In honor of Mother's Day, we're pleased to present the story of a Mother & Woman wonder! Sonia became pregnant at the age of 19 and decided to keep her daughter. Her life changed overnight, but she has no regrets about her choice. despite sacrifices. She stopped going to school, faced up to other people's opinions, started working and did everything she could to make sure her daughter didn't miss out on anything. Fortunately, she can count on the support of her family and the presence of her father. 13 years later, Sonia is blossoming. Ella has rebuilt her life. She's the mother of a teenager and a 6-month-old baby. She has resumed her studies and co-founded a graphic design studio. She proves that there's no age limit to becoming a parent, retraining or finding your soulmate. Her story is an example of strength, courage and love that we wanted to share with you. Happy reading.

Sonia, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I'm 33 years old. I'm originally from Spain, but as I was born in Geneva, I'm a true Genevan at heart. I'm co-founder of a graphic design studio, Studio BAD, a trainer of graphic design interns at the DIP and I also do a lot of substitute teaching in graphic design and typography classes. I am the proud mother of 2 children, Zoé who is 13 and little Matis who is 6 months old.

You got pregnant at 19. What was your first reaction?
I quickly told my mother, in whom I have great confidence. Despite a few moments of doubt, deep down I knew I had to have the baby. Fortunately, Dad was and still is part of the adventure.

How did you deal with becoming a mother while still a student?
I quickly stopped my studies. I realize now that it may have been because I was afraid of being judged. My daughter wasn't yet 3 when I separated from her father. I had primary custody of Zoé, so I was in charge of most things.

Becoming a mother at such a young age, what was the hardest part?
I think people didn't take me seriously and didn't believe I could do it. As soon as I gave birth in the maternity hospital, I felt I was being treated like a child. There was also a total gap with my friends at the time, as if I'd grown 10 years in 9 months.

What has early motherhood taught you?
Wow, a lot! First and foremost to be strong, no matter what the obstacles. I never gave up. Motherhood also taught me that I'm capable of multi-tasking, whether at home, at work or in my head. Above all, it has taught me about unconditional love.

In the early years, how did you combine life as a mom with your professional life?
When Zoé was a few months old, I very quickly started working at the Coop to earn an income and be able to leave my parents' house. I finally moved out shortly after my daughter's first year. I still worked 6 days out of 7 for 5 years, earning around CHF 2,100 a month... I often had to tighten my belt, but my daughter never lacked for anything.

Did it get easier once your daughter started school?
I was lucky enough to get a nursery place very quickly, so the pace didn't really change once she started school.

Mom solo, are there any positive points?
Yes, I think there are. You make decisions without having to argue or fight with anyone. You become very close to your child and you make educational choices according to your own values.

Your daughter is now a 13-year-old teenager. What's your relationship with her? How does she feel about having a young mother?
Zoé and I are very close and very close. She's an extraordinary teenager. She's polite, bright and funny. I'm so proud of her. I think she's quite happy to have a young mom. Although ever since I turned thirty, she's been calling me old (laughs).

Are you a mother hen, cool, strict, friend, accomplice?
I think the two adjectives that best describe me are fun and demanding.

Where did you find support/comfort in difficult times?
A lot from my brother and my best friends. My mom too, but I preferred to keep her as far as possible.

What would you say to young mothers going through what you've been through?
Trust yourself. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it, and above all, enjoy every happy moment with your child.

Today, you're no longer a single mother. You started a new life 10 years ago with Mickaël, and you now have a 6-month-old son. Can you tell us more about this?
10 years ago, although I had no intention of getting married, I met Mickaël on vacation in the South of France. A passionate encounter! Thanks to his encouragement, I was able to go back to school and get to where I am today. We're inseparable, and he's a real pillar in Zoé's and my lives. Initially, we didn't want children, but 9 years later, we've changed our minds.

How is this maternity hospital different from the first?
I'd like to say everything! Physically, I had a more than perfect birth in 1h30, with the baby in my arms, no epidural, no screaming and full consciousness. The next day, we both left the maternity ward in great shape. Psychologically, I feel much more serene and confident in my role as a mother.

Today, have you found your life balance? Do you feel fulfilled in your life as a wife and mother?
I think we all strive to improve our balance throughout our lives. It's obvious, I'm feeling better and better, and the arrival of Matis brings even more love into my life as a mother.

How do you organize your daily life between work and personal life? Where do you stand in your professional life?
Pfff... Organization is a real headache for me! I'm a graphic designer in my studio all year round, a trainer 6 months a year and I fill in whenever the opportunity arises. So I'm running from job to job all week long, and to spice things up, I'm doing a typography diploma on Friday evenings and Saturdays, with the aim of becoming a graphic design teacher. In the midst of all this chaos, I organize myself to prepare meals for the whole family, I do most of the housework, I'm also in charge of the administrative side of things, all the while continuing to breastfeed and making a point of spending time with my daughter.

If you had to define motherhood in 3 words?
Love, evolution and sharing.

On the occasion of Mother's Day, what message would you like to pass on to all (future) mothers?
Live in the moment with your children, laugh together, share, and when the hard times come, remember all those magical moments. A child's smile is the confident mirror of a mother's love.

Sonia, what's the best thing we can wish you today for tomorrow?
A place in a crèche without hesitation, and may my little family be grateful every day for the beautiful life we've built together.