TV presenter Katja Mia and her mum Carinie have a very close bond but that doesn’t mean they agree on everything
How would you describe your relationship with your mother?
We’ve a very close relationship. It’s definitely gotten stronger the older I’ve gotten because I see my mum more as an individual now and as a fellow woman, instead of just “Mum”. I empathise with her a lot more and understand her and that’s probably because I see a lot of myself in her now. We’ve a lot of the same mannerisms and reactions to stuff, which is a laugh, and I think I get a good bit of my work ethic from her too.
How has that relationship changed since you were a little girl?
As a little girl, I would copy my mum a lot. When I was a tot and I stayed at home with her and younger sister, Fiona, my mum would carry Fiona with a traditional cloth on her back and I’d do the same with my baby doll. My mum would also use natural beauty hacks like putting lemons and cucumbers on her face and I’d do the same but now as I’ve gotten older and tapped into my other passions like beauty and fashion, my mum comes to me for a lot of tips and, dare I say, copy my style! We love going shopping together and I love recommending beauty products and hair looks to her now. We’re basically twins.
Does she do anything that drives you mad?
She is constantly reminding me to do things that she’s already told me to do 1000 times – but it’s cute!
Is there anything that you completely disagree on?
Massages and pets. I know it sounds weird but my mum hates the idea of a massage or a spa day but I can’t get enough of them! And she’s not a fan of pets whereas I’d love to have a furry friend.
What is your favourite childhood memory of spending time with your mother?
Back when she was a stay-at-home mum, when my two older siblings went to school, myself, my mum and my baby sister Fiona would just spend the whole day together. We used to live in Usher’s Quay in Dublin city centre and it would be me pushing the buggy and shopping on Moore Street and Thomas Street. She’d bring me everywhere and then at the end of the day she’d make traditional Burundian food and Burundian donuts, it was so fun!
How has your mother inspired you?
Her work ethic. I have never seen my mum take a day off work apart from the time my grandmother passed away. She is one of the hardest working women I know and she always has the future in mind. She taught me how important planning and savings are and how to carry myself as a woman. I just love her independence and how she is in control of herself – that self confidence is everything to me.
There are lots of different ways to ‘mother’ but would you like to have children of your own?
Yes, I’d love to have children of my own. I’ve always felt very maternal since I was a young girl and grew up adoring my baby cousins so hopefully, one day, I’m lucky enough to become a mum.
What is the best thing your mother has passed on to you?
Her resilience and her BS monitor! That’s enough armour for life.
Why did you want to become an ambassador for the Very x Howrad x Breast Cancer Ireland campaign?
It was an immediate yes! Firstly, throughout my years working in Ireland AM or The Six O Clock Show, Very Ireland has been so supportive in sending me outfits and I’ve always championed them for being a size-inclusive brand. Secondly, once I found out that they were partnered with Breast Cancer Ireland, I wanted to get behind it straight away. Cancer has touched everyone’s lives in some shape or form and I’ve always said if I could play any part in raising awareness or funds for cancer, I would.
How special is it to have your mum as joint ambassador?
It’s just so special. I look up to my mam so much, she’s one of the strongest women I know and working together with her and many other strong women involved in this campaign has been so inspiring.
Katja and her mum Carinie are Ambassadors for the Very x Howrad Studios x Breast Cancer Ireland collaboration, launched in the lead up to Mother’s Day to help fund Breast Cancer Ireland’s life-saving research and national Education & Awareness programmes. Designed using fashion as a force for good, the limited edition pink pyjama sets retail at €35.99 with all profits going directly to Breast Cancer Ireland. Available in sizes 8-24 exclusively on very.ie until sold out!
