Her name is Charlène Sery and you may know her as @IvoryBizz on Instagram, where she shares her gorgeous looks, pictures of beautifully put meals, and what’s even better: her lovely children, Leone (8), Agnese (5), Cleofe (4), and Orlando (1). That’s right, she is a mother of four, currently living in Berlin, for seven years now. Nevertheless she was raised in Italy and has roots in the Ivory Coast. Just a few days ago, we had the pleasure of visiting her home and seeing her kids have fun while wearing the Fall-Winter 2023 collection by The Animals Observatory.
She defines herself as a spirited soul, and we believe her! She also tells us that Leo is the most energetic of her fantastic four, that Cleofe is somewhat of a drama queen, Agnese is a charmer, and her baby Orlando is the sweetest. You can tell she is really proud, as she should be.
Charlène also lets us know about her moving story: Once upon a time, she was a high-level athlete, but traded it to be her mom’s right-hand helper when she needed it most. “Family has always been my anchor, and my partner-in-crime, Lorenzo, has been my rock for the past 11 years” she states talking about her husband, and adds “He’s my best friend, my co-worker and sometimes even my frenemy.” as they run a coffee / gelato shop together. Naturally, we had some more questions to ask.
Charlène Sery and her baby, Orlando. Picture by Kiku Piñol.
Interview with Charlène Sery
How would you define your relationship with fashion
Fashion has always been my secret passion. The glam of the runways, the allure of the street style. It's like a never-ending story. I grew up in this small town where everyone seemed to think, “If it’s in vogue, we all wear it.” I despised this conformity and always found myself swimming against the tide. As time went on, I began to find a style that makes me feel elegant and womanly without overdoing it. But let’s be honest, when it comes to those early mornings when I have to drop the kids off at daycare, a comfy tracksuit is my secret weapon. In a past life, I dipped my toes into the fashion world, working with Nike and Marni. However, since our family’s exciting move to Berlin (with just one kiddo), we’ve grown into a family of six. So, I’ve been primarily putting on my mom hat, because the truth is that being a mom is a full-time job in itself. In any case, now that our youngest is one year old, I’m slowly making my way back into the fashion scene. I’m just trying to catch the right wave – one stylish outfit at a time!
Charlène Sery and her four children. Picture by Kiku Piñol.
As a mother of four, my biggest joy is to see them happy
What is the biggest challenge of being a mother of four?
Trying to give each child the same amount of attention while still finding moments to nurture my inner self as a woman. It’s a balancing act, really.
Agnese and Cleofe. Picture by Kiku Piñol.
What is the greatest joy of being a mother of four?
I would say it is to see them happy. That unconditional love they have for you, when it doesn’t matter who you are, your skin color, or anything else. It’s that deep affection they express with a simple hug or by asking for a kiss.
Charlène Sery and her children. Picture by Kiku Piñol.
What do you like most about Berlin?
What I absolutely adore about Berlin is that it’s this big, vibrant city bursting with all sorts of entertainment – museums and art galleries (which, of course, I love to visit when time magically appears), charming little breakfast and lunch spots, a lively nightlife, parks perfect for leisurely strolls or kid-friendly adventures. I also love Berlin's abundance of greenery!
Even though The Animals Observatory is a kids’ brand, it’s both playful and effortlessly cool
What do you miss most about Ivory Coast?
Haha! The food, the people’s vibe and, of course, I miss its sun.
When did you first know about The Animals Observatory?
I first came across The Animals Observatory through a friend’s post in which she had shared an old campaign of the brand. Then I thought that those styles for children were absolutely cool and original. This is my first memory of it.
Charlène Sery and her children. Picture by Kiku Piñol.
What do you love most about The Animals Observatory?
What I love the most about it is that, even though it’s a kids’ brand, it’s both playful and effortlessly cool. There are amazing pieces, and I do love the styles my children are wearing today, especially the palms baby sweatshirt, that warm red sweater and those corduroy pants. To be honest, I love them all. Besides, the quality of The Animals Observatoy’s clothes is top-notch, which is what I really want for my children.
Charlène Sery and her children. Picture by Kiku Piñol.
