Cover mom interview met Melissa Van Hoydonck

For readers who are just getting to know you, who is Melissa beyond the spotlight?

Hello to all the Glam Mom Magazine readers. I am a real family person; family is my priority. I truly love calmness and peace, although with a two-year-old daughter and two additional children, that can sometimes be a challenge. I do enjoy a bit of glitz and glamour, but behind the scenes and in my free time, I also love being a comfy, relaxed mom!

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in five years, both personally and professionally?

In five years, I hope to have a less hectic life, with a healthy work–life balance in my personal life. And hopefully a lot more time in the sun!

Motherhood is a big part of your life. How has your daughter influenced the woman you are today?

Victoire has completely changed me. She has made me a stronger person and, in general, also a more emotional one. She has also made me a much happier person. She is the light of my life, and thanks to her, I enjoy life so much more. Because of her, I hardly feel the desire to leave the house anymore, I simply want to spend as much time as possible with my family.

You’ve experienced fame through The Real Housewives of Antwerp. How would you describe that journey, and how has it changed your life?

Becoming more well-known through a television program hasn’t changed much in my private life. Of course, when you walk down the street, you immediately notice that people recognize you or want to take photos. But you just accept it, and I try to enjoy it, even when I’m having a bad hair day!

You’re also an entrepreneur with your own wine brand, La Petite Victoire. What inspired you to create it, and what makes it special to you?

The name La Petite Victoire carries the name of my daughter and means ‘my little victory’. I had such a long wish to have a child, and when Victoire came into the world, that truly felt like my victory… that’s where the inspiration for the name came from. And wine – well, because I do enjoy a nice glass every now and then!

You’re often seen as a style and lifestyle icon. When you notice other women drawing inspiration from you, does it feel flattering or overwhelming at times?

Absolutely! I always see it as a huge compliment, and I truly enjoy it every time I notice that I can have a positive or fun influence on someone’s life.

Who or what inspires you the most, and why does that inspiration resonate so deeply with you?

The recently deceased Brigitte Bardot has always been a huge inspiration to me. Not only was she incredibly beautiful and a talented actress, but she was also a strong advocate against animal cruelty and has done so much for animals. That is something that is also very close to my heart and something I try to support and stand up for as well.

What dreams or goals are you most focused on achieving in 2026?

Working hard! Selling a lot of rosés. And continuing our search for the perfect little home on the Spanish coast, where we hope to spend our winters in the future.

 If you had the power to change one thing in the world today, what would it be and why?

I would tackle the suffering of children and animals, the two most vulnerable groups on our planet deserve much better protection.

Finally, how was your experience working with the Glam Mom Magazine team, and what does being featured here mean to you?

Amaaaazing!!! I felt incredibly honored to be asked to be part of this. It was such an amazing team to work with strong women one by one, who fully support each other and only want the best and the most beautiful things for one another. A super close-knit team filled with wonderful people!