Image copyright Ellen van Bennekom for VogueNL
We recently had the honour of meeting Anna van den Bogert, founder of Artipoppe, and were impressed by her story and visionary business.
'Artipoppe stands with women, stands for mothers being able to move freely in the world. That’s what Artipoppe represents literally: keeping your precious one close to your skin and heart in a carefully crafted baby carrier. The child feeling safe and protected, enveloped in softness, while the mother makes her way in the physical realm without having to think twice about it.'
Besides running her successful business, Anna is a mother of 4, living on a farm in the Netherlands. We love her all-round beautiful outlook on life and were so excited to sit down with her and ask her some questions to share with you.
Do you believe you have found your purpose, if so would you mind sharing it with us?
Yes I do believe I have found my purpose. I discovered my purpose as soon as I became a mother and got overwhelmed by the immense distance we as "civilised" humans took from our nature with regards to anything motherhood related and felt a strong urge to do something about that.
Do you remember the moment when you first had the idea to start Artipoppe? What led you there?
At the time I started Artipoppe I didn't yet link it to my purpose, but created it to fill my personal longing for an aesthetically pleasing babywearing item. It was driven by my second child who was extremely hungry for close contact with me 24/7. She forced me into non-stop wearing her and I just wanted to keep my identity as it was quite intense to have her struck to my chest or back at all times and I felt "making it fashion" would help me maintain a sense of "me".
Where would you like to see your business growing to?
I would love to see my business grow into a strong global community, where women empower and support each other and feel connected.
What is your morning routine?
I have four children so my morning is focused around getting them ready to go to school. I try to awaken mindful, and set an affirmation for the day as I wake up. I also try not to dive into social media straight after waking up but refrain from my phone in the first 20 minutes (at least). After showering I drink a glass of water with Sakara Beauty Drops, a supplement of ionic minerals that give me a kick-start. Once the children are in school I take care of my horses and then I drive off to the Artipoppe office. I have a coffee and usually have my first food (a smoothie) around 11am.
Yes I do believe I have found my purpose. I discovered my purpose as soon as I became a mother and got overwhelmed by the immense distance we as "civilised" humans took from our nature with regards to anything motherhood related and felt a strong urge to do something about that.
Do you remember the moment when you first had the idea to start Artipoppe? What led you there?
At the time I started Artipoppe I didn't yet link it to my purpose, but created it to fill my personal longing for an aesthetically pleasing babywearing item. It was driven by my second child who was extremely hungry for close contact with me 24/7. She forced me into non-stop wearing her and I just wanted to keep my identity as it was quite intense to have her struck to my chest or back at all times and I felt "making it fashion" would help me maintain a sense of "me".
Where would you like to see your business growing to?
I would love to see my business grow into a strong global community, where women empower and support each other and feel connected.
What is your morning routine?
I have four children so my morning is focused around getting them ready to go to school. I try to awaken mindful, and set an affirmation for the day as I wake up. I also try not to dive into social media straight after waking up but refrain from my phone in the first 20 minutes (at least). After showering I drink a glass of water with Sakara Beauty Drops, a supplement of ionic minerals that give me a kick-start. Once the children are in school I take care of my horses and then I drive off to the Artipoppe office. I have a coffee and usually have my first food (a smoothie) around 11am.
How important is self-care to you, and do you often implement it into your regular rituals?
Self-care is a vital element in my life. I spend a lot of time working on my body and mind through meditation, movement, breathing exercises, massages and creating all kinds of circumstances that get me in this alpha brain wave state. It is an ongoing and daily practice and one of my absolute priorities.
Has there been a profound event in your life that has changed your path and mindset?
Definitely. I haven't always lived as mindful as I previously described. My intense lifestyle led me into a herniated disc last year and forced me into considering myself.
What is your top tip to practice balance during uncertain or stressful moments?
Instead of being soaked up into the stress, take a step back through breathing and preferably meditation. It will help you control almost any situation where emotions take over your system.
What are some of your favourite ways to wind down?
I love to walk in nature, also I am hooked on experiencing a deep meditation state.
Share with us a quote that inspires you.
“The plain fact is that the planet does not need more successful people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every kind. It needs people who live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these qualities have little to do with success as we have defined it.” — David W. Orr, Ecological Literacy
Who inspires you? (does not need to be famous)
Our "friend in common" Jeanne de Kroon, founder of Zazi Vintage, is of very valuable inspiration to me at the moment.
Do you use turmeric? If so, what is your favourite way to use it, be it in your beauty regime or food recipes?
Yes I do. I use Wunder Workshop Turmeric CBD daily, also I add a spoon of one of your "super powders" to my smoothie often. During the colder season I make a tea of fresh turmeric, lemon and black pepper and I drink hot water with half a spoon of turmeric honey every afternoon. Also I add dried turmeric to many of my food recipes. Do I start looking yellow already?