Moving from NYC to Oslo, how can I keep up my sustainable lifestyle?
The societies we live in gives us different possibilities – and challenges – when it comes to living our greenest lives. Some of my healthy and sustainable habits in NYC will be hard to replace in Oslo. But I’m hoping to find good, or even better, alternatives.
In NYC I lived in the epicentre of health- and green living trends. I woke up to an inbox full of invites to try out new fitness studios, eco concepts and sustainable products.
Vegan slaughterhouses and juiceries are everywhere in NYC. New fusions of fitness classes and wellness concepts were popping up in my nabe all the time. Natural and ethical beauty was hot, so was local produce – and slow fashion.
Living in NYC drastically reduced my carbon footprint. I lived almost car free (a circular uber in pouring rain), I scootered to everything, or used the subway. I shopped package free local and seasonal food. I rented outfits with bicycle delivery at my door. Not just red-carped dresses but also everyday outfits. Vegan meals were accessible, affordable and available for takeout or delivery at every corner.
Back in Norway I wonder how the green shift has manifested in the society. I defiantly need my Norwegian tribes help, to fill me in on everything eco I need to know/see/try/do.
“If it’s footprint minimizing, climate smart, eco-ethical, cruelty-free, holistic, zero waste, vegan, impact positive – I want to know about it”
LindaLike
I want to expand my network of eco minded people and partners. Please send me tips on greenfluencers, farm to table restaurants, ethical fashion brands, vegan skincare, climate reports, farmers markets, sustainability hubs ++
I can’t wait to keep you posted on my eco conscious journey in my new Oslo life. Because the is no planet B..
Tell us about yourself – who are you? What do you work with? Your way there?
I’m Linda – a Norwegian greenfluencer living in NYC. I’m a eco hedonist – convinced that we can enjoy life to it’s fullest and still make a positive difference to human and planetary health.
I´m a wannabe vegan, holistic mama and impact entrepreneur. At @lindalike I promote healthy and sustainable choices for people and planet.
The love of my life is a likeminded entrepreneur, we raise our kids in a home full of ideas and joy of building; lego, each other, texts, brands, companies and a better world.
How I became a greenfluencer.. If you blend a master in social science with working as a model, writer, fitness instructor, change maker and marketing manager – my profile would be a likely outcome.
Is living in NYC better than Norway?
For me, right now, the answer is yes. In NYC I live in the epicentre of health- and green-living trends. Every day my inbox is full of invites to try out new fitness classes, green concepts and eco-products.
Vegan slaughterhouses and juiceries are everywhere. New fusions of fitness classes and wellness concepts are popping up around the blocks. Natural and ethical beauty is smoking hot, so is local produce – and slow fashion.
Living in NYC has radically reduced my carbon footprint. Here I’m car free, I scooter to everything, or use the subway. I shop package free local and seasonal food. I rent most of my outfits, with bicycle delivery at my door. Delicious and nutritious plant-based meals are accessible, affordable and available for takeout or delivery at every corner.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to live where I feel most alive. I love the adrenaline pumping in the streets of New York, the eternal flow of people, power and passion. Being surrounded by the intensity of this city I sense the best feeling of them all; that everything is possible.
You have several engagements in different projects it seems. Tell us a little bit about them?
I have a passion for making things better. To create, develop, upgrade, improve and inspire: little people, myself, brands, business concepts, solutions for a better future.
My latest impact project is called FairPair. I started it when I got to know that one billion people are visually impaired in our world today. This means that 15% of the worlds population cannot effectively learn, or work. FairPair is a response to this problem, funded on a simple idea: buy a pair, give a pair. So when you a buy a @fair_pair, we will donate a pair of reading glasses to someone in need. Twice as nice, right?
You talk a lot about health. Why, and what is health for you?
I grew up on a farm in Norway with lots of fresh air, self grown food and playing in the woods. So being active, close to nature and eating local and real food are values that have stayed with me ever since.
When I was 17 and a gymnast, I had a traumatic neck injury, ending with a diagnosis of being 4% lifelong invalid. Years of back pain and headaches followed. I lost my health and with it, a big part of myself.
The recovering process redirected my life. I learned that for me, health is the most important requisite for happiness. I started @lindalike with a mission to inspire and empower people to make healthy and sustainable choices for themselves, others and our planet.
What is the most important issue today to deal with you think?
Global warming and climate change. The warnings has been very clear, for very long. We know why, we know how, and we know what will happen. We have entered a time of consequences. Still, we do way too little. The greatest treat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
And how could we solve that issue?
The solution is in our habits. We need to make conscious choices every day. Find the right path, choose sustainable solutions, support the ethical- fairtrade production and vote for politicians that fights for a greener future. Our choices impacts our personal lives and the harmony of the world around us. We need to use this awareness to ignite our inner spark and make change.
Transitioning towards healthy diets from sustainable production, could provide relief from some of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges we are facing today. A huge food transformation is needed. It starts with us, and what we choose to eat.
I attended the launch of the new global planetary health diet, at the UN headquarter in NYC. For the first time in history we have a full scientific review of what constitutes a healthy diet from a sustainable food system. The EAT Lancet report tells us what to eat and how to change our food system.
This report fills me with tons of optimism! I highly recommend reading it, as it provides us with the insight and motivation we need to take new steps towards a better future.
What is hindering the change?
Climate change denial. I live in a country where even the President is neglecting the scientific proved global warming.
The next hinder is that people is underestimating their power to make change. If we all make small sustainable steps, together, we can make this world a better place, with a brighter future.
One day, I want to look my grand children in the eyes and say: “Yes, I understood what was happening to our planet, and I did everything I could to change it”
What do you wish from this coming year?
I wish to see a huge wave – a tsunami – of awareness, consciousness and responsibility for our planet. An awakening where people understand the the power is within us. We vote for our future with every choice we make. Let’s care about what we buy, how its made and what its made of. Let’s support people with a mission, products with a good cause, brands with a purpose and companies that gives back. Let’s eat less meat and more plants.
I wish to contribute to this awakening and inspire people to do what they can, with what they have. It is not about perfection. It’s about making better choices.
Where would you recommend a Swede to visit in Norway?
The mountain village of Beitostølen. It is my happy place. I go there to unwind anytime I can. Hiking or skiing in the majestic mountains of Jotunheimen gives me peace in mind. A glass of wine by the fireplace after. Heaven on earth.
A favourite quote to leave us with?
One voice can change the room. Then it can change a city. It can change a state. It can change a nation. It can change the world. Your voice can change the world.
Published in HEYMAMA 2018 – republished at @lindalike 2020
I’m a healthy-lifestyle pro with two energetic kids. My 9-year-old daughter does gymnastics, dance and figure skating. My 7-year-old son plays basketball and ice hockey, and he just started tae kwon do. My job includes testing workouts and studios, plus I’m a certified kids’ gymnastics trainer and general workout-group instructor. I’ve also taught Pilates for years. Needless to say, physical activity is a big deal in our family.
At the start of the year, both of my kids told me they wanted to become stronger, faster and more confident in their chosen sports. My own fitness goals were similar, so we set up a challenge to work out together: one session every day until midwinter recess.
I’m happy to say we hit our goal—and you can do the same with your kids. Here’s what works for us: I let my kids choose from a variety of simple but effective moves to keep things fun. They also love listening to their favorite music during our sessions together. And I believe in keeping things light and silly—a mama’s positive energy is contagious.
I’ve broken down some of our favorite moves below. After completing the warm-up, choose one move from each category, aiming to stay active for about 20 minutes total. That’s all it takes to strengthen your bod and set an awesome healthy example for your kids—the ultimate win-win.
WARM-UP
The grab bag: Do any combination of jumping jacks, high steps and booty kicks. As a variation for big kids, try counting the reps they can complete in 1 minute of each. If your kids are young, try making it a game, shouting “freeze” every few seconds to keep them guessing. Once your tribe is huffing and puffing with pink cheeks and goofy smiles, you’re ready to begin.
THE MOVES: CHOOSE ONE FROM EACH CATEGORY
Upper-body moves
The crab: Sit on the floor with your legs stretched forward and feet hip-distance apart. Place your hands on the floor behind your back with fingers facing hips. Lift hips off the floor and tighten your abs. This intense upper-body exercise also works your core. Try a family game of crab tag!
The Crab
Upward-facing dog: Lie on your belly. Bend arms and place palms facedown on the floor next to your shoulders. Look up, then straighten your arms to raise your chest, pressing palms into the floor and breathing deeply to expand the ribcage. This works the chest muscles and helps build a flexible back.
Upward dogs
Easy-peasy push-ups: Begin in a forward-leaning kneeling position with hands below shoulders, and knees behind hips. Keep your back straight and abs tight. Bend your elbows until your chest touches the floor. Slowly straighten arms to return to the starting position.
Moves for the abs and core
Timed plank: Lie facedown on the mat, then raise your body on your elbows and toes. Keep your back and neck straight, and tighten your ab muscles. Hold plank pose for as long as you’re able. Thirty seconds is a pretty good start for kids (not to mention many adults)—and progress is often quick. After a month, my kids could hold a plank for 2 minutes!
The planking game
Simple sit-ups: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet hip-distance apart. Place hands on the back of your head, with elbows pointing outward. Pull your belly button in toward your spine as you lift your torso to meet your thighs. Return to the starting position…with control. (Kids may need their feet gently held to the mat.)
Leg and lower-body moves
The frog: Stand with straight feet, shoulder-width apart. Squat as low you comfortably can, then jump into the air like a happy frog. Challenge each other to see how many frog jumps can you do in 30 seconds. Try leaping forward and have a frog race!
Tippy-toes: Stand with knees relaxed and feet hip-distance apart. Lift heels from the floor and extend ankles as high as possible. Hold for a few beats, then slowly lower to the starting position. Repeat until you feel the burn in your calves.
Invisible bike ride: Sit on the floor, then lean back on your elbows with palms facedown at your sides. Raise legs so shins are parallel to the floor. Make cycling motions with your legs. Speed it up! Who can make it to the top of the mountain? Who can keep their legs spinning to the end of the song?
Invisible bike ride
Total-body moves
The bear: Place hands and feet on the floor and raise hips to form a bridge. Creep forward like a bear. This strengthening and stabilizing cardio exercise involves nearly all your muscle groups! Make it fun by competing in a bear race around the house.
Downward dog: Kneel, then lean forward with arms outstretched and palms flat on the floor. Lift your hips into the air, straighten your legs and press your heels towards the floor. Push your chest toward your thighs and feel the stretch. Then play! Look between your knees, wag your “tail,” bark, and try holding the pose on one leg.
Tree pose: Stand on your right leg, bend the left knee and place the sole of the left foot on the right inner thigh. Stretch your arms overhead and let your palms meet. Sway like a tree in the breeze while you balance. Repeat on the opposite side.
COOL DOWN
Child’s pose: Kneel on the floor with your bum to your heels. Keeping arms relaxed at your sides, lower your upper body until your forehead rests in front of your knees. Take a few deep breaths.
Having just signed up for a 2700Degree Challenge at the Spark (30 classes in 30 days!), Linda is the perfect yogi to spotlight for the month of March.
Nikki: How long have you practiced yoga and what other forms of exercise do you like to do?
Linda: Before I found YogaSpark last spring, I didn’t really enjoy yoga that much. I thought it was too slow, too spiritual, not very dynamic, and with little workout effect. Then YogaSpark happened. It’s fun, fast, hot, playful, challenging and 100% sweat-dripping. I see rapid progress and improvements. Hot yoga has made me stronger, leaner, more flexible and more self-aware. As a health influencer, I work out almost every day. My job includes testing health trends and new studios, and reviewing workouts. I like to get a good mix of exercises every week, my favorites are hot yoga, pilates, barre, spinning and swimming.
Nikki: What brought you to YogaSpark?
Linda: I was curious to try this new neighborhood studio. I’m so glad I did. This place has got me hooked. The classes always give new challenges as all the instructors have their unique style, so it never gets boring. And! YogaSpark seems to attract my kind of tribe, it’s a strong community of positive, happy, healthy people!
Nikki: You are very active in your community both and an influencer and, of course, as a mom! How has YogaSpark fit into your fun, busy life?
Linda: Hot Yoga has become an important part of my morning routine. After taking the kids to school I head to YogaSpark. It’s 100% me-time, challenging myself and my limitations, always ending up with a smile, ready for a new day.
Nikki: Can you give a word or phrase that describes yoga to you?
Linda: HotYoga is my fix. Battling my own strength and flexibility in the dark heat, does great stuff for my health and happiness.
This interview was published by HeyMama in 2018, republished by @lindalike 2020
You can’t ignore the fact that heymama member Linda Sannesmoen is drop dead gorgeous. But, after spending time getting to know her, she is one of the most inspiring mamas we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing yet. From her traumatic neck injury that redirected her career to her passion for humanitarian efforts like slave trafficking and people who are visually impaired, Linda is one woman who is making big changes for her family and beyond.
We love the care that Linda takes to teach her children to pursue big ideas to the way that she doesn’t take any moment living in the big city for granted. Linda is someone who makes you pause and evaluate your own life path and you know she’d be a cheerleader every step you take. We wanted to know more about how she get’s her days started with her healthy routines but ended up learning so much more about what drives this incredible woman. Read on…
Healthy Routines and Wellness Tips from Linda Sannesmoen
What is your background and how did you become interested in living a healthy lifestyle?
I grew up on a farm in the southern coast of Norway. My childhood was filled with fresh air, local food, and playing, hiking, skiing and riding in the woods. So being active, close to nature and eating local real food are values that have stayed with me ever since.
When I was 17 and a gymnast, I jumped a double salto and landed on my neck. My diagnosis said I had a 4% chance of being a lifelong invalid. From working out 10 hours a week, most of them as an instructor in aerobic, dance and gymnastics, my life came to a halt. The neck injury gave me years of chronic back pain, lack of flexibility and constant headaches. Having two kids only 1.5 years apart added to the challenges. My back health was poor, and affected my life negatively in many ways. I missed living a happy and healthy life without pain.
Then I met the world’s best Pilates instructor, who changed my life. I got hooked on this form of exercise and a transforming rebuilding process started. Improved health led to improved life quality and an urge to help others do the same. I started to teach Pilates and communicate a healthy lifestyle. Last year I started Lindalike where I spread healthy and sustainable lifestyle inspiration. My mission is to empower and inspire people to make informed choices.
Wow! That is such an inspiring story. What time do you wake up? During the week? On the weekends?
I usually sleep seven hours. I get up around 7am during the week, and an hour later on the weekends. I also nap, and I am proud of it! I learned it when I was a full-time student with five jobs (and a neck injury). I took advantage of that nap skill when I had two babies within a short time. Those rests are gold. For yourself, your kids, your partner, your work, let’s just say – naps make the world a better place!
I can still take a nap whenever. I’m gone for 15-17 minutes, then I bounce back with new energy and fully loaded batteries. A nap during the day makes it possible for me to hammer away on my computer for hours into the evening, after the kids have gone to sleep. No guilt or shame, naps are highly effective and personally recommended.
What is your weekday healthy routines like?
I wake up and use a couple of minutes to just listen to the city’s energy outside; it’s contagious, fills me up. I jump into leggings, tank top and warm wool socks. I apply natural face oil on my way to the kitchen. I drink plenty of water and eat some nuts. Then I sip black coffee while I throw greens in the blender. My kids wake up to the sound of frozen mango going smooth.
After taking the kids to school I go for my daily fix: hot power yoga at YogaSpark. It´s 100% me time, where I battle myself and my limitations, always ending up with a sweaty smile, feeling like an explorer that has reached the pole! One shower later I´m ready to deal with anything my inbox has lined up for me.
Do you have any daily mantras or affirmations?
When I grew up, my good old grandpa always made a toast during family dinners. It was a toast that reminded us that the most important thing we have in life, is good health. Life has taught me that he was so right. My neck injury gave me a huge setback and a constant reminder to appreciate and work for good health. When I get sick or over-stretch my hamstring at yoga class for example, my life quality drops for days.
Probably inspired by my grandpa, my daily mantra is: Do more of what makes you healthy and happy. In my everyday life that means; drink smoothies, date nature, stretch the body and mind, eat mostly greens, lift others, smile to strangers and for goodness sake: take a nap!
How do you avoid the morning frenzy and remain calm and centered while getting the kids out the door?
Morning glory is a challenge. My solution has been to be my family’s morning butler for many years. Now I’m slowly tip-toeing out of that role. My kids are getting older and more independent, they’re starting to know what to do, and when, before heading to school.
To avoid morning frenzy, preparation is key. On an ideal day I prepare outfits and backpacks the evening before. I wake up fully rested to an organized kitchen and enjoy my coffee in silence. I put on some chill music and even light some candles, before turning on the blender and waking up my tribe.
Other days, I run around shouting reminders, looking for the lunch box, with smoothie in my hair.
You shared with heymama that you, “raise [y]our kids in a home full of ideas and joy of building; lego, each other, texts, brands and companies.” We find that so powerful. What can other mamas do to follow the same mission?
We live in ever changing times in an ever changing world. l tell my kids that their future profession is probably not created yet. That humans are builders. And that life is similar to lego. We build ourselves, our relations, our work and futures.
As entrepreneur parents, we love to feed our kids the feeling that everything is possible. That we should build the change we wish to see in the world. We emphasize being creative. To be bold. And to dare to risk.
Some people build safe lives, they build their houses with four walls and a dog in the garden. Others build towers, more risky; but that might be worth it. A few go further, invest a lot of time, building skills and creative power to build something no-one has ever seen before. Then they connect their creation with technology, maybe even artificial intelligence.
I want my kids to see that people who build ordinary lives, can live very safe and good lives. But if you want to build something outstanding, you have the freedom to do whatever you want. Then there are a lot of things to be sacrificed. The same goes for friendships, relationships and partnerships. To build strong relations that last needs heart, nerve, focus and dedication.
What supplements or vitamins do you swear by?
I boost my smoothies. That’s because I like the idea that my loved ones have all their nutritional needs covered before leaving our home in the morning. So I add seed oil, super greens and plant based protein powder.
Otherwise I’m a believer in, and promoter of, eating as natural, organic, whole, real food as possible.
You post the most gorgeous smoothies and bowls on your Instagram feed. Do you have a go-to smoothie recipe?
Yes! I call it the Lindalike Rise & Shine Smoothie. It makes four servings and includes:
Organic frozen mango chunks 400g
Organic fresh pressed apple juice 500mL
Organic coconut water 200mL
1 scoop of vanilla yoghurt (makes it even more kid friendly)
1 scoop of supergreens
1 scoop of plant-based protein
1 spoon of flax oil
Directions
Add all ingredients to your blender
Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until it’s nice a smooth
Serve, sip, smile!
It sounds yummy! If you could design your perfect daily menu, what would you eat for…
Breakfast: A green nutrition-dense smoothie (like the one above!) To hydrate and fill up with vitamins, antioxidants, fat, protein and fiber.
Lunch: Salad or bowl. I’m hooked on poke bowls at the moment, with kale, raw salmon and soy-ginger sauce. It’s filling and tasty brain food.
Snack: At home I dip raw greens in guacamole and hummus. With my coffee I enjoy big spoons of peanut butter. On the move I always carry nut milk, raw juice, almonds or energy bars in my purse.
Dinner: Warm soup with greens and herbs, preferably asian and spicy.
Our kids are pretty picky eaters. What do you feed them for breakfast and how do you encourage healthy eating habits?
My kids drink smoothies for breakfast, often accompanied by a whole grain energy bar with nuts and seeds, sweetened by honey. Ideally home made by me, but often bought at Whole Foods.
To encourage healthy eating habits I like to wrap the information into engaging kid-friendly stories. I tell them that the food we eat is broken down to small building blocks, that make up our basis for energy and concentration. That these building blocks are almost like lego, with different characteristics and colors. So if proteins are red, fats are yellow, carbs are blue and vitamins are green, we need to keep our belly colorful.
A colorful meal protects us from intruders (bacteria), keeps us healthy and growing, and keeps our energy and concentration up. The less colorful the meal, the less protection we have against catching a cold, breaking a leg or freaking out over a math problem at school. I also tell them how sugar operates as a thief in our body, which sucks color from the building blocks. That way, sugar is stealing our energy and concentration. And we don’t want that, do we?
What gurus do you look to for inspiration?
One of the most inspiring human beings I know is my mentor and dear friend Morten Hvaal. He is an internationally acknowledged documentary photographer, a biker and a humble gentleman. He’s been working around the globe for 30 years, covering wars and humanitarian crisis. He was always there when it happened. Living on the edge, risking his life for a bigger purpose. Back home in Norway we worked together on a commercial film, he behind the camera, me in front. He came up with the idea to start my healthy lifestyle profile @lindalike, and he became my photographer and partner in this project. There is only one @mortenhvaal, and I am so damn lucky to work with him. Morten’s true stories give me perspectives and insight that enrich my soul and encourage me to be a greater human. I personally recommend to go check out his gallery, follow him – you can even sign up for a photo workshop with him in Sarajevo. It will change your life.
I’m also forever thankful to have met my fitness guru Trine Tchudi. She introduced me to Pilates and a transformation process began. Her customized exercises had a therapeutic effect on my neck injury, which brought me back to an active lifestyle, without pain. I was obsessed with pilates and if it could change my life, it could certainly help others too. I started to teach pilates and witnessed back pain, poor posture and extra pounds disappear from my clients. I got hooked on empowering and inspiring others to make healthy choices.
When it comes to nutrition, my wisdom guru is a Norwegian doctor, author and mother of six kids. I have read everything she has written about health benefits of eating clean natural food. Berit Nordstrand is a fantastic woman and huge contributor to better health in Norway. I highly recommend her books, which are now being translated into English!
Do you see any holistic healers?
Well, I have a new friend who is a holistic healer, and our conversations are very inspiring. She is an expert at helping women discover and explore their life purpose, so they can find meaning and direction in their life. A lot of women go through periods where they seem to have it all (husband, kids, home, career) but still feel unhappy. Emma does one-on-one intuitive empowerment coaching and group classes. She is a coach, mama-mentor, emphatic counselor, speaker and writer. And I’ve just recruited her to the heymama community, go check out Emma Lundwall!
What’s your beauty secret/obsession right now?
No beauty product can do what hot power yoga does! What makes me feel good also makes me look good, as I believe happiness is the most beautiful thing I, and anyone else, can wear. I get out of hot yoga class with a big sweaty smile, feeling like a rockstar.
Before moving to NYC I had hardly put my feet in a yoga studio. I was hooked at pilates and had also taught it for several years. But yoga, nah, too spiritual, I thought. And not very dynamic, to just stand there in a dumb pose for what felt like forever..
Now I’ve found my form and my kind of studio: YogaSpark. It’s hot, fun, playful, challenging and 100% sweat-dripping. Vinyasa flow in a warm room with black light and awesome music. Battling my own strength and flexibility in the dark heat, means I have to keep focusing on my breath to not pass out. That results in an elevated feeling of presence, and a mental break from the big world out there.
And best of all? The rapid progress and improvements. Stronger, leaner, longer. Today I could do a pose that I was not even close to, only two weeks ago. Dealing with my own limits in the heat is definitely my current obsession. It makes me better, inside out.
The owner of YogaSpark, Lauren Porat, has managed to build a strong community of enthusiasts, a happy place that stands out in the NYC yoga jungle. I´m happy that she´s now a new member of our heymama community!
You encourage gratefulness in your family. What specific actions do you take to give thanks?
A couple of years ago I gave my kids their own Thankfulness Diary. Small hardcover books, to collect what they’re thankful for. We write in it together at bedtime. My kids tell me things about their day, they dictate while I write. It’s a great way to sum up and be aware of things that are filling up their minds. The focus is on things they are thankful for that day. Something nice someone said, or did. A new accomplishment. A secret gift they’re making for me at art class. It’s a perfect end to the day, to fall asleep feeling thankful.
I see this bedtime routine as a great opportunity to practice gratefulness. I believe gratefulness is an important life skill for achieving happiness. A magic ticket to stay in touch with your values and not take things for granted. A skill that can be learned, practiced and developed. No one can ever be too grateful.
Your master thesis was about Human Trafficking and you now lead a non-profit project that works for social benefits. Tell us more about that.
Human Trafficking is a brutal reality in our global world. I wanted to understand modern slavery by listening to the voices of the three involved parts; the victims of trafficking, the sex buyers and the traffickers. I ended up interviewing foreign women who identified themselves as victims of sex trafficking, at shelters with secret addresses, in Norway. I interviewed men who buy sex from foreign women in Norway. I also interviewed one trafficker in prison; he had sold around 20 women from Eastern Europe into prostitution in Norway.
My material, the results and conclusions became an important contribution of knowledge to this field at the time. I also created a public awareness campaign on the subject, and started a book project with the biggest Norwegian publisher. I applied for PHD with the intention of going on with my research on modern slavery.
Then life happened, I became a mom, and plans changed. I put the book project and the PHD on the shelf for a more flexible work situation. As my husband was an entrepreneur and kept founding start-ups, he threw marketing tasks to me. I liked working with marketing for start-up companies, helping them to find identity and become visible.
I started a non-profit project where the mission is to credit startups that take social responsibility. Entrepreneurs with clearly sustainable or humanitarian initiatives can apply and receive different kinds of support, such as free accounting systems and access to a pool of likeminded potential partners and investors.
My newest charity project is developing a “fair pair” marketplace for glasses. Did you know that 2.5 billion people in this world needs glasses? Of these 624 million people cannot learn to read, or perform work, because of their visual impairment. Through this new concept you can buy a pair, and give a pair- to someone in need.
Charity is always in my heart and on my mind. We do a lot but we can all do more. Like supporting and volunteering in ideal organizations, funds and good causes that already exists. But also create new possibilities for charity in our consumer habits and our business. Last but not least, we should plant charity seeds in our little ones hearts and minds.
“Let them be little. Fill their hearts with laughter. Help them grow wings. Nurture their sense of wonder. Tell them important stuff their way. Inspire them to build“
Reposting this challenge from Instagram; Ten random facts that most people don´t know.
I was a long, white, bold and grumpy baby. Mom didn’t find my happy-button until I was 2 (its still on!) At my 3-years birthday my mom taped a bow tie to my head. Happy, but still bold.
I grew up on a farm in the southern coastal Norway. I loved gymnastics and horseback riding, and started teaching both. As a kid I learned how to earn money on my hobbies, and turn them into jobs. I still tend to do that.
Unpredictable creatures with 8 hairy legs gives me the creeps. Climate change, too.
I haven’t been everywhere, but its on my list. My next planned travels are Mykonos, Bali and Japan.
I don’t like ice cream. Never did, not even the healthy ones.
My master thesis is social science was about Human Trafficking. It made headlines as I interviewed victims of trafficking, sex buyers and a trafficker in prison. One day I´ll publish the book.
I worked as a model and commercial actor to finance my studies.
After having kids I started working with marketing and content creation for start-up companies. I still do.
The love of my life is a likeminded entrepreneur, we raise our kids in a home full of ideas and joy of building; lego, each other, texts, brands and companies.
Lindalike started as a little side project. I´m truly grateful for the support from all my lindalikers, partners and sponsors that makes this possible!
