Anabelle: Balancing all her roles

In the soft, sunlit ambiance of Marseille, NOO and talm have come together to celebrate the multifaceted nature of women. Together, we've envisioned a series of intimate, genuine, and sensitive portraits. Stories of motherhood, body, transmission, love, and freedom. We've listened to those who give life, seek themselves, and reinvent themselves, each day a little more.

Through their gazes, their silences, their words, they share a unique testimony. That of a multifaceted, evolving, and embraced femininity. A sincere tribute to all women, to all mothers.

For this series, we met Anabelle. A nail artist and young mother, she embodies a sensitive and confident motherhood, filled with doubts, strength, and beauty. She speaks to us with sincerity about the maternal bond that sometimes takes time to form, the fear of losing oneself, but also the regained pride: that of remaining fully a woman while becoming a mother.

Anabelle, who are you today, in a few words?

I'm a nail artist based in Marseille for a few years now, and the mother of a little girl, Max, who is a year and a half old.

Before her birth, my profession held a central place in my life. I was deeply invested, almost a workaholic. Then there was my relationship, a deep bond with my partner of seven years.

Today, I am all of that: a loving woman, a passionate artist, a mother learning each day, trying to maintain balance between all these parts of me.

Your pregnancy wasn't planned, but you say it became the fruit of your love. What did this decision transform in your relationship?

It's true, it wasn't planned. But when we found out I was pregnant, it felt like an obvious choice.

We were deeply in love, so we immediately felt ready to embark on this adventure. What mattered to me was forming a true team.

And that's what we did. We've always been pillars for each other, and I never doubted he would be the perfect father for our child. This choice didn't create love between us; it strengthened it.

You experienced a very beautiful, almost luminous pregnancy. What did you love about this transformative period?

The power of my body overwhelmed me. I didn't expect to feel such well-being during this time.

I felt strong, aligned, fulfilled. In fact, I was comfortable in my skin, better than ever. There was something very sensual, almost sacred, about this transformation. I felt beautiful, alive... and even a bit sexier.

Can you tell us about your childbirth experience and your postpartum period?

The childbirth went very well. But then, everything happens very quickly.

You become a mother in an instant, without a manual. Your body is still marked, hormones play tricks on you, and you must already take care of a little being you don't yet know.

It was a very intense moment. I was there, facing my daughter, but without immediately feeling that bond everyone talks about. And I felt guilty for not experiencing it "properly."

You say the bond with your daughter took time to form. Can you tell us about that pivotal moment when love appeared?

Yes, it was about twenty days after her birth. We were alone at home. She was crying, inconsolable, and I was completely overwhelmed.

I turned on the speaker and played a song I really like: Pink + White by Frank Ocean. And there, at the first note, I felt something.

I looked at her, she looked at me. It was silent, suspended. In her eyes, I felt a connection. It was at that precise moment that love was born.

In your story, there's a lot of sincerity, and sometimes solitude. Did you feel guilty for not feeling what is expected of a "good mother"?

Yes, a lot. Because we often hear that maternal love is immediate, instinctive, almost magical. And I didn't feel it right away.

It was anxiety-inducing. I felt like I was missing something, that I wasn't "normal." I kept this feeling to myself, waiting for that famous turning point.It eventually came, but I believe we should tell women that it's normal if it takes time.

You're a very dedicated, passionate, and artistic woman. Did you fear that motherhood would take something away from you?

Yes, clearly. I feared losing myself, becoming only "mom."
During pregnancy, we receive so many opinions, often negative: "You'll see, your life will completely change," "You won't be able to do anything...". But once Max arrived, I understood that it wasn't necessarily true. Yes, the first months are intense. But once you find your routine, everything calms down. And above all, you're not obliged to erase yourself.

Today, you’re a mother and a business owner. How do you manage to juggle both worlds?

It took time, but I’ve found my rhythm. It took me years to build my own path, and I’m proud of where I am today.
My work is part of my balance. I need it to feel good mentally, and that allows me to be a fulfilled mother.
Being self-employed and running my own salon gives me real freedom. I can organize my days, split my time between my baby and my passion.

You often mention your partner as a pillar. What difference does it make to be so well supported in motherhood?
It changes everything. It’s reassuring to have a shoulder to lean on, to be able to take turns and share responsibilities.
But beyond that, it’s beautiful to see him thriving in his role as a father. He’s fully involved, naturally, and genuinely wants to be just as present as I am in raising our daughter.
It’s a true partnership. And that’s what makes this journey so much smoother.

If you could speak to the woman you were before becoming a mother, what would you tell her?

I would say: don’t worry.
Follow your instincts, and don’t let negative voices overwhelm you.
And if you feel well supported, move forward with confidence. Communicate, and be kind to yourself.

Credits : Yosra Far, for NOO and talm