Background: Born and raised in Sweden. Her mother from Denmark and father from Mali. She has a background in fashion and worked as material coordinator and design assistant within fashion design. A natural dyer and vintage lover, she founded SACKO and is running an online shop with natural dyed garments and second hand/vintage garments.
Hey Nana, thanks for chatting with us! How are you doing?
Thank you for having me! I would say that I’m ok, not great not bad but simply ok.
2020 has been a year of change for many – what has this year taught you?
Foremost I learned never to take anything for granted, to value even more what I already have, and to remind myself what solidarity means to me. I´m grateful for our health and appreciate my freedom now more than ever. On a more personal level, I felt the need to deal with certain emotions. With the #blacklivesmatter movement and marginalized voices finally being heard, I found myself overblown with emotions connected to being a woman of color growing up in Sweden and how that shaped me into the person I am. I addressed these feelings already as a young teenager but becoming a mother has given me another layer and perspective. It’s been and still is an emotional year for me, but also a year that sparked hope that change is gonna come.
Nana in red nursing dress.
What inspires you?
Charisma! People who dare to stand out and embrace fully who they are. There is nothing more inspiring than to watch someone go their own way and not follow the mainstream. Creatively I´m inspired by nature, anything natural and raw. I love texture and working with my hands. I find myself drawn to neutrals and earth-colored hues.
You’re a working mom, currently running your own business “Sacko”. Can you tell us more?
Yes! I´m primarily a mum but during my maternity leave, I started experimenting with natural dyes remaking my kid's wardrobe and completely fell in love with the beautiful process. Becoming a mother second time around I was very comfortable in my role as a parent and I felt a greater need to do something for myself. Sacko became the perfect outlet for my passion. One thing led to another and I ended up launching my own little shop @shopsacko specializing in naturally dyed & second-hand garments.
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How do you juggle motherhood and working?
I realized quite early on that I should avoid doing too many things at the same time. Trying to work around my kids wasn't harmonious for us. Instead, it created stress and a feeling of not being enough for anyone. I try to plan my time to the best of my ability which means many late nights these days. But when I work, I work, and when I’m with my kids, I´m with my kids, allowing myself to be fully in that moment.
Nana in our nursing dress.
What are some self-care rituals you’ve put into place to balance everything?
I find micro mediation to be very helpful in my everyday life. Practicing deep breathing in the shower, on my way out, or just before going to bed really helps me with stress relief and to clear my head. To feel my best self I also need to be physically active. Hot yoga has been what works best for me.
Let’s talk fashion – what are some of your wardrobe must-haves?
Investing in good quality basics is a luxury to me and it helps me feel comfortable in myself. I´m not a bra girl so investing in the perfect top has been important. I do live in my Boob nursing bra. The soft lyocell jersey feels good on my sensitive skin, the design embraces easy access which is a must when you breastfeed and also the deep v-cut makes me feel so beautiful.
Nana in our nursing bra and maternity leggings.
What does sustainability mean to you?
A lifestyle and something you should be able to maintain long-term. To me it means appreciating what I already have and trying to slow down and minimize my own consumption by only investing in the things I need and will keep forever. It’s also about creating awareness for our kids on how our life choices have an impact on the world. We include them in everything from recycling, what we eat, choosing second hand, how and if we travel, and so on. It’s constant work and a mindset of not using more than you need.
You’re a mom of two - what do you hope to pass on to your children as they get older?
I hope to pass on how to be loving, accepting, and kind. I also hope to pass on the knowledge that they are loved and that they feel confident in living the life that will make them the happiest.
Nana in our Merino wool nursing bra and Merino wool maternity leggings
Lastly, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to expectant or new moms?
Try to listen to that inner voice and trust that you know how to be the best mom to your child. Allow yourself some time transitioning into motherhood and get to know your child and your new self.
Read about other moms we love here!