now," Lauren said, "especially with the cost of living, but also with the unspoken 'load' put on mothers.

"I understand why mums can feel guilty about spending money on themselves, but I believe that things start to fall apart if you aren't looking after 'you'."

For Mother's Day Scottish Borders Gift Card is encouraging people to purchase a local gift card so mothers can treat themselves to things they might forgo.

Colin Munro, the managing director of Miconex, said: “Our Mother’s Day research aligns with much of what we know about gift cards.

"Ninety-two per cent of people prefer giving gift cards because they encourage the recipient to treat themselves.

"And when it comes to spending gift cards, we see them as ‘free money’ and are more likely to spend them on a treat.

"This Mother’s Day campaign is a useful reminder to think about what mums really want and need this Mother’s Day, giving them the benefit of the whole Scottish Borders through one gift card.”