Hanna Stefansson

Coming home to Hanna and Frederik’s apartment in Copenhagen, you immediately feel that special blend of bygone times and modern design, one that gives a home that cherished balance and comfort. Then, three or four steps in and less than a moment later, there’s the softest sensation, a brand-new baby in the house – the most exquisite feeling of them all. And, just home from daycare a few steps behind is big brother Arne, with a whole day of adventure in his eyes. There’s a love story going on in Copenhagen for sure. And it’s about Hanna, Frederik, Ole, and Arne.

I am … Hanna Stefansson. Mom to Arne (two-years-old) and Ole (three- months-old). My boyfriend Frederik and I have been living in Copenhagen with our sons for a couple of years. I was working as a copywriter and with PR and marketing. Seven years ago, I left my job as marketing manager at Uber to try and see if I could turn my blog and Instagram into a full-time job. Since then, I haven’t looked back. I love being able to set my own schedule and being able to work with something that started out as a hobby.

I love to … Linger over breakfast for hours. One of life’s great pleasures is
to set a big breakfast table with everything delicious from the season and sa- voring the moment without feeling stressed or rushed. It used to be a weekly thing but with two small kids I’m guessing it’s a once-a-year thing from now on. Preferably outside in the sun, with handpicked flowers on the table.

My soul is … Light and happy but with a big scar. My dad died of pancreatic cancer five years ago. He was a firefighter and had the most amazing energy. Suddenly, he started to get massive stomach aches, and a couple of weeks later we found out he had cancer. It came out of nowhere and threw me down a
big black hole. Eight months later, he passed away on a summer’s day in June. I will always live with the grief of missing him. Every day. In the happiest of moments there’s also sadness. He left us way too early, just 54 years old. He would have been the greatest granddad and I’m so sad my sons and boyfriend never got to meet him.

My family is … My world. Growing up with my mom and dad and sister I would often say no to friends in my teenage years just to hang out with my family. The four of us had so much fun, and with them my heart was full. I hope Frederik and I can give our sons that same feeling and the strength that comes with it.

My life philosophy is …

Carpe Diem. As cheesy as it may be, it’s still so true. I try to make every day special in some way – enjoying and making the most of each one. As my incredibly wise friend Sania used to say, “Trust in life and be grateful,” it’s truly the best way to stay positive and open. The week- days are what will become our kids’ childhoods. My children are my everyth- ing. Their smiles make my day, every day. I don’t want to use the word “hard”, but some days can be challenging. I try my best to give them a nice childhood and to provide them with the strength to be who they are meant to be. I try to be patient and consistent. Seeing the world through their eyes is beautiful.

When I’m old …

I want to appreciate the fact that I’m old. Growing old is a nice thing and a privilege. I hope I’ll have a lot of happy memories to look back on and that carpe diem is still my motto in life.

I hate …

Feeling afraid when walking home alone in the dark. All my girl- friends and women I know feel the same, and it’s just so wrong and sad. I hate men. Not all men but some men.

I’m really into …

My boyfriend. Having small kids is definitely a challenge for our relationship but I feel that it has brought us so much closer, and he makes me feel like a teenager sometimes. In a very good way. Love to me is carrying someone’s heart and having it in mind without compromising your own. Love with chemistry is the most amazing thing.

I never took getting …

Pregnant for granted. I’m so grateful for it and for what it’s given me. Carrying two kids and giving birth twice has been the coolest experience. I loved being pregnant and watching my belly expand. And during labor, I was so calm, trusting my body to know what to do. I’ve tried to treat my body well, never smoked cigarettes or tried drugs. But I eat a lot of sugar, probably too much, because I’m still a child in so many ways, and since getting pregnant with Ole I haven’t really worked out. I will try to take better care of myself in the future and that includes at least one massage a month.

My happy place …

Is Bornholm. Frederik’s parents’ have a summerhouse there. I get so calm seeing the sun rise and set on that beach.
When I need strength … I call my sister. She’s my best friend and talking to her always makes everything feel better. She’s so smart and kind and she knows me inside out.

I always dream about …

Traveling. I used to travel so much a couple of years ago, unpacking one bag while packing another. I know I’ll never travel like that again – for several reasons – but when dreaming I dream about visiting our friends Babba and Carl in NYC, a weekend trip to Florence, Lisbon, Marseille. And right now, a big empty beach, somewhere where it is warm, with my three boys would make my heart happy. I love to daydream and manifasting your dreams and wishes out loud makes some of them come true, right? Earlier in life I was really determined to become an actress. I still have a dream about that.

I recommend …

That everyone should move to a new city. Moving from Gothenburg to Stockholm and then to Copenhagen really made me grow. It’s not easy but it can be so rewarding.

My message is …

To have fun and make people smile. Not so deep and cultured maybe, but still important, I believe. I often hear, “Hanging out with you gives me so much energy”, which is truly the best compliment ever. Also, when it comes to clothes, I think I make the people I meet a little happier with my style, especially when I’m wearing color. A smile is contagious, so pass it forward. Maybe you can change someone to feel better.

If I could I would …

Make all the leaders of this planet female. I really believe the world would be a much better place.