COVER MOM
Larissa de Castro
CREDITS
- Model: Larissa di Castro (@ )
- Photographer: Ron Paolo Gilman (@ronpaologilman)
- Art director GMM: Kéyoh Ohanian (@keyoh_official)
- Interior designer / creative director: Anna Ohanian (@annaohanian)
- Make-up by: Jiji (@jiji.makeupstudio )
- Hair by: Kings & Queens (@kingsandqueens_hair)
- Styling by: Didi (@Bleucestgris)
- Clothing by: Bleu C’est Gris (@Bleucestgris)
- Location: Sensum Gent
COVER MOM INTERVIEW
Larissa de Castro: A Celebration of Motherhood, Fashion, and Family
01. A Celebration of Motherhood, Fashion, and Family
Hello, I’m Larissa. I’ve been a model for 15 years, but more importantly, I’m a proud mom to two incredible kids. My life revolves around balancing a rewarding career with the beautiful chaos of motherhood. I’m deeply passionate about family, food, travel, and fashion. Every day feels like an adventure, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.
02. How would you describe your journey into motherhood? What emotions and experiences does it bring into your life?
Motherhood is transformative. It’s filled with love, purpose, and strength. Every milestone, from their first steps to the laughter we share, teaches me patience and resilience. My children remind me to live in the moment and appreciate life’s simple joys. It’s the most inspiring journey I’ve ever embarked on.
03. As a model and the face of many brands in Belgium, who has had the greatest influence on your career?
My father has been my greatest inspiration. He was my superhero, always encouraging and proud of my achievements. Losing him to mesothelioma a little over a year ago was devastating, but his love and belief in me continue to guide everything I do. I find comfort in seeing him live on in my two-year-old son, Julian, whom he met just weeks before passing. It’s a poignant reminder of the legacy of love he left behind. Professionally, I admire icons like Cindy Crawford, who exemplify the balance between career and family. Being compared to her daughter, Kaia Gerber, is such a wonderful compliment and inspires me to keep striving for that balance.
04. What is your happy place? And could you share one special thing about your kids that you cherish most?
My happy place is anywhere my family is, whether it’s enjoying a beach holiday or a cozy dinner at home. One thing I treasure about my kids is their curiosity. They see magic in everyday moments and remind me to do the same. There’s also a special spot close to my heart: our house in the Ardennes. It’s surrounded by breathtaking views and holds cherished memories of my parents. Spending time there feels like honoring the past while creating new memories with my children.
05. How has becoming a mother changed your outlook on life and your approach to work in fashion and social media?
Motherhood has made me more authentic and intentional. I strive to be a role model, showing how to balance a fulfilling career with family life. It’s about celebrating reality, embracing imperfections, and finding joy in both work and home.
06. Tell us about your relationship with your own mother. Do you see parts of her reflected in yourself?
My relationship with my mother is incredibly special. She’s the epitome of kindness, strength, and unconditional love. Losing my father was unimaginably hard for her, yet she continues to show immense resilience. She inspires me daily and has taught me how to face life’s challenges with grace. I see so much of her in the way I parent my children, and I’m honored to carry her values forward. My sister and I remain her greatest supporters, and together, we’ve created a bond that keeps our family strong.
07. We’d love to know what’s next for you. Are there any exciting projects or new ventures on the horizon?
I’m currently working on collaborations that blend my love for fashion, food, and family. I’m also exploring a new project inspired by my passion for travel and connection. It’s an exciting chapter, and I look forward to what’s ahead.
08. What is your greatest fear in life?
My biggest fear is that my kids will grow up without truly knowing the love and wisdom of their grandfather. He was extraordinary, and I do everything I can to honor his memory in their lives. Letting go is also a challenge, whether it’s watching them head off to school or imagining their future independence. While it’s natural, it’s a reminder of how deeply I want to protect them. Clear communication and trust are my anchors as I help them navigate life’s steps.
09. Could you share a glimpse into your childhood? Where did you grow up, and how have those early memories shaped who you are today?
I grew up in a close-knit family filled with laughter and love. My sister, my best friend, is the greatest gift my parents ever gave me. Our unbreakable bond has shaped the person I am today. Those early years taught me the value of connection, resilience, and cherishing family bonds. They continue to influence how I approach both life and motherhood.
10. Finally, how was your experience collaborating with the Glam Mom Magazine team? Any standout moments during the shoot?
Collaborating with the Glam Mom Magazine team has been a delight! The professionalism and warmth they bring to the process made it such a joy. A standout moment was when my kids joined me on set for a few candid shots. Those moments were pure magic and a true reflection of what life is all about.
Unfiltered Mompreneur Life: Building a Business, Raising Three Kids, and Staying True to Yourself
Evelien Anthonis
If I had to describe myself, it would probably be this: a walking energy. Always moving, always planning, always building something. But honestly? Sometimes I’m also just a mom standing in the middle of the chaos thinking, okay, breathe for a second. I’m a mom of three, a self-employed entrepreneur, I teach in the beauty industry, run my own web shop, and I’m right in the middle of a home renovation. My days are a mix of kids, clients, preparing classes, packing orders, and somewhere in between trying to decide what floor we’re actually going to put in the house.
And yes, my coffee is almost always cold.
But despite everything, I feel it: this is who I am.
I’m someone who wants to grow. Who wants to move forward. Someone who isn’t afraid to work hard for her dreams but who has also learned that you can’t lose yourself in the process. As an influencer, I choose to show real life. Not perfect filters, but how it actually is. The good days, but also the days where everything hits at once and I’m thinking, how am I going to manage this today?
Because I am strong but I’m also human. I have my down moments. Times where it feels like too much, where I doubt myself, where I’m tired and don’t know where to start. And still, I get up every single time. Because I know why I’m doing this. Teaching in the beauty industry gives me so much fulfillment. Seeing women grow, gain confidence, and start creating their own path that means everything to me. My web shop is something I’ve built from the ground up, step by step. Something that truly carries my heart.
I also write e-books about developing a healthy drive. Not just pushing yourself endlessly, but learning how to build something in a way that still feels good. Because I know what it’s like to always be “on” and how important it is to find balance within that. I love to work out and take care of myself. I’m quite focused on my appearance, but in a natural way. For me, it’s about feeling good, taking care of your body, and showing up as your best self not chasing perfection.
But being a mom makes you see things differently too.
My daughters watch everything. My oldest is literally in my bathroom every day, surrounded by my bottles and products and sometimes I catch myself thinking: okay, this is getting a bit much. It’s confronting, because you realize how much they copy you. And it makes me more aware of the example I’m setting. I want them to feel confident, strong and comfortable in who they are without feeling like they need to be “perfect”. Cooking is one of those moments where I slow down. In the middle of all the busyness, it’s my way of grounding myself. Creating something, taking care, enjoying the small things. Those are the moments that bring everything back into balance.
What probably defines me the most is that I genuinely want to help others move forward. I love motivating women, showing them that they are capable of more than they think. That you don’t have to wait until everything is perfect. You can just start with what you have, as you are. Being a mom of three is my biggest pride, but also my biggest challenge. It’s love, chaos, responsibility, and sometimes just getting through the day until bedtime. But even on those days, I know, I’m building something. For my family, my business, and my future.
I’m not perfect. My life isn’t either. But I keep going. With energy, with passion, with the occasional dip and with a strong desire to lift other women up along the way.
How I Rebuilt My Identity, Career, and Confidence After Becoming a Mom
Elbasana Sadiku
I’m a go-getter by nature. I’ve always believed that when one door closes, another one opens and that every change carries its own opportunity. I live in Antwerp and I enjoy the rhythm of city life, the energy, the movement, and the small everyday moments like grabbing a coffee or walking through the city. Today, I balance motherhood with a career in a travel-connected environment. It’s a life that moves fast, but it has taught me structure, resilience, and presence in a completely new way.
I’ve always valued my independence. My life was structured around my own rhythm. I had time for myself, I loved going to the gym, and I found a lot of joy in fashion, beauty, and simply having my own space. When I became pregnant, everything shifted. I felt excited, but at the same time deeply scared of the unknown. It wasn’t always easy, it was a period filled with emotions and, at times, stress.
After giving birth, I experienced a kind of happiness I had never felt before. But alongside that, there was also confusion. Everything was new, overwhelming, and intense. For a moment, it felt like my whole world had paused. The version of me I knew before like my routines, my independence, even my ‘me time’ suddenly felt far away. I went through a phase where I felt a bit lost, almost like an identity shift, something I believe many mothers quietly go through but don’t always speak about. There were moments where I was very hard on myself, questioning if I was doing things right, if I was enough as a new mother. I sometimes found myself comparing who I am today to who I was before. Not with regret, but with a sense of unfamiliarity. Life had changed so quickly that I sometimes didn’t immediately recognize myself in it.
I remember the first week of going back to work, I cried every single day. It felt like I was being pulled between two worlds, trying to give my best in both, but not always feeling like I was succeeding in either. It’s such a fragile period, and it made me realize how important a nurturing environment truly is. What grounded me during that time was the support system around me, especially my mother. I call her my ‘quiet privilege.’ Her presence gave me the space to breathe, to recover, and to slowly rebuild myself. Together with my partner, she made it possible for me to not only care for my child, but also continue working in a dynamic, international environment where flexibility and travel are sometimes part of the journey. Knowing my child is safe and loved allows me to show up fully, both as a mother and as a professional.
Step by step, I started to find balance again. Not the same balance as before but a new one. I’ve found a way to combine the best of both my worlds: my career and motherhood. In the beginning, that felt almost impossible. It was challenging, emotional, and required a lot of adjustment. But over time, I’ve created a rhythm that works for me. I’m not the same person I was before pregnancy and I’ve come to embrace that. I’ve grown into a new version of myself: stronger, more self-aware, and with clearer priorities. I’ve developed a deeper respect for who I am and how I look. Taking care of myself such as my health, my well-being has become non-negotiable. I’ve also rediscovered my love for fashion and self-expression in a new way. Today, I’m not afraid to embrace my femininity. If anything, I feel more connected to it than ever before.
Unexpected Pregnancy at 21: How I Became a Young Mom, Found Myself, and Built a Business
Helena Catoir
My name is Helena Catoir. I’m 26 years old, and I’m a mother to my almost four-year-old son, Leano, the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me. I’m a business owner, running my own company with two branches: a marketing agency and a line of board games for adults. I work hard and I’m driven to become a successful businesswoman, but above everything else, my greatest goal in life is to be a good mother.
My journey into motherhood wasn’t planned. I became pregnant at 21, completely unexpectedly. After several negative tests, I only discovered I was pregnant at 27 weeks. It turned my world upside down, but in the most meaningful way. For a while, I lost myself. Life became about surviving, adapting, and stepping into a role I wasn’t prepared for. But recently, I’ve started finding my way back to myself. I’ve learned that taking time for myself isn’t selfish. It makes me a better, more present mother. When I’m at peace, I can truly be there for Leano.
Becoming a mother doesn’t mean your life stops. In many ways, it’s where life truly begins. You are still allowed to take care of yourself, to feel beautiful, to grow, and to enjoy your own life. You live for your child, but you should never be completely consumed by that role. By taking time for myself and doing what I love, I’m also teaching Leano that he should do the same one day.
His name means “lion-like” in Greek, and that’s exactly who he is, strong, smart, and full of life. He is the greatest love of my life. No matter how unexpected it all was, he is the best thing that ever happened to me. He gave me purpose, pushed me to grow, and helped me rediscover my dreams. Everything I do, I do for him. I work hard to give him everything he needs, and to show him what strength, love, balance, and resilience truly look like.
The Way Back
Kiro Matcha
A year ago, I didn’t even know what matcha was. Life changed after the birth of my daughter, an emergency C-section left me with a body that no longer felt like my own. I’d always been slim, but suddenly bloating and fatigue became daily struggles. In search of balance, I tried a green powder I found online. Only later did I discover its key ingredient: matcha. That small detail sparked a journey of discovery. I immersed myself in research, learned about the health benefits of ceremonial-grade matcha, and soon realized that not all matcha is created equal.
Driven by perfectionism – and perhaps a touch of obsession – I tested countless brands. Many were blended, diluted, or sweetened. None lived up to what matcha could truly be. That’s when the idea was born: if the perfect matcha didn’t exist, I would create it. This is how Kiro Matcha came to life. Pure, organic, with no additives and no sugar. Our EU BIO certification guarantees traceability and authenticity, so every sip reflects the highest standards. Kiro (帰路) means “the way back” in Japanese – a return to purity, to origins, to what is essential. More than a drink, it’s a ritual, an invitation to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
No loud campaigns, no gimmicks—just quiet luxury in a cup, trusted by those who know the difference. Perfection takes time. And now, it’s finally ready. Join our VIP list and be the first to experience matcha the way it was meant to be.
She Never Left, She Just Pressed Pause
Shirley Koolen
My name is Shirley Koolen 33 years. I am a proud mom of two amazing kids Mike 10 and Mexy 8 and I have been with my high school love Mike since we were just 14 years old. We quite literally grew up together building a life side by side from young love to a family of our own. From a young age I knew exactly what I loved. At 16 I started a school for performing arts because being on stage or in front of a camera felt like where I truly belonged. It was never just a dream it was part of who I was. And it still is.
Life does not always follow the script you imagine. Because of caregiving responsibilities for my family, I had to stop my education. That moment forced me to take a different direction to go to school and work together side by side and I chose Fashion and Business something that had always inspired me in a different way. I finished my studies and stepped into the working world determined and motivated but quietly carrying that dream with me.
Mike and I always dreamed of having children. At 23 I became a mom for the first time and everything changed in the most beautiful way. Two years later our daughter Mexy completed our family. Motherhood filled my heart in ways I cannot even describe but it also meant that without even realizing it I placed my own dreams on pause.
For years we worked hard. We built a life we were proud of and we did everything with love and dedication for our family. But somewhere deep inside that little voice never disappeared. The voice that reminded me of what I still wanted to do.
When our children got older something shifted. My husband and I had an honest conversation one that changed everything. He reminded me that I am not only a mom I am also Shirley. And that a happy mom brings so much more love into a family. So, I chose myself again. I started training with a personal trainer not just to become stronger physically but to feel confident and powerful in my own skin again. Step by step I am becoming the best version of me. At the same time my husband and I began creating content together sharing things out of life in a real and honest way. No perfect pictures no pretending. Just us.
We share the chaos, the love, the small moments and the challenges because we want people to feel seen. To know that nobody has it all figured out and that is completely okay. And ever since we decided to truly go for it to follow our dreams while still being the parents we want to be everything feels like it is moving. Growing. Flowing. Like life is finally aligning with who I am.
This mom is not just back she is better than ever. And this is only the beginning. To every mother reading this please remember you are still there too. Not just as a mom but as a woman with dreams, passions and a heart full of desires. Take care of yourself. Do something that lights you up. Chase your dreams without guilt because you are allowed to be both. A loving mom and a woman who follows her dreams.
With love
Shirley