Sandra, founder of Ilado Paris and mother of 2

Let me introduce you to the two creators of ILADO Paris maternity jewelry, including the trendy Bola. The Bola is a traditional Mayan jewel. As it gently rolls, it emits a crystalline sound that brings calm and harmony, nicknamed Llamador de angeles (the call of the angels). The Bola was worn by expectant mothers as a good-luck charm. As soon as they were born, lulled by the Bola's familiar melody, newborns were soothed.

Girls, can you introduce yourselves in a few words?

Sandra
I'm 34 years old. I was born in the south-west of France. I spent part of my childhood in Africa with my 3 brothers, then studied in London and Madrid, before moving to Paris with my boyfriend. I worked for L'Oréal for 7 years. When my daughter was born, I decided to leave my job as marketing director to launch ILADO. Today, I'm a happy young mother (Mila is 5 and Paco is 2), and a passionate entrepreneur!

Naïs
I'm 26 years old and I was born in the southwest of France to a French mother and a Thai-Cinese father. I lived in Asia for a few years before returning to France at the age of 5. I developed a taste for handicrafts from an early age, and after studying visual arts, space design and finally jewelry, I made a beautiful encounter, that of Sandra, in May 2017. Since then, I've been part of the great ILADO adventure and proud to be its creator. I'm also proud to be the young mother of Mära, my 1-month-old baby girl.

Tell us about the ILADO adventure?

Sandra
During my first pregnancy, I discovered the tradition of the Bola. I was deeply moved by the beauty and magic of this jewel, whose tiny tinkling connected me to the baby growing inside me. I wasn't really seduced by the aesthetics of the Bolas on the market at the time, so I decided to create my own brand of Maternity Jewelry to bring the benefits of the Bola to modern moms.

Naïs
For me, the ILADO adventure began in May 2017 during my professional retraining in jewelry. I met Sandra after graduating. I'd already known about Pregnancy Bolas for a few years. In fact, I was particularly fond of this ethnic jewelry and wore them even when I wasn't pregnant. I had never imagined that one day I would develop and create maternity jewelry. I took it as a challenge: to give ILADO and this symbolic ethnic jewel a breath of fresh air.

Sandra, why this name?
ILADO is the name of an African peninsula where I spent my vacations as a child. A place synonymous with freedom, discovery and adventure... My state of mind when I set out to create my brand!

Naïs, who is the ILADO woman?
The ILADO woman is a woman who embraces her pregnancy. She's proud of her round belly and her body. She takes care of herself. She's modern, simple and cool. A hint of flirtatiousness, but just the right amount.

Partners in this adventure: who manages what?

Sandra
I'm in charge of ILADO's marketing and sales, and its international development, while Naïs is in charge of artistic direction and collection design. Our duo works very well because we complement each other so well!

Sandra, how have you reconciled your life as a mother with your life as an entrepreneur so far?
After working in the corporate world for 7 years, I realize what a luxury it is to have a flexible schedule! I don't have to ask permission to take a day off, whether to look after my children or simply to have a change of scene and take some time for myself when I feel the need. Being able to choose where I work - close to my home, nursery and school - also means I don't have to take public transport, which is a huge time and fatigue saver! The downside is that the separation between my professional and personal life becomes blurred. It's sometimes hard for me to disconnect: unplugging from Instagram or my e-mails in the evening, or not constantly talking to my husband about ILADO at the weekend.

How do you see it, Naïs?
Even before I got pregnant, I aspired to a job that would allow me to enjoy my children, the famous luxury Sandra talks about. Thanks to this shared vision of motherhood, I was able to live my pregnancy with complete serenity, and I'll live my life as a mother and entrepreneur in the same way.

What's the first thing you do when the alarm goes off?

Sandra
My little Paco wakes up at 6:30 every morning, so I don't need an alarm clock and start the day by reading the adventures of Little Brown Bear or Tchoupi (laughs).

Naïs
I'm still on maternity leave. My alarm clock is 52cm long and still goes off twice a night.

Sandra, 1 word for motherhood?
Wonder.

Naïs, throughout your pregnancy you wore pretty outfits that showed off your belly. Was it important for you to remain feminine?
Very important! I felt it was essential to continue taking care of myself. But we're not all equal when it comes to pregnancy. Mine went really well, and I didn't have any aches or pains. So it's easier to look after yourself when you're not ill or exhausted. I loved being pregnant, I was (inwardly) very proud.

Your beauty routine before and after?
It hasn't changed. A good cleansing and care of the face with natural cosmetics and light make-up.

Your favorite brands?
Eve&Rose skincare for expectant and new mothers, Magnus Makes Three handmade baby accessories,

Sandra, what does it mean to be a good mother?
Trust yourself and listen to your heart! I don't think there's such a thing as a perfect mother, and I think you have to get away from this ideal and simply try to do your best.

Naïs, tell us your bola story?
I started wearing my Bola at the very beginning of my pregnancy. Of course, it couldn't yet have any effect on the baby, but for me it was my lucky charm and my way of making this happy event a reality. I continue to wear it even now that my daughter is born, because I'm imbued with its symbolism.

Sandra, what fundamental values would you like to instill in your children?
Self-confidence, respect for others, a taste for the small pleasures of everyday life...

What do you do to relieve the pressure?
Yoga, meditation or a good romantic series!

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