COVER MOM
Kristina Menissov
- Photographer: Ararel Photography (@ararel_photography)
- Model: Kristina Menissov (@kristinamenissov)
- Kid Model: Kane Richard Menissov
- Make-up by: Rimma Mkrtchian (@ririface)
- Location: Los Angeles Studio
COVER MOM INTERVIEW
Kristina Menissov: "I have worked with some of the biggest fashion houses and local Los Angeles brands."
01. Dear Kristina, introduce yourself to our Glam Mom readers.
Hello Glam Mom Magazine, I am Kristina Menissov I am a model, singer and most importantly the mom of 7-year-old Kane.
I have started professional modeling since 2017 and since then I have been on the cover of VOGUE Mexico and Latin America, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, ELLE Arabia, GLAMOUR Bulgaria and many more…I have worked with some of the biggest fashion houses and local Los Angeles brands. I am also a recording artist I have released multiple singles with a collaboration with VEVO channel and working on an album now and did all that while raising a whole human here in beautiful Los Angeles that I call home.
02. How does it feel to appear on so many magazine covers? Tell us everything about your VOGUE experience.
For me this glamorous part of life just means work, while I love seeing amazing results of the work I am doing. VOGUE Mexico and Latin America shoot was simply magical, with an amazing team Denis Leopold, a celebrity stylist Philippe UTER and incredible model Zarina Yeva, Hair stylist Patricia Morales, we even had securities on set from Cartier and Bulgari, we had an amazing energy during the shoot and we are keeping in touch with each other.
03. You have a son, Kane. How did he change your world?
He literally makes me a better person, he makes me more organized, disciplined and grounded person while learning how to balance motherhood and career I learned about balance in general, while keeping order and stay within the schedule for him it gave me an advantage over my colleagues and of course he is teaching me what it is unconditional love.
04. We know that you love to travel, where is your favorite place to stay in the whole world so far?
I would say I chose the best place to stay in the whole world and decided to live here, it is definitely Los Angeles, for me it feels like home, sometimes you complain about your home a little, but you still love it, that is exactly how Los Angeles feel to me.
05. If you could be someone else for one day, who would that be and why?
Honestly, I would like to be a politician for some time to get to know how that works and maybe later in life do some real change, what if it is not as corrupt as we think and what if the change is possible.
06. You have a very exotic look; you took these genes from your mother’s side or your father’s? Tell us more about your parents.
I believe both of them and their love helped me with my look, my mom is from Kazakhstan and my dad he is from Ethiopia they met when my dad was with the wave of African students was studying in Kazakhstan, Almaty in 1990.
07. It’s hard to be a model & a mom. Do you take Kane to work with you sometimes?
I don’t really take him as often because he simply don’t like it and he has a very busy schedule himself, he goes to a very good charter school, tutors 3 times a week, swimming, martial arts, even at summer he is at sport summer camp, it gets tricky to combine our schedules but making lists and priorities helps a little, but I’ll be honest sometimes I feel like I’m juggler trying to be everywhere at once.
08. What’s the scariest thing you have done as a kid and would you try to avoid your son doing it?
I would say I was a problem maker as a teenager so honestly him having my genes I’m scared for that period of time.
09. Are you a strict mother or a cool one?
I combine both, I believe he views me as both as well, we do cool stuff and fun stuff, I’m not scared to play at the playground with him and be a dinosaur or a zombie who is chasing kids, but also, he knows when I raise a brow if he misbehaves.
10. How was your experience with our Glam Mom magazine team? Tell us all about your shooting day. We can’t wait to see the results.
It was a great experience starting with amazing Kéyoh and finishing with a shoot day at Ararel Photography with a talented make-up artist Rimma Mkrtchian.
My Perspective on Fostering Children's Safety
The Lawyer Mom: Dagmara's Story
Hello fellow mommas!
As a lawyer mom to a 4-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, my life is like a legal case with endless twists and turns. I’ve come to realize that ensuring my children’s safety isn’t just about helmet laws and hand sanitizers; it’s about creating a world where they feel safe, letting them roam with trust, and sprinkling a dash of legal wisdom into their playful adventures.
Safety: A State of Mind
In a world of scraped knees and tangled toys, my top priority is helping my kids feel safe. But safety isn’t just about avoiding injuries; it’s about cultivating a sense of security that stretches beyond the surface. Kids are like sponges, absorbing every emotion we send out. When panic mode sets in, they can smell it quicker than a detective on a trail.
Picture this: I’m desperately chasing a runaway bike with four wheels down the street, while my daughter seems to have developed a fondness for mud puddles. In moments like these, panic creeps in faster than a tax audit. But here’s the kicker – the more I panic, the more my kids sense it. It’s like they have a sixth sense for parental stress. So, I’ve mastered the art of keeping my cool. Not only does it save my sanity, but it helps my kids embrace their adventures with confidence.
Trust: The Magic Elixir
Belgium may have its waffles, but trust is the secret sauce in my parenting recipe. Trusting my children to explore the playground without constant surveillance isn’t just liberating for them; it’s liberating for me too! This isn’t to say I’m on my iPhone while they discover new climbing routes. No, I’m their silent cheerleader, giving them the space to shine.
Now, I’ve encountered some puzzled looks when I talk about discussing “dangers” with my mini-me advocates. “Shouldn’t kids be carefree?” they ask. Well, here’s my case: I believe in arming my kids with knowledge, not paranoia. Like preparing for a court case, I present evidence of potential hazards in a way that doesn’t scare them for life. We talk about stranger danger without turning every person into a suspect. And let’s face it, my son’s ability to avoid vegetables is already a solid survival skill.
My lawyer instincts kick in when my kids demand explanations for why they can’t have chocolate for breakfast. It’s all about negotiation skills and crafting foolproof arguments.
Being a lawyer mom is like being a dual-agent, representing justice in the courtroom and sanity at home. My children’s safety isn’t just about locking doors and reading ingredient labels – it’s about creating an atmosphere where they feel secure, while nurturing their curiosity and courage. I’ve learned that as much as I want to be their shield, I also need to be their guide, teaching them to navigate the world with smarts and a sprinkle of humor.
So, here’s to late-night legal briefs and early-morning hide-and-seek missions! As my 4-year-old daughter unveils her lawyer-worthy argument for an extended bedtime and my 6-year-old son sharpens his negotiation skills over broccoli consumption, I’ll be right here, parenting with a balance and hearty laughter. After all, life is a series of cases, and as a lawyer mom, I’m well-prepared to plead the case of joyful parenting, one adventure at a time!
I hope my tale brought a smile to your day. To all moms, may your journey be full of laughter and the wonders of parenting.
Until next time my sweet mommas!
Xoxo
Dagmara
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Safeguarding Childhood: Balancing Fear, Growth, and Unconditional Love
Mouna's Story
Maternal concern for children is an innate sentiment that transcends all boundaries. Our very nature propels us to nourish, protect, and cultivate a sense of security within them. This notion of safety takes on a multifaceted nature, existing in various forms and intensities. Our thoughts naturally gravitate toward safeguarding our children from mundane perils, whether it’s guiding them safely across the street or preventing the possibility of minor accidents—a vital component of their day-to-day lives.
Regrettably, our well-meaning intentions can inadvertently stifle their self-empowerment. Our cautionary words, such as “Come down from there, it’s not safe; you might hurt yourself,” may unintentionally sow seeds of doubt within them, causing them to view life’s challenges as potential dangers. This contemplation prompts us to question whether we might occasionally be overly vigilant in our quest for safety.
As my son’s sixteenth birthday approaches in October, I find myself in the midst of his adolescent journey, realizing that this transformative phase is halfway complete. The young adult emerging from within him is increasingly drawn to life’s myriad experiences. Each of these encounters evokes a wave of apprehensions, regardless of his age. Emerging dangers, some physical in nature—like acquiring a moped for daring stunts or attending late-night concerts teeming with youthful energy and testosterone-induced confrontations—persist as they age.
Naturally inclined, I possess the ability to transform my fears into opportunities for my son’s personal growth. My conviction rests in the belief that true learning stems not from others’ mistakes but from navigating one’s own missteps and challenges. Amid these trials, moments of beauty surface, ones that deserve to be treasured and cherished. These instances contribute to the tapestry of childhood memories, ultimately instilling gratitude and fostering a crucial life skill in young adults.
Yet, it’s paramount to delve into the emotional and mental sanctuary of a child. While parents frequently dwell on physical safety, the broader concept of well-being often remains in the background. My advocacy for this topic stems from personal experience. My own formative years were marked by an absence of a secure haven—a period where my father’s absence and my mother’s own struggles led me to reside in boarding schools and institutions.
Consequently, this backdrop, while my current life stands on firmer ground, has left enduring imprints that reveal themselves in my later years. Coping mechanisms adopted then continue to influence my behavior, consciously and unconsciously, even as I pass them onto my own child. Often, we unknowingly transmit the scars of our childhood traumas to the next generation due to a lack of awareness.
As I discovered my pregnancy, a promise took root—to provide my child with a better upbringing than I had known. A vow to establish a haven of safety consumed me. At 21, unfamiliar with the art of creating such an environment, I unintentionally veered toward overcompensation, believing that the polar opposite of my upbringing was the ultimate ideal. The consequences emerged as self-imposed performance anxiety and ensuing guilt when I couldn’t match the ideal I had constructed. This dynamic extended into parenthood, resulting in frustration as my child asserted their independence—an act that seemed to challenge the safety I so fervently wished to provide.
In truth, parenting is riddled with missteps; an unattainable ideal environment where safety reigns supreme eludes us. What we can proffer, however, is our unwavering presence for our children. They crave our attention, our genuine involvement. Our children aren’t entertainers; love in the parent-child relationship is unidirectional, transcending superficial traits. Imperfection doesn’t undermine love’s foundation. In its purest form, love stands as the paramount pillar of security for our children and our self-love is contagious.
Lots of love
Mouna
Fashion Marketing Expert
Raffaella Manetta
Graduated in Economics & Management and specialized in Digital Marketing, I have always had an interest in Fashion Marketing and have managed to combine passion and profession.
Grown in the field collaborating with the Lancôme Lugano brand for the launch of new products through social channels and the creation of editorial content on The FashionColors Magazine.
Representing some designers of the Fashion System, I carried out tailor-made events to put them in contact with the press, buyers, showrooms and influencers. I participated in the creation, in partnership, of events organized during the Milan Fashion Week for emerging stylists.
During the long period of Lockdown, I designed and created the 2020 Fashion System Digital Format to give a voice to all those professional figures who represent the Fashion sector in a critical period caused by Covid19.
I am always attentive to what around me, I try to capture every shade of my daily life and to transmit it in my work. the passion for what I do is the real engine that pushes me to always give the best.
With love,
Raffaella
Glamerous Brows and Lashes
by Marina
Hi, I’m Marina! I’m a mom to an energetic four-year-old boy who brings endless joy to my life. About a year ago, I took a leap of faith and moved to the United States, seeking new opportunities and experiences.
By day, I’m a lash and brow artist, and I absolutely love my job. My journey into the world of beauty began years ago, driven by an unwavering passion for enhancing natural allure.
It’s incredible to enhance the natural beauty of my clients and see their confidence soar. Balancing motherhood and my career has been a rewarding challenge, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Life in a new country can be daunting, but I’m embracing every moment of this adventure. My journey is a blend of love for my son, passion for my work, and the excitement of a fresh start in a land of opportunities.
My studio in LA has become my sanctuary, where I work my magic, tailoring every stroke and extension to highlight the unique beauty of each individual.
What sets me apart is not just my skill but also my genuine connection with my clients. I love getting to know their preferences and concerns, ensuring they leave my studio not just looking but also feeling incredible. With a growing family of devoted clients and a passion that burns brighter every day, I’m living my dream as a lash and brow artist here in the City of Angels.
With love,
Marina
Lov' Elly Skin
Elly T'Siobbel
Grateful to obtain a spot in this fantastic magazine, I would like to introduce myself.
I am Elly, 45 years old and living in the beautiful Flemish Ardennes.
In this rural setting, I live with my wife Jolien and my son Tybe, where the peace and quiet bring a lot of inspiration.
After 20 years as a skin consultant working closely with a plastic surgeon and his lovely family, a strong desire grew to create my own line of products, among the best cosmeceuticals.
Drive in skin treatments constant training and affiliation with a growing medical lab resulted in Lov’elly Skin being born. The perfect complement to the facial treatments I offer at various locations.
My caring side for my sweet son who is now 13 years old comes into play daily while choosing and performing the best treatments for my clients.
It’s great to be a mum and still be able to develop and promote my own Private Label.
My family makes sure I push my boundaries, keep developing myself and follow the right paths.
They are immensely proud of who I am and thanks to the necessary structuring of my schedule, there is also plenty of quality time left over.
Sometimes you must dare to seize opportunities with both hands, especially when you are ready for them!
In the future, I want to grow even more, with even more driven and passionate people around me.
Lov’elly Skin’s path can still reach very far, which is why I also believe that you meet the right people in your life at the right time.
And above all, take care of yourself and each other, it will benefit everyone.
Love, Elly