Hồng NhânSupermodel Ha Anh gave birth to her second son Luca in May. After focusing on being a "diaper mom" for a while, the Hanoi-born beauty is slowly returning to her artistic work.
Ha Anh shared with Dan Tri reporter about the changes she has experienced since welcoming a new member to the family, how she balances and relieves pressure during her time at home taking care of the baby. The model, born in 1982, also candidly expressed her views on fees, behavior when judging fashion competitions, and beauty.
Supermodel Ha Anh (Photo: Facebook).
"I don't trade fame or wealth at all costs"
Until now, Ha Anh is remembered by the audience as a beauty with intelligence and depth, different from the common understanding of showbiz leggy models. What do you think about this?
- Thank you. I feel happy to play a small part in inspiring others around me.
In an article about 20 years ago in "Người đẹp Việt Nam" (Vietnamese Beauties) newspaper, Ha Anh once said she was "sexy and polite". Now, at the age of 42, how have your personality and character changed compared to your twenties?
- In a way, I still love sensuality, but as a mother, I feel inclined to moderate the sensuality in the level of "revealing" in clothing and instead focus on femininity and elegance.
When actively working as a model in my 20s and 30s, I liked to experiment with bold and avant-garde styles, especially when my body was very beautiful and toned. At the age of 40, I no longer need to be "sexy", in other words, sensuality turns into charm.
Ha Anh is a famous leggy model with a strong personality and sharp mind (Photo: Facebook).
After many years in showbiz, how do you perceive the achievements of your career?
- I am not someone who trades fame or wealth at all costs. I like to do things I enjoy, prioritize love and family, so the choices I make for my life and career make me very satisfied and happy.
There is still debate about whether Ha Anh deserves the title of "supermodel". What do you think?
- I don't care much. In fact, for an industry like fashion that is still emerging compared to the long development of the world, the "standard" or the title is relatively subjective. The most important thing is that I have contributed positively to the profession I am in.
The best thing is that after more than ten years of working, people in the industry still show respect for me, valuable programs still come to me, audiences of all ages still look forward to my appearances, so that is more than enough, very happy and fulfilling for me.
Many viewers often compare Ha Anh with other models in the industry. How do you feel about this comparison, does it bring joy or annoyance?
- I am too busy taking care of my children, family, and new projects to think about this. Everyone has their own preferences and opinions. Everyone has their own "best".
Ha Anh attending a fashion event in June (Photo: Facebook).
"I don't like speaking ill of each other"
When participating as a host, judge in some competitions, how does Ha Anh address the issue of fees with the production team?
- I make a living by my profession so fees must be fair in terms of the time and effort I put in. I never "shout out" for fees, but I also never sit idly to "gain fame". The time I participate is working time, I have to leave my children to work so I need to be paid accordingly.
As a person who has participated in many reality shows, Ha Anh believes that gameshows, competitions need to create "drama" to attract viewers?
- I think dramatic elements are not bad in themselves, but drama about what? What lessons or values do viewers get? Personally, I don't like dramatic "drama" that belittles, speaks ill, or loudly criticizes each other.
I don't think it is helpful for young people, who are the audience of the program, as it may create a negative view of the modeling industry.
After taking a break to give birth, Ha Anh is slowly returning to work (Photo: Facebook).
In Ha Anh's practical experience, what qualities does a beauty pageant judge need to have?
- The first thing is expertise. Judges must have enough experience in their field, be able to observe, analyze the abilities, see the qualities of the contestants, and be able to impart skills to help the contestants improve themselves.
When judging together with other judges on the panel, how does Ha Anh behave to avoid conflicts and discord?
- I think the most important thing is to listen to each other. Everyone has their own views and the right to defend their views as well as debate, but also to accept the differences in others' views.
I always work based on a spirit of professionalism and the utmost respect, so I will never be the one to actively cause conflicts. But of course, if there is personal attack without the spirit of respect, I have to defend my point of view.
In Ha Anh's practical experience, does a person need the unanimous consent of all other judges to sit on the judge's seat of a beauty pageant or not?
- I don't think so. The Organizer should be the one in charge and decide who to invite according to the criteria of their program. But this is my personal opinion, each competition organizer may have a different way of working.
The saying goes "trade has its friends, sales have their streets". When being a judge or participating in reality shows, does Ha Anh consider it important to sit in the "hot seat" with those on the same "frequency"?
- I always think that differences make things interesting. Everyone will have different strengths, different perspectives, and the Organizer needs people with high expertise and different views and analysis to find the most comprehensive qualities.
In work, Ha Anh values professionalism and aims to bring positive values to the audience (Photo: Facebook).
Ha Anh once revealed her relationship with Xuan Lan, that the two are not friends but that doesn't mean she and Xuan Lan cannot work together. How should this be understood?
- In work, professional nature and responsibilities at work are always my top priority. Therefore, even if we are not on the same "frequency", I am not hesitant to embark on work.
Of course, if working together involves too many differences that lead to negative feelings at work, or make it difficult to focus professionally, then I also need to consider carefully.
"My figure will not return to the way it was in my girlhood"
How has Ha Anh's life changed in the past two months after welcoming baby Luca?
- I am extremely busy with the role of being a "diaper mom". Each day feels like it passes quickly, even though I am only busy with tasks like breastfeeding, changing diapers, burping the baby, and putting the baby to sleep...
However, as this is my second time giving birth, I allow myself to "slow down" a bit to enjoy every moment of caring for and being with the baby. The remaining time I dedicate to my daughter Myla so that she doesn't feel left out when I spend a lot of time with the baby.
I still take the opportunity to cook delicious meals for my husband and Myla. Truly, I am not completely "on maternity leave". I maintain postpartum health but still try to go out to have lunch with friends to balance myself mentally.
Many breastfeeding mothers share that they experience pressure due to changes in hormone levels after giving birth. How about Ha Anh?
- I have researched, studied to prepare mentally for myself and my husband about this. Many women, even those with strong personalities, can experience postpartum depression due to changes in endocrine hormones along with tiredness from staying up at night caring for the baby.
I am lucky not to have experienced this, but sometimes caring for the baby cannot avoid feelings of exhaustion or irritability. But overall, I accept the changes, relax my mind, and don't try to control everything which helps reduce anxiety.
Ha Anh's family welcomed a new member in May (Photo: Facebook).
How does your family, husband support you in taking care of baby Luca?
- The whole family supports us as husband and wife, but after the first two months, we feel accustomed to the daily routine and Luca has also gradually adapted to the outside world, making caring for the baby easier.
My husband spends a lot of time caring, playing, and teaching Myla for me to feel at ease caring for Luca. At suitable times, we alternate responsibilities, he takes care of Luca, I take Myla out to play so that the two mothers and daughters can have fun and not miss each other so much.
How do you allocate time for yourself to balance and relax mentally?
- Honestly, if there is a bit of opportunity, giving birth in Vietnam is the most enjoyable, as there are body massage services during pregnancy and postpartum to help the mother relax physically and recover health.
For me, investing in caring for myself through massage treatments helps my health, stabilizes my mind, and endures to care for my child. Taking care of oneself is truly necessary and must be done. A baby will be much happier when cared for by a cheerful and healthy mother.
Ha Anh confidently flaunting her postpartum figure has received many positive comments from the audience. What message do you want to convey about women loving their bodies despite their flaws?
- Women change a lot after giving birth: gaining weight, abdominal muscles will stretch so it is really not easy to accept the changes in one's body shape. However, I have to learn to accept the sacrifices to have this adorable angel.
I accept the fact that even though my figure, physique will improve over time, it will never return to the way it was in my girlhood. But I still appreciate and love my new body.
Ha Anh confidently flaunting her sexy figure during the postpartum period (Photo: Facebook).
What are your plans for future projects in the artistic work?
- I have some projects but I will reveal them when the time is right. For now, I will continue to prioritize my role as a mother and take care of my family.
Thank you Ha Anh for your sharing!
