#Community is a new section in which we will gradually introduce you to interesting personalities who inspire us. Whether through their work, passion, or outlook on the world. In the first part, we interviewed the founder of the MALINNA° brand, Dominika Beňová.
Something you didn't know about yourself a year ago.
" How much aggression can my child's defiance and hysterical expressions provoke in me, especially when they catch me in a state of exhaustion after a series of sleepless nights. Sometimes I couldn't control myself and Žofia got on my ass, although in a rational state I am absolutely against any physical punishment of anyone, let alone children. My parents punished me with spanking, and these patterns of behavior come to the surface precisely at moments when a person does not have the energy for any self-control. Fortunately, conscious work with this problem somehow helped me to start reacting with perspective, and therefore I believe that I will not hand it over to my children to solve."
The best life advice you've ever received.
" The best advice is one that you create yourself based on your own experiences, so you don't make the same mistakes over and over again."
When do you feel most like yourself?
" Now I'm quite surprised by what motherhood has changed me in every way. So the self I was ten years ago is completely different from the self I am today. Somehow I can't even answer this question sensibly. But maybe when I look at my sleeping daughters in bed at night. On the one hand, I congratulate myself that I was able to put them to sleep, and on the other hand, I can't help but admire God's miracle."
What does the word wellness mean to you?
" Currently necessary self-care activities to be able to function and manage my daily tasks. Since the nights are interrupted and the children wake up quite early, it is key for me to go to bed with them, which is sometimes as early as 7:30 in the evening. Another is at least some stretching of the back and body whenever the situation allows. Staying outside - in any weather. And a warm shower with a cold end - there I relax not only the body, but also the head."
Your favorite routine.
" I would say the only thing I can do every day is drink the morning Elixir. Lately, I've come to terms with the fact that I don't have an evening to myself anymore. That's why I've added "reading" picture books with our Žofka in the evening before bed. We're both really looking forward to that."
What makes the most sense to you about MALINNA°?
" From the perspective of being part of the brand and the company (although now more of an observer), our products really change people's quality of life. I'm not saying that this happens indiscriminately, but every story of recovery or improvement of a problem makes me very happy and drives me forward."
From a user's perspective, I can't imagine life without them. I have two children and they help me maintain a safe household and, thanks to them, we can deal with the health problems we have encountered so far very quickly."
Your favorite MALINNA° product.
",, Tough question, it changes a lot depending on life situations and seasons, but there is always Elixir Mint and Bitter . From a practical point of view, Cleansing Foam and Oral Spray , which I spray into Žofia's and my own mouths before bed. I also put it on Žofia's toothbrush, since she is not yet able to spit out the toothpaste, and Oral Spray is safe (even beneficial) for consumption."
What do you admire about the women around you:
"When they remain women and value their femininity and themselves. And when they can be truly relaxed and peaceful, in their own center. That is very calming for me too."
What are the women you meet most strict with themselves about?
"I'm currently talking to a lot of women around me about a topic that I'm strict with myself about, and I'm interested in their stance on the matter: raising children. You don't want to mess anything up, and that's quite challenging, and you also have to accept that it probably won't be without mistakes."
When do you feel most feminine?
"When I find the time to take care of my appearance... and so feminine on the inside, when I can be a loving and tender mother, even when my child is throwing herself on the ground in a fit of emotions and that twisted, convulsive body suddenly softens. That's when I feel the greatest strength of my femininity."
