My Inspiration For Becoming A Young Mum

At the orthodontist for work experience, I found myself flicking through the pages of a magazine that must have been Vogue (Edit: It was the November 2008 edition of Vogue US). I came across a double page spread consisting of a fabulous photoshoot and interview with model Natalia Vodianova, her then-husband and her three children.

Reading the interview I learnt a few fascinating things about Vodianova. She had her first child at the tender age of 19, worked very hard at life and aimed to continue to do so. She also wanted five children, did a lot of charity work and had amazing eyebrows.

At that point, I had just escaped an era of my life where I was surrounded by overly analytical and critical, cruel individuals who were obsessed with looks. Eyebrows had to be thin. It meant femininity. But, here was this gorgeous model mother with completely natural eyebrows. Something in me clicked at that moment and I decided that thicker eyebrows were the way to go. Some time soon after that, I discovered Brooke Shields and the rest is history.

Now, back to the main focus of this article. I had always wanted children at a young age. Specifically, I wanted them in my 20s. I did not want to do what my mother did and begin having children in my 30s and regret it. When I saw such a strong woman like Natalia Vodianova, proudly telling the world in Vogue US that she was a young mum and was having it all, all her hardships and aspirations, I was inspired.

She showed me that having children did not hinder your dreams unless you chose it to. She showed me that you did not have to look dowdy when you become a mum. If anything, she showed me that you could, in fact, look even more beautiful than ever. Most importantly, you could feel that her children made her stronger, a go-getter and a selfless hard worker.

That article I chanced upon at the orthodontist clinic that day was like the final seal on the envelope that contained everything I wanted to accomplish in my own life.

Several years on, Natalia accomplished her dreams of having 5 children and setting up further charities together with modelling work. I am pregnant with my third child at 25, escaped several abusive and unhealthy environments and aim to further my education and personal goals as opportunities present themselves.

A small reminder that you can have it all. All it takes is a strong vision and good time.