2024 / Issue 19 - GLAM MOM Magazine

COVER MOM

Elvira Jain

Credits

Elvira is wearing

COVER MOM INTERVIEW

Elvira Jain: "I feel home in every corner of the world."

01. Dear Elvira, please introduce yourself to our Glam Mom Magazine readers.

I am Elvira Jain, I am a mom, wife, international model, and entrepreneur. I worked with Gucci and Missoni; did fashion shows of Philip Plein and Dolce & Gabbana; was on cover of Harper’s bazaar and did a lot of editorials from magazines like Elle, Vogue and Marie Claire. I worked in more than 12 different countries as a model from Europe to the Middle East and all the way to Asia.

02. How do you combine your busy lifestyle and your career with your two children?

I try my best to combine and to give enough attention to my kids. Yes, it becomes quite challenging at times but they grow so fast, that l make sure, I do the work in the day and then spend the afternoons and weekends with them. I like to spend every minute that I am free with them. And yes, with 2 kids it’s quite difficult at times so you need to sacrifice your own time in order to give enough time to them and to the work.

03. Tell us the secret of your youthful and fresh look.

Less is more. I do face massages every 2-3 weeks and that’s it. I don’t do Botox or fillers since I am a model and they do change your face expressions.

04. Do you have any upcoming project you want to share with our readers. A top secret that no one knows about you and you want to share with us first?

Currently I am working on my company Ellyse Management, a luxury PR and communication company to help brands and people to get more awareness on an international level. Having a 15-year experience in fashion and business, I have massive connections around the world from USA to Europe and the Middle East to Asia. Weather is fashion or any other business, I know the right path to develop it.

05. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is my husband, who has achieved everything on his own and managed to build an empire.

06. You are a mom of two boys. Would you still want to have more children?

No, I prefer to give my maximum attention to them and spend all the moments with them.

07. You live in Dubai now; do you miss Moldova?

I am from Moldova and I still go there from time to time, but as I have traveled the world since I am 18 years, I feel home in every corner of the world.

08. What was the hardest decision for you to make in life?

My hardest decision was to leave the full-time international model career that was blooming in order to dedicate more time to my family as well. So, I took only big projects with big brands. But without any doubt, it was and still is the right decision.

09. As a mom, what advice would you give to other moms who are chasing their dreams and raising children?

Keep following your dreams. I think for every woman it is important to be a mom, a wife and also to satisfy her own dreams. Because all of it, will give you a lot of energy when your children and family will be proud of you as well. I am a mom, wife, businesswoman, model, and yes, I am busy all the time and I go to sleep as 1 AM and wake up again at 6 am. Many times, I don’t get time for myself, but I do enjoy seeing all the results and I am proud of how many things I do and can achieve.

10. How was your experience with the team of Glam Mom Magazine and how did you feel on the shooting day?

It was amazing, everyone was super friendly and professional.

Took over Benelux first and now the World

Glam Mom Magazine Owner: Keyoh

Hello, beautiful souls! I’m Kéyoh, the singer-songwriter from Armenia living in Belgium, and I’m thrilled to share my journey as the proud owner of Glam Mom Magazine. This magazine, born during the challenging days of the pandemic, has become a platform that celebrates the glamour, strength, and beauty of all mothers around the globe.

Initially, I played a part in the magazine, ensuring that Benelux was in excellent hands and featuring the most glamorous mothers on our covers. As the years passed, I summoned the courage to take over this glamorous world entirely, leading to globe-trotting adventures and making impactful decisions. The magazine’s concept evolved from showcasing only glamorous moms to proclaiming that ALL MOMS ARE GLAMOROUS!

Isn’t being a mom the most significant job in the world? We juggle work, provide for our families, strive to be great wives, and perfect friends. Every mom deserves to bask in the spotlight, even if just for a day. Glam Mom Magazine provides that platform, allowing every mom to shine and know that she is truly ALL THAT!

Our Glam Mom office is a bustling hub with 17 incredible moms. From editors to social media experts, and even our own makeup, style, and hairdresser—our team is a powerhouse of moms supporting each other to build a brighter future for our children. We are more than colleagues; we are family. Our doors are open for everyone to join our team, and our magazine is growing faster than ever. I feel privileged to helm a magazine that’s not just about glamour but also filled with the best content for mothers and children. We strive to bring you quality and engaging family stories that inspire, help, and instill hope. Glam Mom Magazine is a labor of love, and I can confidently say, the best is yet to come!

A heartfelt thank you to my incredible team worldwide, but a special shoutout to my team in Belgium, who’ve been with me since DAY 1. Together, we are weaving a tapestry of love, inspiration, and celebration of motherhood.

Love,
Your Singing Glam Mom Magazine Owner, Kéyoh

Credits Shoot Kéyoh

Family Photography is my Forever Favorite

Iryna Kolotova

Hello Glam Mom Magazine, I am Iryna Kolotova – a professional photographer and a mom of a 4-year-old daughter Mia. I have entered the world of professional photography 3 years ago under the name Green Muse Photography and since then I have captured lots of heartfelt authentic moments of families and couples in Belgium and abroad.

In my photography I tell family & love stories and focus on capturing genuine and unposed moments between people, keeping away from standardized cookie-cutter posing. That is why family photography is my forever favorite. I love embracing the chaos of children being around, love the big share of improvisation it implies, love their outspoken emotions when laugh comes seconds after tears and I’m always deeply moved by how easily kids open their hearts.

Being a mom at the same time, I fully understand the parents’ need of control and the boiling point when nothing goes as planned. Having both roles combined I’ve had a unique opportunity to observe, analyze and discover the ways to make a photoshoot with even the most defiant toddler a fun and joyful experience for the entire family that I would like to share with you.

How to Engage Your Kids During a Photoshoot and Have Fun

In the past years I worked with many expat and local families and had the chance to witness different relationships and behaviors. I have learned that there’s a tiny line between making your children love the photoshoot or hate it.

You can easily make your kid(s) oppose to the photoshoot from the very start by expecting them to smile, forcing them to pose, threatening them or bribing them if they don’t listen. The very idea of making them do something for the camera will most likely lead to an opposite reaction. As a result, kids would probably do what you want but their body language and facial expression will reveal their true feelings (and quite an understandable desire to escape).

Instead, let’s let the kids do what they can do best – play!

Invite them in a game, allow them to get dirty, sandy or wet and simply accept that something may go out of control (and it’s just fine!).
Incorporate simple props in the shoot, such as toys, kites, handmade paper boats or flowers. Or take a basketful of apples that make a great snack and add a countryside vibe to the pictures.
Explore the location together with the kids, observe the wildlife around you, inhale the scents of the surrounding nature without rushing them immediately into the shoot.
Remember that kids want to have fun with you. They want to be kissed, snuggled, chased, rolled in the grass, but most importantly, accepted the way they are and loved upon.

So, let go of that Pinterest-perfect posed imagery and simply have fun! Think beforehand about favorite things you like doing together as a family and be ready to go with the flow when the session’s day arrives. Embrace the moment of closeness with your children, allow them to be themselves and they will certainly enjoy it too! This is when the magic of amazing family photography really happens.

To see my works please visit and follow:

Fleur de Coeur

by Céline

I’m Céline, 35 years old and mum of a 6-year-old wonderful daughter Axelle. I’m the founder and owner of Fleur de Coeur, a Parisian style floral studio offering customized floral concepts for weddings and events.

I grew up alone with my mum and younger sister without a father. My childhood years were not always easy, but it gave me a huge drive to take control of my life and realize my dreams. At the age of 17, I went to study law at the University of Ghent. Afterwards, I started my career as a lawyer.

However, I was missing something in my life. As a small child, I was already drawn to the beauty of nature and flowers. I was very often with my grandmother, who had a spacious garden with countless varieties of flowers.

Life has a beautiful way of unfolding unexpected chapters, and sometimes, the arrival of a new life can act as the catalyst for profound change. Such was the case with the birth of my daughter, Axelle, a little bundle of joy who not only brought immense happiness into my life but also sparked a newfound passion and determination within me. Axelle’s birth became the driving force behind my decision to embark on a journey to Paris to follow my dream of becoming a floral designer.

The moment Axelle entered the world, my perspective on life shifted. The fragility of a newborn and the profound responsibility of parenthood made me reevaluate my own aspirations and priorities. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of inspiration to create a life that would not only provide for her but also showcase the beauty and creativity that exist in the world.

In the midst of changing diapers and sleepless nights, a seed of an idea began to germinate within me; the dream of becoming a floral designer. The beauty of flowers had always captivated me, and I saw an opportunity to turn my passion into a profession.

For as long as I can remember, Paris has held a special place in my heart. The enchanting atmosphere, the timeless beauty, and the profound history of the city have always resonated with me. However, it was not until I discovered the world of floral design that my connection to Paris took root and blossomed.

Driven by a deep passion for flowers and a desire to master the art of floristry, I embarked on a journey to the epicenter of style and beauty– Paris. There, I enrolled in courses with some of the most renowned floral designers, immersing myself in the rich traditions and innovative techniques that make Parisian floristry truly exceptional.

As I delved into the world of floral design in Paris, I discovered a kaleidoscope of opportunities. From learning the art of arranging flowers to understanding the symbolism behind each bloom, every moment felt like a step closer to realizing my dream.

Returning to Belgium, I brought with me the essence of Paris and a vision to create a floral atelier that mirrored the enchanting spirit of the French capital. The cobblestone streets may have been replaced, but the inspiration and creativity that blossomed in Paris found a new home in my own atelier.

My Parisian-inspired floral atelier in Belgium has become a haven of creativity and a testament to the dreams that Axelle’s birth set into motion. Specializing in weddings and events, we bring the romance and elegance of Paris to every arrangement. Each bloom tells a story, and our atelier has become a canvas where dreams and emotions are painted with petals.

Improving the World starts with us as Parents and the Generation we are Raising

Mouna's Story

I was one of the first biracial individuals in the 1980s. My mother was white, and my father was North African. They met during the hippie era, a time of ‘sex, drugs, and rock & roll.’ As a young girl, I often felt discrimination, the sense of being different because that’s the only emotion a young child can associate with the behaviors of outsiders.

I fought hard for my place in society because I refused to be different from the rest. It might have turned out differently if I had parents or an environment that understood what I felt. However, the family around me was white, and I grew up with few to no biracial or immigrant children in my surroundings.

I got married at 18 to a man of North African descent because I wanted to be a part of that culture too. It’s commonly referred to as an ‘identity crisis.’ When my son was born, I had no awareness that anyone could discriminate against him. How could a child, so sweet, beautiful, and innocent, be treated differently?

Because I had experienced discrimination myself and wasn’t very mature when I had my son at the age of 21, I think I couldn’t accurately assess whether it was really discrimination or the perception I developed at a young age about the world.

Now, my son is 16. He is entering the adult world of job opportunities as a part-time worker, making choices about the direction he wants to take as an individual in society. As he develops facial hair, his non-native background becomes more apparent. He is learning to think for himself, has friends from different backgrounds, interacts with strangers, encounters the police, and understands world news—all events that could bring discrimination into focus.

As a mother, you can only be an example and advisor to your children at that age because they can think and understand for themselves. My son sees me working hard for my future and notices that expertise has no color. Clients from all over the world come to me for advice and help simply because they look beyond color and race. They read what others have to say about me and the business. So, my son sees that you are not defined by what you are but by who you are.

He is still very young, and I believe there is a difference in experiencing discrimination between males and females. So, as a mother and advisor, I need to address events he tells me about. I am grateful that my son often shares his difficulties with me without my prompting. I motivate him to think positively because the last thing I want for him is to believe that he is a product of what others think about the world or him.

Currently, he works as a part-time student, going door-to-door for charitable causes. There is no better student job than sales to strangers to confirm or debunk one’s perspective on discrimination and racism! My son has a talent for sales, and I strongly encourage him to do door-to-door sales so that he learns that behind every ‘no’ hides a ‘yes.’ He doesn’t need to be anxious about who he is, how he looks, or who is at the door. He needs to prepare his sales pitch well, wear a smile, throw in his charm, and be himself, as always.

The first two days were not successful. No one subscribed, and he felt disheartened. I gave him a pep talk that everything is a process, he needed to have his sales pitch down, wear a smile, and be confident. The following week, he made two sales! What a great feeling when your child calls you with enthusiasm to share his victory. The best feeling ever! We must not make victims of our children based on our own past or our perception of life. We need to create strong individuals from our children and their generation. Make them resilient for a world as it is. In my opinion, improving the world starts with us as parents and the generation we are raising.

Lots of love
Mouna

The Happy little Faces and the Hugs you get when Picking up at School or Nursery is Worth its Weight in Gold

Jolien's Story

Hi, I’m Jolien, a mom of 2. A son Thibault 4 years and a daughter Romée 21 months. I’m happily married to a wonderful man, Sander, who Is always there for our family. His role as a dad is right up his alley. In daily life I work as an emergency nurse. A challenging job that demands quite a bit of energy, especially with shifts and night work. The advantage here is that I can regularly take my children to school or pick them up. The downside is that I have to work weekends and holidays, so I miss a lot of family time.

I’ve opted to work part-time, 80% to be more present for my children. For example, my daughter does not go to daycare on Mondays and Wednesdays and is with me on these days. On Wednesday afternoons, I pick up Thibault from school, and in the afternoon the three of us go to the sports activities my son does. During his hour of sports, I stay with the other moms in the cafeteria where we have a chat. Often this is about parenting or we’re chasing after our other kids.

I also love staying active, so I try to exercise twice a week to clear my head. I enjoy sports like running, swimming, strength training but I notice that this is very difficult to schedule now with kids. So, I do miss doing something of sport daily.

I am immensely happy to call myself a mom, I could’ve never imagined it like this. Parenthood is tough but at the same time extremely loving. The happy little faces and the hugs you get when picking up at school/ nursery is worth its weight in gold. I look forward to it every day!

United Women: Supporting Each Other Around the World

The Lawyer Mom: Dagmara's Story

As a lawyer and a mom balancing legal intricacies and nurturing my kids, my journey has been about finding harmony both in and out of court. But beyond law books, my passion lies in supporting women globally—no matter where they are or what they do.

Recently, I had a unique opportunity in Dubai. While I was there to handle contracts for the Glam Mom photo shoot, I witnessed something remarkable—a group of diverse women coming together for a common goal. These women, from different backgrounds, were there to celebrate each other’s achievements and empower one another.

Dubai’s vibrant atmosphere was the perfect setting for this special event. The photo shoot was more than just pictures; it was about women supporting and uplifting each other through creativity.

Between drafting legal papers, I found myself in heartfelt conversations with these incredible women. We shared stories of overcoming challenges and chasing dreams. The camaraderie and encouragement were powerful, transcending cultural differences.

Supporting each other as women is vital. It means offering a hand, amplifying each other’s voices, and creating a world where success knows no gender boundaries.

I am very grateful to the editor and owner of Glam Mom Magazine Keyoh, for granting me the opportunity to witness and be part of the photoshoot at Rixos Hotel in Dubai. The experience was an eye-opener, affirming the power of unity among women in uplifting and celebrating each other’s successes.

This task of global women’s empowerment isn’t limited to one event though—it’s an ongoing commitment. It’s about promoting mentorship, advocating for one another, and embracing diversity at every turn.

As a lawyer mom, this duty hits close to home. Balancing legal work and parenting has taught me the importance of paving the way for future generations of women.

Every contract I finalize, every word I write, becomes more than legal work—it also contributes to a global movement of women supporting each other.

To all the women out there, let’s continue this journey together. Let’s rewrite norms, break barriers, and create a world where support, encouragement, and empowerment are second nature.

Until next time my sweet mommas!

Xoxo Dagmara

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SIBLINGS OF THE MONTH

Thibault and Romée

Hello, we are Thibault and Romée, brother and sister and we get along very well. It’s really nice to be together. I take very good care of my sister. Like giving her a teddy bear or pacifier to comfort her or going into her room when she cries. We also like to play together. So, we play with the cars or blocks but I can also play very nicely with the dolls of Romée.

Often, we also go to the indoor playground where we meet up with our best friends Juliette, Suzanne and Leon. They have the ages of 4 and 6. With them I also go to the Wednesday sports. At school I also have two best friends, Elyssa and Idris, with whom I go on camp during the vacations.

We have a season ticket for Plopsaland, which we both love. The fun rides, the beautiful park, the fun shows. A top park in other words. My sister and I also love the farm, milking the cows, being with the sheep and the horses. We also love to play outside so dirty clothes are daily fare here for mom. When we go to sleep mom and dad always read a story to us, then we sit together in Thibault’s bed and we’re hugging each other and say goodnight.

For dinner, I really like to eat croque-monsieur, my sister is a real spaghetti monster. Of course, we are also very fond of chips, so every visit is really a party for us, then we are quickly standing at the snack table. Mom and Dad think that we are two great kids, we have a lot of fun together, but we can also fight sometimes, but most of the time we’re lovely.

Big kisses
Thibault and Romée