“I was a tomboy when I was growing up. I ran around and climbed trees; but when it was time to go somewhere, a switch would come on and suddenly, I was Barbie – ready for the ball!” says Tatum Hertogs. And her eyes sparkle as she narrates her story.
Shades perched on her head and a mask securely in place, she explains who Tatum Hertogs is. With a mix of Sri Lankan and Belgian parentage, she spent the most part of her childhood in Negombo before moving to Colombo for secondary education.
Her beauty is undeniable; and her styling choices had us feeling she’s a character straight out of a Darren Star production.
But what’s even more fascinating about this young model is her life behind the camera.
We could call her a ‘momfluencer.’ Tatum’s online platform has generated thousands of followers both local and foreign, all of whom scroll through her grid in the hope of catching a glimpse of her life as a full-time mom to two beautiful little girls.
Having entered the world of parenthood at the tender age of 20, Tatum has found a balance between being a working mother and ensuring she’s a hands-on mom. And through the gift of Instagram, we get to be a part of Hertog’s happy life.
Ashwini Vethakan chats with one of Sri Lanka’s leading digital creators and Colombo’s favourite ‘momfluencer’ about her likes, loves and dreams for the future.
" I was also very girlish when I wanted to be it depended on the situation at that particular moment "
Quick-fire
Nap or early bedtime
Early bedtime – I am a tired mama by evening
Netflix or TV
Netflix
Facebook or Instagram
Instagram
Bath or shower
Bath
Cocktails or mocktails
Cocktails
Dress up or dress down
Dress up with friends and dress down with kids
Sunrise or sunset
Both
Dogs or cats
Dogs
Ride or drive
Drive
Diamonds or pearls
Diamonds – because my parents met in a diamond factory
Men or shoes
A man – the man
" My happy place is being surrounded by my friends and family, spending time laughing and chilling with them "
About
Birthday
4 January 1994
Family
Husband (Pasindu)
Daughters (Oceani Ariya
and Teyhana Skye)
Mother (Kalyani)
Father (Alain)
Brother (Yannick)
Alma maters
Negombo International
Children’s Education (N.I.C.E.)
Colombo International School (CIS)
Currently reading for her degree at Mod’Art
Hobbies
Camping
Racing
Horse riding
Baking
Loves
Food
Family
Driving
Pet peeves
Openmouthed chewers
Poor hygiene
Always wanted to be
A policewoman
Ambition
“Become my girls’ best friend.”
Must-haves
Phone
Invisible crown on her head
Mask
Motto in life
“Balance in life is not something that’s found – it’s created.”
" My ideal date would include something super-adventurous
such as skydiving. I want to make memories rather
than only dining out since we have dinner together every night "
Tatum’s
Influencers
Leonie Hanne
Chrissy Teigen
Shenelle Rodrigo
Models
Naomi Campbell
Kendall Jenner
Sushmita Wijayaratna
Global Icons
Michelle Obama
Grace Kelly
Kim Kardashian
Movies
50 First Dates
Pretty Woman
Pearl Harbour
Brands
Christian Dior
Balmain
Giambattista Valli
Food
Pizza
Croissants
Middle Eastern cuisine
Travel destinations
The Philippines
The Seychelles
The Netherlands
" I’d like to learn to be not overly optimistic because it makes me tootrusting and I tend to read people wrong "