2025 / Issue 29 - GLAM MOM Magazine

COVER MOM

Valeska van den Broecke

CREDITS

COVER MOM INTERVIEW

Cycling Through Life With Love: Valeska on Family, Charity & Inner Power

01. Valeska, could you introduce yourself to our readers at Glam Mom Magazine?

Hello! I’m Valeska, 38 years old, mom to Alexine, who’s 6, and happily married to Niels Albert, a former Belgian cycling champion. Together, we run our bike shop, a passion project that brings me a lot of joy. I’m also honored to be the godmother of Beyond the Moon, an organization that creates unforgettable vacations for children facing serious illnesses and their families, allowing them to escape and enjoy precious moments together. I believe deeply in the importance of spreading positivity and making a meaningful impact. Besides that, I love to cook, savor delicious food, and spend cozy evenings with friends—those are the moments that truly fill my heart.

02. How would you describe motherhood? What emotions has this journey brought to your life?

Motherhood is a blend of unconditional love, responsibility, and a deep, ever-present desire to give your best. It’s brought me boundless joy and taught me a kind of vulnerability I never knew before. With Alexine in my life, my priorities shifted dramatically, and I’ve come to cherish even the smallest, quiet moments. The love and joy she brings into my life are beyond words, but there’s also a sense of protection and care that runs so deep. I love spending as much time as I can with her and Niels, treasuring the simple, beautiful moments we share as a family.

03. You’re a proud supporter of your husband, Belgian cycling champion Niels Albert, and a dedicated advocate for various charities. Who has been the most influential figure in your journey?

Niels has always been a cyclist at heart, but the way he transitioned from his career and took on new challenges inspired me deeply. His passion, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit have taught me so much, and I feel incredibly lucky to support him in all he does. We’re a strong team, and our shared journey is about living by example for Alexine, instilling our values in her, and letting her be part of our story.

04. What’s your “happy place,” and can you tell us one thing about your daughter Alexine that you love the most?

My “happy place” is simply home, surrounded by family. There’s nothing like being at home, cooking, unwinding, and enjoying each other’s company without obligations pulling us away. As for Alexine, one of the things I adore most about her is her endless curiosity and enthusiasm. She’s always brimming with energy, eager to discover the world around her, and she lights up the room with her joy. She reminds me every day of what’s most important in life.

05. Has becoming a mother shifted your perspective on life and the way you approach supporting your family and charitable causes?

Absolutely! Motherhood has given me a new lens through which I view the world. Since Alexine was born, I’ve become much more sensitive to the realities many children and families face. Seeing others struggle, especially mothers, touches me in a profound way and drives me to support causes that can make a difference. I know I can’t change the world single-handedly, but if I can bring happiness or relief to even one person, that’s incredibly meaningful.

06. How was your relationship with your own mother? Do you recognize yourself in her as you raise Alexine?

My mother is truly my best friend, and I can talk to her about anything. I hope to build that same bond with Alexine, where she always feels safe and supported. Watching her and Niels play together fills me with such happiness—she has a wonderful connection with her father, and that closeness reminds me of the open, loving relationship I share with my own parents.

07. We’d love to hear about what’s next for you. Are there any exciting new projects or charity initiatives on the horizon?

Yes! We’re currently working on expanding our bike shop, which is very exciting. Niels is always full of ideas and ready for the next challenge, and I love that about him. We have a motto: “Standing still is moving backwards.” If there’s an opportunity that resonates with us, we go for it, and that’s a big part of who we are as a couple and as individuals—we’re always growing, evolving, and looking for ways to make an impact.

08. What is your greatest fear in life?

My biggest fear is not being able to provide Alexine with a safe, loving world where she can flourish. There’s a fierce instinct to protect her from anything that could harm her, and I think that’s something many parents feel. When I see the conditions, some children grow up in, it makes me grateful but also reminds me of the importance of advocating for freedom and safety for all kids.

09. Could you share some memories of your childhood and where you grew up? How did those early experiences shape you?

I grew up in Beervelde, a peaceful town in East Flanders where everyone knew each other. My childhood was spent riding my bike, playing outside, and enjoying the freedom of a slow, simple life. It was a beautiful, carefree time. However, I was also bullied for having a lazy eye, which was hard. But by high school, I found a supportive group of friends, and things turned around. Those experiences taught me resilience and gave me the strength to stand up for myself.

10. Finally, tell us a bit about your experience during the photoshoot with the Glam Mom Magazine team. What moments stand out for you?

The photoshoot was such a wonderful experience! The team made me feel comfortable and welcomed right away, and I loved the energy on set. It’s always a bit of a novelty to be in front of the camera, but the warmth and professionalism of everyone involved made it feel like a fun day with friends. We shared some great laughs, and it’s a day I’ll remember fondly!

SENSUM GENT

At SENSUM, we want every visit to taste like more. Deborah and chef Maurice welcome you in a stylish and beautifully renovated castle on the outskirts of Ghent. They will let you enjoy unique moments. They want to take you on their own journey, and celebrate life with you.

For Me, January Marks the Beginning of My Most Cherished Role Yet: Becoming a Mother.

Laura Carpels

It’s a lifelong dream finally turning into reality. I always knew I wanted to become a mom, and I’m so grateful I waited for the right partner and the right moment. I can’t wait to wear matching outfits with my daughter and take her around the world showing her every corner of the fashion universe I’ve built my career in. I’m especially excited to watch her discover and create her own personal style. My partner is very fashionable too, so I secretly hope she becomes the perfect mix of the both of us.

Working as both a fashion stylist and influencer, I’ve always loved blending fashion, lifestyle, and now my growing passion for momfluencing. Over the past seven years, I’ve worked as a fashion, celebrity, and commercial stylist, collaborating with athletes, singers, and public figures while shaping visual identities that feel elevated, sharp, and authentic.

My career truly took off during the COVID era, an unexpected moment that accelerated my creative path. Since then, I’ve been invited to major fashion shows every year and have contributed to magazines, TV programs, and a wide range of commercial productions.

My work has taken me from Dubai to New York, Ibiza, Paris, and Milan, and along the way, I’ve built an international eye for detail and a network that naturally connects. I’ve always had a talent for bringing the right people together at exactly the right moment. My vision is simple yet powerful: I think alongside my client, but I always add my own signature twist.

My interior styling journey actually began almost by accident, during my own home project. I connected with a young designer who helped bring my bathroom vision to life, and that collaboration unexpectedly opened a new door for me. What started as a personal renovation quickly grew into a series of interior projects, giving me the chance to apply my refined aesthetic beyond clothing and into the spaces people live in.

Today, I stand at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle, and soon motherhood, expanding my creative universe while preparing for the most meaningful chapter of my life: becoming a mommy.

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.

Brilliant Antwerp

Jeanette

I create timeless fine jewelry that celebrates individuality, elegance & special moments. My passion for diamonds started long before I ever imagined building my own brand, but today, it has grown into a business that allows me to express creativity, connect with incredible women, and transform emotions into something wearable.

But behind the sparkle, I’m also a mom of two teenagers and a wife, m roles that shape me just as much as my work does. Motherhood has taught me patience, strength, and a deep appreciation for authenticity. Teenagers keep you grounded, honest, and humble, and they constantly remind me why I do what I do. For them & for me.

My husband is my anchor. Together, we balance the beautiful family life and entrepreneurship. There are days when I’m sketching new designs in between conversations or answering client messages while cooking dinner. It’s not always seamless, sometimes it’s far from glamorous, but it’s real, it’s mine, and it makes every achievement even more meaningful.

My designs are created with intention: modern yet timeless, delicate yet impactful, refined yet personal. I want every piece to feel like a reflection of the woman who wears it: her story, her strength, her style. Whether it’s a custom design, a sparkling initial, or a piece made to mark a milestone, my goal is to create jewelry that becomes part of someone’s life, not just their collection.

Through my brand, I hope to inspire other Mothers to celebrate their identity, embrace their journey, and shine with confidence in motherhood, in business, in love, and in life.

That’s why my personal motto guides both my work and my world:

“Shine bright wherever you go.”

A Heart Made for Animals: Embracing the Beauty of Untraditional Motherhood

Eveline Van Bogaert

Hi, my beautiful souls,

I proudly present myself as pet mom Eveline (38), born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium. I don’t have children, but I do have a heart overflowing with love, for animals. While some dreamed of starting a big family, I always felt a deep, soulful connection with four-legged companions. To me, they are family. Children were never off the table, life just guided me in a different direction.

Being a pet mom is no joke to me. I nurture, I organize, I care, just like any mom. The only difference? My “kids” are a bit furrier, sometimes bark, meow or whinny, and give the sloppiest kisses imaginable. Pet care to me is so much more than “just walking dogs,” cuddle a cat or rabbit, feed a horse. They feel and reflect your own emotions before you realize what you need in life. It’s unconditional love while they might teach you the life lesson you need. It’s a form of untraditional motherhood with little glamour thrown in.

Earlier this year, I decided to take a leap and started my own business: Pet Delight, a luxurious pet sitting, walking and caring service. We are located in Antwerp, Belgium and building here, but I also offer the option for me going abroad for my clients. This is a combination of housesitting and pet care at the same time. It was a dream that had lived inside my head for years but only became reality once I learned to truly trust myself. This after a rocky period of being stuck in a job where I was underappreciated and emotionally drained me into a burn-out. Something I never expected to happen, but after 17 years functioning as a logistic planner/coordinator, this was my much needed turning point.

The idea of Pet Delight wasn’t born overnight. For years, friends and family would ask me to watch their pets while they were away, “because you just get animals,” they’d say. They were right. I’ve always had a calm, intuitive way with them. It didn’t matter if it was a nervous rescue dog, a senior cat with trust issues, or a hyper pony, I saw them, and they saw me.

I realized: why not turn this love and natural talent into something more? Something of my own. So, I left the familiar path behind and took the plunge. These days, my mornings often start with ponytails and muddy paws, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I walk dogs through city parks, do home visits for cats and small animals, and offer personalized care for all pets whose owners want the very best for them, not just a sitter, but someone who truly cares and where my clients can rely on. Building a trust bond with my client is an absolute must before accepting any request. I’m not only taking care of their pet(s) but also stepping into their personal space.

I may not fit the traditional definition of a mother, but every day I care, nurture, protect, that and love, and that, to me, is enough. Those furry, feathered creatures, are my kids. Through Pet Delight, I’ve created a life that feels true to who I am: full of heart, purpose, and a bit of glam in between.

Success doesn’t have to look like a corner office, a picture-perfect family, or a five-year plan. Sometimes, it looks like muddy paw prints on your kitchen floor, purring cats curling up in your lap, rabbits that learn to trust you, or a quiet connection with a horse on a misty morning. It looks like happy clients with wagging tails, and the quiet pride of building something all on your own. Connecting with nature is profound for grounding with yourself.

This is my version of motherhood. My version of success. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Living authentically, with heart wide open, and finding beauty in the everyday, even with fur in your lipstick and paw prints on your heels, that, to me, is what living a truly glamorous life looks like.

Kuiperskaai 24, 9000 Gent | 0478/22 53 74 | iris@lesceaugent.be

Finding Myself Between Two Countries and a Thousand Emotions

Samar Obeid

“Becoming the artist, I want to be is a long road, and I’m still walking it.”

Behind every line I draw is a story, and mine begins in Lebanon. My name is Samar Obeid, a self-taught artist and a proud mom of two. I began practicing drawing years ago while working as an assistant wedding dress designer in Lebanon. That’s when I discovered how deeply I connect with art, it became my way to express emotions that words could never capture. After moving to Belgium eight years ago, everything changed. Along with becoming a mother for the first time to a beautiful little girl, I had to adapt to a new country, a new rhythm of life, and the reality of being far from my family, especially my sisters, who mean the world to me. I missed my roots deeply, that sense of belonging that only home can give. Still, I’m grateful for the family I have here, for my husband and the support around me that reminds me l’m not alone.

My kids mean everything to me, they’re the ones who keep me strong and hopeful. They’re the reason I keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult life gets. I want to become someone they can be proud of, maybe even a role model they’ll look up to one day. I spend time doing activities with them – playing, dancing, doing sports, and teaching my daughter our foreign language – always trying to give them the best I can. But managing it all hasn’t always been easy. After having my son, things became even more challenging. Balancing motherhood, home, and art often felt impossible. Still, I remind myself to take care of me, because being the best version of myself is what they truly deserve. I learned to set my priorities: to give my kids the time they need and still dedicate moments to myself and my art. Art takes time, patience, and heart, but it’s worth every second. Art became my escape, my world apart from everything else. When I draw, I disconnect from stress and step into a space filled with calm, focus, and emotion. I create to make people happy, to reflect love, warmth, and authenticity through every line and shadow.

As a self-taught artist, every new piece is both a challenge and a joy, a reminder of how far passion, patience, and persistence can take you. I always tell my daughter: never give up.

Whatever dream you have, it’s achievable if you truly want it, it works if you do it. My background is in business and marketing, but art found me, and it became my language of expression, healing, and hope. Today, I’m still learning, still creating, and still evolving, as an artist and as a mother. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m still on my road to becoming the artist I dream to be – and every step on this journey has taught me more about patience, resilience, and love.

A Home Full of Stories - from Father to Daughter, from Mother to Entrepreneur

Isabelle Willems

In the showroom of IM Willems, the love for wood, form, and detail comes to life. Between oval tables, soft fabrics, and furniture with character, Isabelle Willems shares the story of her life’s work and the journey that shaped it. “Entrepreneurship runs in my blood,” she smiles. “I grew up among furniture, the scent of wood and varnish. From my father, I inherited not just the craft, but a deep appreciation for quality, form, and story.”

From Crafting Sofas to Designing What Matters

Today, Isabelle runs her own furniture store where craftsmanship, design, and warmth come together. “I design and select everything myself, often with the same partners I started with years ago. Every piece has a soul and you can feel it.”

“My father began by crafting sofas,” Isabelle shares. “It all started with his hands, the feel of fabric, the comfort of a perfect seat. With our line Inspiroo powered by IM Willems, we design what truly matters, pieces that reflect our customers’ lifestyle and story. Through our complete interior concepts, we work closely with each client to create spaces that feel personal, balanced, and truly theirs.”

A Mother’s Journey

Isabelle’s story is as much about motherhood as it is about design, about finding balance between family and passion. “I wanted my children to see that hard work can be fulfilling – but that home is where you recharge.” Now that her son and daughter (25 and 28) live abroad, she finds quiet pride in watching them grow. “They carry a piece of home with them wherever they go.”

A Home with a Soul

Isabelle’s vision of interior design mirrors her life: grounded, evolving, and full of meaning. “I’m proud of what I’ve passed on,” she says. “Not just an eye for beauty, but the courage to explore in the world, and within yourself.”

About IM Willems

Isabelle Willems is the woman behind IM Willems and her brand Inspiroo, a furniture collection full of character, where craftsmanship, family, and life stories come together. Her passion for timeless design and natural materials runs through everything she creates.

Shame/Shine on Me

Eglantina Bodurri

Full of admiration for all Glam-Mom’s, for who they are as daughters, friends, partners and mothers, full of adoration for what they have achieved in many areas and the paths they still wish to tread, full of reverence for the life they give and the spark they keep alight, I feel deeply honored to share a piece of my world with them in this Glam- Mom Magazine.

I’m Eglantina, a Grand-Glam-Mom/Glam-Grandmom who shines and sparkles four times over because my glam factor constantly gets boosted by the heartbeats of four special people. I consider myself the happiest mother in the world with my two beautiful daughters , Klea already in her 30s and Noena sweet 16, my lovely son Ari is 13 and the sweetest 8-year-old granddaughter Ylee who is truly a godsend. I radiate uncontrollably and shamelessly take up space, I’m loud and attract unsolicited attention in every room I enter.

I thought I had left it behind me since long, I thought I’d already made being “this way” a part of me. I even thought I’d convinced myself that this is how it’s supposed to be, every girl, woman, mother should naturally move the air and attention wherever she goes , and unbidden , to aim direct all the energy she generates towards herself. So why do I form these sentences , why do I feel like I have to mention it? Perhaps because it doesn’t represent the full picture, because I have a problem with being partially honest.

As if I were an imaginary, perhaps even a real, time traveler, my soul weighs heavily. I feel the envy, the disgust , the reproach that descended upon the girl, woman or mother throughout the eras. I don’t even have to look far back in history to when daring women, willing to use their femininity, empathy and caring side for humanity, lived in a world run by men who primarily branded them as stupid, whores of witches. Not so long ago, girls were branded stupid to prevent them from studying and forced to work on the fields to help hungry families. Mothers who stepped outside the lines drawn by men to provide food for their children within impoverished families were labeled as whores. Mothers who used herbal remedies for the well-being of weakened children or elderly loved ones were labeled as witches. Perhaps a little sense of revenge lurks in my fiery soul, and I try with my appearance to match the fire of the bonfires upon which women were thrown simply for being woman and caring.

Every era has its own injustice towards girls, women and mothers. Perhaps my shamelessness and exuberance are a masked lament and rebellion against all forms and era of violence against the women, including that against myself. I radiate and I sparkle without attaching importance to glam and glitter. The modern world needs my femininity , and I applaud the initiatives that allow mothers to shine and sparkle by building strong networks among themselves. An incredible , never-ending force of nature flows through mothers to their children, and that same mechanism is strengthened when mothers activate themselves in all areas of life, pursuing careers, hobbies , and simultaneously embracing their femininity and each other.

I had to learn this all by myself, the world taught me the complete opposite. Fortunately, there is wisdom in the way life unfolds. After being wronged I learned to observe and encourage femininity for social evolution. I have died internally several times and been reborn again and again, each time as a new me, each time rescued and strengthened by women. I believe in the power of birth and have learned that a birthing experience can make a difference, the intimate connection between mother and child , back to basics. A sacred natural nest of warmth , when this gets disturbed , you shatter into a thousand pieces. Only, those pieces continue to radiate into the darkest recesses of the soul , and thanks to an uncontrolled maternal force they grow toward each other like magnet. I trusted my inner values and my maternal strength, and I made myself strong, but I never wanted to be so strong. It took wisdom and courage to deviate from the beaten path. Thanks to my children and my granddaughter I keep my inherent sense of curiosity and zest for life alive, the fire within me radiates warmth and love, and I shine and I glitter and I shamelessly take up a lot of space.

Eglantina Bodurri

‘But yield who will to their separation,
My object in living is to unite
May avocation and my vocation
As my two eyes make one in sight.
Only where love and need are one,
And the work is play for mortal stakes;
Is the deed ever really done
For heaven and the future’s sakes’.

Robert Frost
Reference work: ‘Het boek der Waarden’, Patrik Somers and Kate Stephenson

Uitgeverij Van Halewyck