Braavhearts
#Braavheart: Caroline Driessen
Mother of 2, loving wife and proud owner of the popular clothing shop Caro Herentals, how on earth do you combine this? Let's have a chat with Caroline and tease out her insights.
Can you introduce yourself and what you do in a few sentences?
Alohaaaa! My name is Caroline Driessen. I’m a mother of two little rascals: Philip, who is 2 years old and a little baby girl Coco who is 3 months. I'm the proud shop owner of Caro Herentals since seven years. I opened the shop when I was only 21 years old, realizing I wasn't a great student and knowing all along I wanted to do something around fashion.
On a personal level, I am the wife of the best husband Anthony. It. felt like love at the first side and I'm still not over the fact that I can be part of this cool tribe we created together.
Do you have some sort of life motto of any kind?
Mmmh, maybe it’s "Good vibes only"? I’m not quite sure, I am really optimistic and loving life and everything about it. Or maybe more simply put: "Don't worry, be happy".
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
Am I supposed to say ‘through a good workout’ right now? (laughs) Not really. For me, it's hard to choose between a relaxing massage or vegan peanut chocolate Ben & Jerry’s, to be honest!
If you could give a one ultimate tip to other ambitious women, what would it be?
Always be yourself. It’s very important to be true to who you are. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Deep down you know what you want to do and how you want to do it. If you want to dive in headfirst, go for it, don’t hesitate!
If you’re rather chill and easy-going, that’s fine too. You will get there in your own time and your own way.
How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I try to keep my mind where I am at that time. If I’m with my kids, I don’t think about my shop. They get my full attention. If I’m at work, I try not to think about my kids (which is easier said than done). But I do get a lot of stuff done while I’m in my shop.
And of course, there are a times that I’m bring my kids with me to work. For example, my oldest - now 2,3 years old - was in every single buying appointment for the shop. He helped me pick out all the nice things for my sweet customers (winks). I love to involve them. We’re like a pack: better together.
What brings you peace after a hectic day?
Right now I’m falling asleep with my 3-months-old baby girl Coco drinking from my breasts. Kind of the best feeling in the world.
What’s your favorite sport?
Running after Philip 😂 ! And I love to kickbox. It’s the only sport I actually like doing... and I wish we lived by the ocean. I could definitely swim all day!
What are your professional objectives for the future?
I’m super happy where I am at the moment. I’m lucky I can combine mom-life with the store because we get great help from both sides of the family. Often people ask me to open another store, or maybe a men or kids department, but I’m really cool with how things are right now... I can say I’m proud of what I created.
Which book do you think is an absolute must-read for our Braavheart community?
So, I think the last time I read a book I was still in high school, But I can advise you to watch is Cowspiracy on Netflix. It changed my life.
Who do you think should be in our #Braavhearts section?
Noémie & Mercedes, the founders of the brand Sea Me Happy! I Love these girls and everything they achieved.
