In 2010 Mae, aged 8 was a very independent and centred girl with a strong sense of self. Now 16, Mae has learnt that no matter what happens in life she has an internal strength to find creative solutions to overcome. Her mother, Sophie Demenge, founder of www.oeufnyc.com advocates “communication, active listening, laughing and plenty of sleep to keep the family healthy”.
Original words…Mae aged 8, 2010
What do you want to be when you grow up? An architect, inventor, detective or artist.
What is your favorite famous person? Obama.
What makes you happy? My family.
What makes you sad? Not being with my family.
Your favorite book? All the Junie B Jones books by Barbara Park.
Your favorite film? The ones I make.
Your favorite holiday place? My lakehouse and cousins’ house in Hong Kong.
A city or a place that you would dream to visit? The moon.
Who chooses your clothes in the morning? Me and my mom.
Your favorite colors? Blue, yellow, purple and green.
Your favorite outfit? A comfy dress.
What is the piece your like the most from your wardrobe? My fur slippers.
The next item you would like to get? A laptop (I’m trying to save).
Parent & Child interview revisited…Mae aged 16, 2018
What do you feel when you read what you wrote 8 years ago? I laughed. I was so innocent. I’ve changed so much. I have grown into myself and have been able to form my own opinions through all kinds if life experiences wether mundane, everyday little obstacles or victories or month long summer camps have shaped me.
Do you still live in the same town? Yes, still in Brooklyn.
Do you have new ideas about the type of profession you want to embrace, or the things you want to do as an adult? Either a teacher or something to do with pottery. I can’t wait to be able to travel on my own, decorate my own house. I’m really excited about spending more time alone.
What are the books, films, events that made an impression on you lately? Woman’s march, anti-gun protest. Homegoing was a fascinating book about slavery. It’s hard to make sense of this world.
What is the most beautiful lesson you’ve learned from your experiences so far? I’ve learned that no matter what happens in life I have the internal strength to find creative solutions and overcome.
What skills do you have that are special? I’m really good at ceramics, I give really good advice, and I am a very good listener.
What do you think would make a change in the world? If people realized that their differences weren’t in fact differences more people would get along. And if people focus on the good, the authentic rather than headlines and the negative we could move forward in the right direction.
Sophie
What are the main changes that happened in your life/ profession in the last 8 years? I am calmer, more centered, more picky about where and how I spend my energy. I have a better, deeper understanding of what matters to me and what my kids need.
What is the most precious message that you have you drawn from educating your child? They are educating me as much if not more as I’m educating them.
What makes you happy about your family? I’m happy that we are all pretty goofy and our family langage is humor. Trust runs deep. That makes me happy.
Has your child evolved the way you thought she would? Yes. It’s really fascinating to watch. When I read the short description from 9 years ago it’s the same girl only sharper, more confident, more defined, articulate. She is such a gentle force. A gift.
What is your recipe for happiness? Kindness and boundaries.
Your formula to keep the family healthy? Communication, active listening, laughing, good, local, in season, organic food and plenty of sleep.
A quote from an author/ thinker/ artist that you particularly like? There is a quote I love from a very dear friend of mine. I think about it often. Patience is the medal of the soul. And one from Einstein I love so much. It feels like a wink. Le hasard c’est Dieu qui se promène incognito. I like it better in French but in English it’s “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous”.
Katie Kendrick
Katie is a specialist in kids’ fashion and lifestyle, editor, consultant, content creator, and owner of Pirouette - a leading resource to the industry.
With a keen interest in both the business and creative aspects of the industry Katie has interviewed buyers, agents, stylists, designers, influencers, covered runway shows, produced trade show reports and curates thought provoking and engaging exhibitions.
She is passionate about good design, creativity and brands that manage to combine this with their environmental responsibility.
Subscribe to Pirouette's monthly Newsletter.
You might also like
February 4, 2019
Courtney & Easton
In 2011 aged 5 Easton loved to draw, had a wild imagination, and was obsessed with life under the water. Now aged 13, Easton enjoys surfing on the water in his home town of Byron Bay. Mother,…
February 4, 2019
Ryan & Luella
In 2010 Luella, aged 7 wanted to be an artist and her favourite colour was gold. Looking back Luella feels she’s changed a lot… Luella’s mother, fashion designer Ryan Roche www.ryan-roche.com says…
January 10, 2019
New Screen Capture: Parent & Child interviews revisited. Playtime Paris exhibition 2019
Screen Capture exhibition: Parent and Child interviews revisited. January 26 - 28 2019 In a fast-paced ever-changing world it’s important to occasionally stop and reflect on things done, and…
April 6, 2017
Parent & Child interview: Sabrina Palmisano & Hannah Gunzig – 7 years later
In 2010 as part of our Parent and child interview we spoke to Hannah and her mother Sabrina from the store Boucle d'or in Brussels. Hannah was 8 years old and she wanted to be an actress and a…
May 15, 2014
Petit by Sophie Schnoor
Brand name : Petit by Sofie Schnoor - www.petitbysofieschnoor.com Country of origin : Denmark Countries of production : Spain, Portugal,Turkey, India & China. Name of owner/founder : Sofie…
May 8, 2014
Mae’s radical haircut for a good cause
I am sharing this story of Mae, a 12 year old girl who decided to cut her hair, with the aim to make a cancer patient happy somewhere. Here's how brave young Mae scarified her long 17" (43 cm)…
April 6, 2014
Sunday Video : My favorite thing by Sophie Demenge
This is a very inspiring video for both parents and children. About how the mother of Sophie Demenge (founder of Oeuf), at the age of 13, got into an amazing obsession and ritual, that turned into a…
October 21, 2011
Queenliness revisited
"In the series "Existing in Costume", Chan-Hyo Bae has chosen the iconography of queenliness to express his feelings as an Asian immigrant. He dresses in period costumes and photographs himself as…
June 12, 2011
Dolls revisited
It was raining all day so the Corolle babies, Madame Mo and Qee had a long grooming session...This will sound very familiar to many parents I am sure!