Who is Didem Özgün?
I am a person who enjoys all the small and big things in life. A lover of life is someone who gives everything, emotionally, spiritually and physically. A lover of life isn't afraid to love and be loved. I’m an entrepreneur and love the flexibility that comes along with my job. I don’t take myself too seriously and live a spontaneous life. I’m a time optimist – ask my closest friends and family and they’ll tell you the truth. 

What’s your story?
I started out as a lifestyle and fashion blogger back in 2012, but this hobby quickly became a full time job as I began writing for Finnish Cosmopolitan and Elle, while growing my personal brand especially on social media. Now, I mainly work with Instagram as @bydidem.

The best things in my life are:
Right now I’m happy on all fronts in my life. I wake up every morning feeling calm and stable, which is a result of the choices that I have made in my career. Besides that, I’m very much in love with my boyfriend and can’t wait for our new adventures in Stockholm.

What would you tell your 16-old self? 
Be strong, trust your gut feeling and take your time to figure out what you want to do or become. You don’t have to have your life all figured out yet. Dare to leave your comfort zone and make mistakes. You learn and become stronger from them. From my own experience, I can say that nothing in my life actually went as I had planned. Live life to the fullest and enjoy the journey. 

What do you do to recover?
I need a lot of me-time – that is how I recharge my batteries.

When having a bad day… ?
I meditate, listen to good music and go to the sauna. I also allow myself to have bad days every now and then. That is life and it is totally fine.

3 things you are grateful for? 
I’m grateful for the balance that I have found in my life, through a successful career and a loving family/friends. It has been a long journey for me to get to where I am today and that is why I’m grateful for everything that I have achieved so far. Words can’t describe how proud I am of my son, Luca. Being a mother is the greatest gift of all. It's a love that grows continually. 

What are you the most proud of about yourself?
To dare - I’m proud that I have dared to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. I have made big decisions and changes in my life that have shaped who I am today.  

What makes your heart smile?
Well, right now the “Facetime” that I had with my boyfriend. He knows how to make me laugh and cheer me up.

Best self-care tips?
I encourage everyone to do some thoughtful self-reflection, without being too critical towards yourself. I have some daily routines that I don’t want to compromise on, for example my skin care routine. I can spend hours in my bathroom pampering myself. Last but not least, surround yourself with people that lift you up and give you more than they take.

How do you live an Active lifestyle?
I have an active lifestyle of my own choice. That gives me energy. Push and encourage yourself especially if you are feeling a bit down and tired. The feeling after a good workout is divine. It’s a chain reaction: when you move and have an active lifestyle, you prefer healthy food, which leads to good sleep and so on.

Best workout tips?
Take time to try out different workout ways to find out what you like to do. Working out should be something you enjoy doing.

Best life hack?
Check my Instagram @bydidem highlight for the best life hack about how to cut an orange. It will change your life! 

Four words that describe you best?
Generous
Emphatic
I don’t take myself too seriously
Time optimist 

What inspires you?
I get inspired by people who follow their dreams and make them come true. I also get inspired by people who radiate positive energy. 

What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about developing my self-brand and the freedom and creativeness that this field gives me.

What’s always in your fridge?
Fruits! 

What do you eat for breakfast?
Coffee with oat milk, freshly squeezed orange juice, fruit and berries. Eggs in different ways together with avocado. I also love feta cheese and watermelon together. Add fresh mint on top as a final touch!