I'm delighted to finally introduce you to this incredible woman who has become a precious friend over the months. Every day, with passion and talent, she's at the helm, putting her customers in the spotlight in the best possible way. Today, the roles are reversed and it's her turn to be exposed. Meet Mélanie, entrepreneur, wife and mother of two.

Mélanie, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I've been in a relationship for 10 years and married for 5 to Mathias, Alexis' father. I was born and raised in Geneva, where I studied international relations. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree, I quickly started working, first at Cargill, where I also took a Master's degree in communications, then at Deloitte as a communications officer for financial services in French-speaking Switzerland. 2 years later, I wanted to do something different and resigned. I quickly got my first freelance assignment, then another and another. Confident, I finally took the plunge and created agence ME 3 years ago.

You're the proud mother of 18-month-old Alexis. How do you feel?
Hyper well, despite a rather rocky life between my son, my husband, my dog and the agency (laughs). Fortunately, I like things to move around, but I have to admit that the arrival of a child is a huge upheaval. As positive as it is, it takes a little time to get used to things and find a rhythm.

You're what they call a mumpreneur. What are your ingredients for reconciling your personal and professional life?
Honestly, I'm still looking for the miracle recipe, which I don't think exists. The major advantage of having my own company is the flexibility of my schedule. I can organize my customer appointments around the nursery's schedule, then compensate by working late in the evening. On the other hand, I don't have a fixed salary or a regular schedule. I often take on one assignment after another at a crazy pace, then it's quieter for a while, then the crazy pace starts all over again! You have to hang in there, but I wouldn't go back for anything in the world.

Nanny or crèche?
Crèche 1000%. As it was impossible to find a place in a public nursery, we decided to enroll her privately. I'm convinced that contact with other children is a good thing. In any case, Alexis loves it. He's there every day except Wednesday and Friday afternoon.

Why Alexis?
Mathias and I have always been fans of this name, so it was easy. Charismatic & strong character. Just like our son (laughs).

If you had to define motherhood in 1 word?
Overwhelming.

Cool vs. uncool during pregnancy?

Cool: that inexplicable feeling of carrying life. You feel your child moving and it's crazy. The first ultrasound, a very moving moment. I'm also aware of how lucky I was to have a pregnancy that went well, with no complications.

Not cool: physically it's still hot. Nausea, water retention (I gave birth in July) etc. I didn't particularly LOVE being pregnant.

Sport or no sport? Fitness secrets during and after pregnancy?
(Laughs) Hmm, so during pregnancy, I totally let myself go and gained 25kg! I was hungry all the time and didn't do any sport. After 3 complicated years to get pregnant, I preferred to be very cautious for fear of complications and losing my baby. Having had a caesarean section, I didn't start exercising straight away, but I did a lot of walking with Alexis in the baby carriage. Now that I have a MotherStories Premium subscription, I'll be able to take up yoga (smile).

Do you have a special beauty routine during and after pregnancy?
During pregnancy, I couldn't stand any products except La Roche Posay creams. I was all about the face and therefore make-up (laughs). After the birth, nothing special. Above all, I had to reclaim my body. Being an entrepreneur, I didn't really have any time off, so taking care of myself wasn't easy. My absolute priority was to manage to reconcile everything and enjoy the arrival of Alexis in the family.

Your favorite childcare products?
Stokke 's modular highchair is great when you have a dog! I still use it today, as it grows with your child. I also love Mustela and La Roche-Posay products. Fisher-Price Little People toys and the Bugaboo stroller.

Any tips for Kids Friendly restaurants or cafés?
Haven't found one yet, so I'd love to try one if possible, but I'm also dog Friendly (misery).

What are your family weekends like?
We get up early... very early! On Saturday mornings Mathias looks after Alexis so I can get some sleep, and on Sundays it's the other way round. We go to the market because I like to cook fresh fruit and vegetables, and then to the park because Jazz (our second child) also needs to exercise. One looks after BB1 and the other BB2 (laughs). We're very much a family. I'm lucky enough to have my parents and sisters close by, who come to see us often and are always okay to look after Alexis if need be. Mathias' parents are in Lucerne.

 

"We do the best we can, which is already pretty good! 

 

To relieve the pressure, what do you do, where do you go?
A romantic restaurant. We have an incredible babysitter who Alexis has known since he was born.

The comment that annoys you most as a young mother?
The ones about the fact that I have a big dog that could potentially attack Alexis and that I should keep a better eye on... Arghhhh! All the "you should do like this or like that". It's hard enough being a young mom. The person who knows Alexis best is me. Method: ignore and change the subject.

Would you have any advice for mothers-to-be?
Go at your own pace, trust yourself and above all don't compare your child with others, because they're all different. The pressure put on mothers is enormous and unjustified. We do the best we can, which is not bad at all!

A particular weakness?
Chocolate and a good glass of white wine.

Your good resolutions for 2018?

1. Be more zen because stress all the time.

2. Getting back into sport in earnest.

3. Continuing to enjoy family time.

Your dream?
For my son to grow up healthy and happy.