Katrin Björk,
Age-37
Photographer/Cookbook Author
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
The Silver Women Interview Series:
The women featured in the
Perricone MD No Makeup Skincare Campaign
All behind the scenes photography by Shana Trajanoska.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Positive. Sensitive. Organized.
Tell us your story.
I was born in north Iceland, only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, and grew up in a small town with long, dark winters and twinkling Northern Lights. When I turned 20, I moved to Copenhagen, Denmark and began my studies in photography. It took time to find the path I am on now and to realize I did not have to focus on just one thing.
Although it was frustrating, not quite knowing what I wanted to do in life and changing my mind a few times, it all makes sense now. Because, like a charm, all the experience I had collected along the way magically melted together into a successful career. I write about, photograph, and style food. I am a published cookbook author, run a successful blog, and have a prospering career as a food and lifestyle photographer for commercial clients and magazines.
Katrin wears No Makeup Foundation Serum in Ivory. www.perriconemd.com
Which women inspired you as a young girl?
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the President of Iceland from 1980-1996 and the first female president in the world. She is a smart, elegant woman who wears a skirt suit like no other. It was a privilege growing up in a place where the norm was to support and acknowledge strong, intelligent, and fierce women.
Which women inspire you now?
Michelle Obama, activist Rachel Cargle, and writer Jenna Wortham. As a white feminist and a mother to African and African-American children, I am focused on listening to women of color to learn how to become a better person.
“It was a privilege growing up
in a place where the norm
was to support and acknowledge strong,
intelligent, and fierce women.”
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Becoming and being a mother to my children has been the most challenging yet spectacular accomplishment in my life. I am a working mom and I have made efforts to figure out the best work/life balance for my family and me. My first cookbook, “From The North,” came out in the spring of 2018 and I couldn’t be more proud. With a very short turnaround time, I wrote, tested, styled, and photographed over 75 recipes. The book celebrates simple and modern Nordic cuisine and it’s written straight from my heart. It includes everything from my grandma’s fishcakes to a modern take on lamb chops.
What do you like the most about yourself?
My skin! Throughout my life, I have received endless compliments on my skin. It never really mattered to me when I was younger as I didn’t understand why it was such a fabulous compliment. I went through fertility treatments in my early 30s and started experiencing skin discoloration on my face. That was when I began taking skin care seriously and now I truly appreciate my good genes.
What are your greatest passions?
Finding happiness and remaining happy. I am fortunate that my family life and my career can hold hands and together be my greatest passions in life, providing endless happiness.
What is your perfect day?
Waking up surrounded by my beautiful family. A slow start with breakfast at home, snow falling outside and candles lit. Snowball fights and sledding with my kiddos to get our heart rates up. Followed by lots of cuddling, good jokes, and laughter. Then putting my kids to bed early before escaping in high heels and lipstick with the hubby to a dim restaurant with good drinks, yummy food, surrounded by friends and good conversation.
All makeup from the No Makeup Skincare Collection. Katrin wears No Makeup Foundation Serum in Ivory. www.perriconemd.com
Have you had female mentors?
I sure have. When I was in my early 20s, I assisted visual artist Trine Søndergaard. She taught me the ropes within the fields of photography and art. I also watched her being a working mother. Trine always stayed true to her vision and worked hard. She has since become one of Denmark’s most acknowledged artists.
Do you mentor other women?
When you have a social media presence you automatically—and very often unknowingly—become a mentor. I receive private messages and emails from women who follow my life and career, thanking me for being their inspiration. These emails mean the world to me and I strive to reply to all of them. It feels good to give back and support other women.
Who is your beauty inspiration?
Ashley Graham is a stunning, curvy woman, over 30, with unshakable confidence. She is a breath of fresh air in the beauty world with her body-positive vibes and she’s a great role model for women of all ages.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
I have young children, so I only really have a few minutes to spare. I have made my morning routine a lot easier and faster by showering at night, tinting my eyebrows regularly, and wearing eyelash extensions. I do try to give myself time for my skincare routine and to put on a little blush and lipstick.
Do you enjoy wearing makeup?
I certainly do. It makes me feel instantly glamorous. However, I like my makeup to look natural, fresh, and give me a glow. And it needs to be easy to apply and wash off.
“What do I like most about getting older?
I love the confidence I have gained in all aspects of my life!”
THOUGHTS ON AGING
What do you like most about getting older?
I love the confidence I have gained in all aspects of my life! It feels good to have spent years learning from mistakes, growing, and most of all understanding that I am great as myself and do not have to strive to be like others.
Which women do you admire for aging with grace and integrity?
Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts are both in their early 50s, looking fierce, working hard, and more stunning than ever.
FEW OF MY FAVORITES
Song:
Take Five by Dave Brubeck is a song I grew up hearing at my grandparents’ house. Every time my grandfather put it on, he’d turn the stereo up super-loud and say, “Now, this is music.” When my grandparents passed away in 2012 and 2016, we blasted this song at their funerals, as their caskets were carried out. So, the song is filled with fond and happy memories, topped with a heavy emotional load and lots of love.
Book/Novel:
As a cookbook author, I collect cookbooks and reading recipes is my kind of bedtime read.
Film:
When Harry Met Sally, for the witty conversations and great wardrobe.
Flower:
Lupine and Iceland poppies. Colorful and pretty blooms, yet wild and incredibly hardy.
Scent:
Eucalyptus. I love coming home and smelling the faint, slightly dusty branches I have in a vase.
Place in the world:
South Africa is my son’s birth country, so my ties there are strong and filled with love and gratitude. South Africa is such a special place with its overpowering nature, amazing food, and wonderful people.
Food/Meal/Cuisine:
Being a cook, I have a hard time choosing only one thing. It all comes down to seasons and feelings for me. I will say that Icelandic lamb broth with large chunks of meats and root veggies hits me right in the heart with every spoonful.
Artist:
Photographer Larry Sultan. His series, “Pictures from Home,” is filled with a tender and loving look into his parents’ relationship, with just the right amount of wit and humor.
What advice do you have for today’s young women?
Trust your instincts and gut feelings! And go easy on your eyebrows.
It’s taken me over 15 years to regrow what I plucked away in the early ‘90s.
-Katrin Bjork xoxo
Discover + Follow Katrin:
Website: katrinbjork.com
Instagram: @katrinbjork
Cookbook: FROM THE NORTH
