Fashion
A DAY IN THE LIFE: MONIKA & VINKA
Introducing A DAY IN THE LIFE where we spend a day out with friends and muses of the brand. In honour of Mother’s Day, model and content creator Monika Radulovic shares with us the special moments she enjoys with her mother Vinka and son Mateo.
MONIKA, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Monika and I’m based in Sydney. I originally got my honours in psychology, then was a full-time model until becoming Miss Universe Australia which ultimately led me down the path of becoming a content creator and influencer. I love what I do and it also allows me to be flexible in my work which is necessary as I’m also a mama to two sweet boys; Luka, three, and Mateo, nine months.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR MUM AND THE RELATIONSHIP YOU SHARE.
My mum Vinka is an incredible woman. She is intelligent with a wicked sense of humour and she embodies strength, resilience, kindness and wisdom. She’s always the first person I call for advice and knows exactly what to say to calm me down in any given situation. We’ve been close my whole life. I’ve been told that I was absolutely attached to her hip as a child and we’ve maintained that through to adulthood. My mum is truly my best friend. I’m beyond blessed to have her and our relationship.
She’s [Mum’s] always the first person I call for advice and knows exactly what to say to calm me down in any given situation. ”
Monika Radulovic
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WAYS TO SPEND TIME WITH YOUR MUM?
My mum shows her love by cooking us amazing meals and is known to be in the kitchen all day sometimes. So, there’s nothing I love more than treating her to a nice brunch out where she can get dressed up, relax and let someone else take care of the cooking for a change!
We also love heading out to the markets early on Saturdays and picking up fresh local produce for the week. Our favourite part is definitely the flower market. We spend ages admiring the blooms. We always buy the same bouquets so our homes match - it’s become our little ritual.
And then at some point whenever we’re together we are with my boys. You’ll find us going for a stroll with Mateo in the pram and Luka on his scooter heading to the park or cafe to get coffees and a babyccino. My mum is the most doting grandmother (or baka in Serbian which is what they call her). The boys have no idea how lucky they are.
I love treating her [Mum] to a nice brunch out where she can get dressed up, relax and let someone else take care of the cooking for a change!”
Becoming a mum is like having your heart outside of your body
for the rest of your life.”
HOW HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MUM EVOLVED AFTER BECOMING A MUM YOURSELF?
Absolutely - I knew I was grateful for her before, but after becoming a mum my heart has literally burst with gratitude and love for my mum. When my first child, Luka, was born, mum took a month off work and would come over to my house every single day and cook for us, help with the housework, and assist with Luka so I could rest. She made me feel so supported, loved and held during the vulnerable time of postpartum that I know so many women struggle with. All I have is fond, happy memories of my first weeks of becoming a mama and so much of that is because of her.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?
Motherhood is the most incredible, unexplainable, ever-evolving experience I’ve ever had. It’s true what they say - becoming a mum
is like having your heart outside of your body for the rest of your life. You’re never not thinking about your children, worrying about them and hoping they’re happy and you’re doing an ok job for them. It’s the hardest but most rewarding job I’ve ever had and I’ve found it’s the simplest things that bring me the most joy.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MOTHER’S DAY TRADITIONS?
Thus far we’ve had simple Mother’s Days just spending the day together, having a nice lunch with both sets of our parents- and that’s truly all I need! A few years ago, on Mother’s Day we told our parents we were pregnant with our first child (and their first grandchild) so since then it’s been an even more special holiday for us all.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’D LOVE TO SAY TO YOUR MUM THIS MOTHER’S DAY?
Mama, there are no words that could express the pride I feel to call you my mum, the love and gratitude I have for you. I could never repay you for all you’ve done for me throughout my life, but I’ll strive to every day and hopefully make you proud.
