INTERVIEW | SOPHIE VAN DEN AKKER
Image: Vault Active
BY JESSICA BOSCO
Sophie Van Den Akker has come a long way since the 19-year-old hopeful on Australia’s Next Top Model. Flash forward ten years and the Victorian-born beauty is still modelling (with her career taking her from the ANTM Top 3 to Paris, New York, Berlin and Tokyo) but now she can also add proud mama of two and co-founder of activewear label Vault Active to her resume.
Sophie created Vault Active with her childhood bestie with whom she shared a love of fitness and fashion and a desire to empower both women and men to live fit healthy lifestyles.
We chatted to Sophie about Vault, all things mum-life and how she stays fit and healthy.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what makes you, you?
My name is Sophie Van Den Akker. I worked as a professional model both in Australia and overseas for many years, in New York, Paris, Germany, Tokyo, Berlin, just to name a few.
I am a mother of two beautiful babies, Layla who is 2 and Leo who is 1, who have both taught me more then I could ever imagine.
I run an activewear label called Vault Active, which I started with my long-time friend and now business partner Kate Benden.
Tell us about Vault Active, what is it and what inspired you to start it?
Vault Active is first and foremost a lifestyle brand. My best friend and I always had a passion for fitness and fashion, with our goal to create a product that empowered both women and men to achieve their goals in style.
Living a fit and healthy lifestyle has always been really important to me, and with that came a passion for activewear, so it felt like it was a natural progression to start Vault Active. I have been in the fashion industry for over 16 years, so merging my two passions has always been a goal of mine.
Starting Vault Active also came from a desire to give back to the community. It was our goal to create a lifestyle brand that looks as good as it feels, empowering women to start their fitness journeys and to be comfortable in their own skin. Another aspect of Vault Active that was important to us was to create a product that is made with the most premium of fabrics with an affordable price tag.
You’re a mum of two; can you tell us a little bit about your motherhood journey?
I had my first child Layla in 2017. I look back at everything I have achieved since then and I feel extremely blessed that my body has given me this opportunity to grow and learn from this experience.
Motherhood is the most challenging but rewarding experience. For me, life truly began when I gave birth to Layla and Leo, and every day brings new joys and tears. Nothing can fully prepare you for motherhood, but I strive to take each day with a positive attitude and with an open mind.
How did you find the shift to the role of ‘mum’?
I found the adjustment extremely difficult in some ways, however, I also felt that things came naturally in other ways. What I found particularly challenging was having to be stuck at home and keep myself busy during nap times, however, I took this time to learn new things essential to motherhood such as how to set up a pram or working out how to buckle a baby into a car seat!
What do you find the biggest challenge as a working mum?
The biggest challenge for me originally was learning how to juggle all aspects of my life with now having to juggle two young children. What I have learnt in the past 3 years is to prioritise what is and isn’t important, to have a good time management system and to be organised even in the simplest of ways.
What are your tips/tricks for managing your mum life and work-life?
I work off an excel spreadsheet which has all the kids activities and schedules listed in this. This allows me to allocate time for my children, as well as to ensure I am finding time for myself (which often isn’t really free time at all but work time). My children are my first and foremost priority and their happiness and structure will always come first.
Work and mum life is challenging at times but they give me a purpose to work as hard as I possibly can.
Developing a work-life balance is something that has always been really important to me. I always try and unwind from the day’s challenges. An escape for me has always been running, as it is a time where I feel relaxed and free. My tip would be to develop a routine, prioritise time management on a day-to-day basis and make sure you find your escape as both work and home life can be stressful at times!
How do you think being a mum helps you with work/business?
Being a mum has given me a new understanding and perspective for how to approach everyday life and the challenges that come with it. The knowledge and experiences I have gained through motherhood I’ve found that I can adapt into running Vault Active. I’ve learnt not to sweat the small stuff as much, as well as to better time manage so that when I am at work, I can maximise my time allowing me to be fully present with my children later.
You’re a model as well as a mum and businesswoman, how do you find the time to stay fit?
I make it an absolute priority to exercise as I have found that if I don’t have a physical outlet it affects my physical and emotional wellbeing. Staying fit has always been an important part of my life. As a mother, exercising is something I can make really fun by including my children, this might be going for a run with my baby jogger or even just a stretching session together at home!
What are your favourite exercises/tips for staying fit and healthy?
A big part of staying healthy for my children and myself is to nurture our mental and emotional health along with our physical health. I try to achieve this together with my children by doing yoga and learning Chinese twice a week. Another part of being healthy I find important is ensuring my family eats a wide range of foods that give us the nurturing that your mind and body need on a day to day basis to make sure we are always feeling our best. My favourite exercise would have to be running as for me that is my downtime where I can unwind.
Do you have an ultimate mum-hack?
Snacks, snacks and more snacks! Always having food and water on hand is an absolute must with young children.
I also make sure to pack extra clothes for activities or on any outing so that I am always ready for the unexpected.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt about motherhood?
Being able to multitask is essential! Being a mum, I have to adapt to often doing more than two things at once. Sometimes I find myself on a conference call, making dinner with one hand and a child on my hip with the other.
Do you have any other tips or advice that helps you in your own life?
In our household I have a piece of paper on our wall that has our family values written down, highlighting what is important to us as a family.
I strive to set a positive attitude and to help my children grow with confidence and love.
What is your favourite thing about being a mum?
The unconditional love, joy and laughter I get from my family every day. There truly is nothing better.