Charlotte b123, modern mom and blogger

In this interview, Charlotteb123, mom and blogger, tells us about her life before social media, her journey and her new life with her son Albert.

What did you do before you were an influencer?
I did what I still do now: I worked as an auxiliary nurse. I first worked in obstetrics for eight years, at the CHUL in Quebec City. For almost a year now, I’ve been working at Prenato, a perinatal screening clinic.

How did you get the idea of taking the plunge into social media?
Actually, I fell into it a little by accident. I have always had a passion for photography. I first discovered this platform with the goal of creating a little photo album for myself and, in time, it became rather public. I was surprised by how much I loved sharing my daily life, my travels, my discoveries, my favorites, and my interior design ideas. I also take great pleasure in interacting with the people who write to me.

Briefly tell us about your journey
I’m from France and I moved to Canada with my parents when I was still very young. Until the age of 18, I went away every summer with one of my sisters to spend my vacation with my grandparents in France. I don’t know if all of those plane trips are the source of my need for travel, but I found I have a passion for discovering other countries. Then the years went by, as I explored multiple places around the world in different ways, from humanitarian trips to all-inclusive ones or backpacking ones, all the while studying and starting my career at the hospital. I also, though all this, met the man who I’ve been sharing my life with for 12 years now. We kept traveling whenever we had a few weeks off, until we had to take a break to welcome our first child, Albert. This has probably been the most beautiful adventure of our life to date. We also recently moved into our first home, totally built by my boyfriend. Which brings us to today: passports in hand, we are ready to live the next adventure life has in store for us!

What is the place of social media in your life?

I try, as much as possible, to live a moment in the present before I capture it in photos. I try to change the way I use my platforms. I don’t want to use them less, but rather choose the moment I use them better to be fully present in life events. 

I would say I mostly use Instagram for inspiration. Whether it’s texts that appeal to me or images that speak to me or even home decor ideas, I draw my inspiration from them without feeling like I’m comparing myself to what others do or what they have.

What do you love most and least about social media?

Sometimes, I get the impression that people forget that social media doesn’t always represent real life. The fact that my house isn’t always Pinterest-style, that I also have dishes that need cleaning or clothes that need folding. It’s important for people to understand that we show beauty to inspire. Where would we find style or decor inspiration if we only showed how dirty our house is?!

What I love the most, though, are the exchanges that take place on the platform and the relationships I create there. I made wonderful friends thanks to Instagram. Every day, I talk to girls that are going through the same things and the same moods as I am! It’s so reassuring and energizing to know that we aren’t alone.

Is it stressful being followed by over 10 000 people? How do you balance it with your family life?
No, not at all. What I find the most difficult (as a perfectionist) is not always having the time to answer every comment or message I get. I try so hard not to be on my phone when I’m with my son. I don’t want him to get the image of his mom always on her cell… So, it’s mostly when he’s sleeping that I take the time to answer my messages.