Do we necessarily need to know what we want to do and must we always have a clear destination in mind, the direction in which we are heading? Or can we choose to trust life and, instead of trying to frantically control it, let it guide us instead? Could failing at one thing open up an opportunity for another? Freshly turned 30, lifestyle influencer, actress, and singer Hanna Martinson finds that she is still the same person she was at 29, but her early 30s have felt like a period of self-reflection because that is when she realized that the universe works for her, not against her. We reached out to Hanna to explore how not to lose your sparkle over the years and where to find the energy to always embrace everything the universe sends your way with gratitude.

"Soon there will be more triangle bras in my lingerie collection than classic ones. These bras are perfect for everyday wear, but also fit wonderfully in the bedroom." Hanna has combined the Tiger Dreams triangle bra with matching g-strings, suspender belt, and stockings from the same collection.

A momentary "failure" can lead you to the greatest success of your life

Known to the public for being exceptionally positive and radiating self-love, Hanna Martinson says she hasn't always been confident. On the contrary, insecurity is—like for many of us—a very familiar feeling from childhood that has resurfaced again and again at various stages of life. "When I had a pixie cut as a child, I was often mistaken for a boy—that was a time when I started braiding thick tights into my hair and wearing them under my winter hat. When I went to visit people, I’d find the first doily and put it on my head. Hair has always been A THING for me. Until the third grade, I had pin-straight hair, and one day I noticed, oh, I’ve got curls! The following years were spent straightening my hair and experimenting with hair dye. What is it with wanting what you don’t have—a friend's closet is always more exciting than your own, and if you have curly hair, you want straight, and vice versa."

Soon after, she had to push herself again on the set of the successful Estonian film “The Manslayer/The Virgin/The Shadow” (Must Alpinist), where she knew who she had to stand up against at the casting. “They were very talented people, and I wasn't at all confident in myself,” Hanna recalls. Hanna was invited to the film shoot shortly after dropping out of the Drama School, where she had decided to head instead of her initial plan to study advertising. “It all started with me doing all kinds of performances at school. I directed them, I acted in them, and in general, I was a very active class representative in every possible way. When I graduated from high school, the entrance exams for the drama school were held the same year, and I was advised to take part since these auditions happen every other year. In reality, I had planned to go study advertising and thought I’d just give the drama school a try, since I didn't think I’d ever get in anyway. And since the drama school auditions were before the advertising study auditions, it happened that I got into the drama school instead, and I didn't go study advertising. But my school journey ended six months later because it just wasn't my thing."

Dropping out of school didn't end Hanna’s lifelong dream of participating in at least one film, which is why, despite having no acting education or experience in drama clubs, she decided to set aside her fears to make a film alongside well-known major Estonian and Russian actors. “I felt as green as you can possibly feel, and I still feel that way every day when I’m on set with other experienced actors. That moment I realized that everything happens for a reason, because thanks to the fact that I dropped out of the Drama School, I was able to take part in “Must Alpinist”. If I had stayed in drama school, I wouldn't have been able to accept any projects for two years, and that opportunity would have passed me by. After a successful performance in “Must Alpinist”, I was invited to participate in the show “Your Face Sounds Familiar” (Su nägu kõlab tuttavalt), and after that show, my life changed tremendously because life is full of opportunities that I didn't have before. Everything happens for a reason, even if you don't see it immediately. If something feels insurmountably difficult for you right now, wait a week, a month, two, half a year, maybe a year, maybe two years. It may take time, but you will eventually understand why that had to happen to you. I like to think that the universe works for us, not against us. Trust life, and the right opportunities will reveal themselves to you.”

“I like to think that the universe works for us, not against us. Trust life, and the right opportunities will reveal themselves to you.”

"Pink color + triangle bra = match made in heaven! This bra fits under most shirts, but I especially like that it can also be worn with a shirt with a deeper neckline." Hanna has combined the Sweet Escape triangle bra with a kimono, suspender belt, and g-strings from the same collection.

After drama school, Hanna headed back to her initial plan to study advertising. “A year later, I went to study advertising anyway. Today, I have an advertising education and have worked in the advertising field for quite a long time,” Hanna recalls. However, this experience made her realize what her greatest love is – music. Her greatest love is also her first love, because ever since she was little, little Hanna always dreamed of becoming a singer, and that dream has been with her as long as she can consciously remember. “While doing my day job, I had less and less time to deal with music. Then I realized that I wasn't happy when I was away from music. Something was always missing. Today, I have come full circle back to where I wanted to be as a child, meaning I create music and sing! Yesss! Music has been my passion forever, and it seems it will stay that way. My life path has shown that you should always try different things – because in life you have to try all sorts of different things – but don't ignore the direction your heart really beats in. That is your calling. Of course, that doesn't mean I can't do anything else alongside music. I am a person who can't limit myself to just one thing for the rest of my life anyway. My main focus goes to music, but acting gigs also pop up alongside it. Marketing and advertising knowledge also come in very handy in everyday life, including on social media and even in self-marketing in the music world.”

“Always try different things – because in life you have to try all sorts of different things – but don't ignore the direction your heart really beats in.”

Therefore, choosing a different life path, or in Hanna's case dropping out of education, has by no means left her without the opportunities meant for her, and trying different things has only helped her discover what is most important to her in life. In addition, she wears her curls with great pride today. “I was created this way, this is my uniqueness, and why hide YOURSELF? Of course, I still like to experiment with my hair—that probably won't ever change—but I value my naturalness more and more.”

We all have a public life, a private life, and an inner life, so you shouldn't compare an invisible life with a visible one

“When I turned 30, I looked at myself and asked if I am where I want to be in my life, what I could do better, and how to improve my quality of life. I made a decision to be more in the moment, to take more care of my mental and physical health, and to do more of the things that make me happy. Because the only purpose of life is for you to have a good time here on earth. In my 30s, I want to focus more on enjoying life,” reflects Hanna in a voice message on a beautiful Danish beach, where she has traveled to discover places in the world that she hasn't seen before and where she hasn't been before.

“The only purpose of life is for you to have a good time here on earth. In my 30s, I want to focus more on enjoying life.”

"This swimsuit has feminine elegance, and I have always liked all one-shoulder shirts and swimsuits. Also, this swimsuit flatters curves and instills confidence in me while wearing it (see, I chose a black product instead!)." Hanna shining in BonBon Lingerie Aphrodite swimsuit.

Although she wouldn't call her positive outlook on life, bright attitude, and active lifestyle a public facade, because it is a very important part of her real life, it is important to emphasize that this is by no means her entire reality. “Of course, I am not that bright and super positive Hanna 24/7 as the public sees. If I’ve had a lot to do and a lot of socializing in a day, then by the evening I am properly tired and not a conversationalist at home. My partner sees these tired moments that the public doesn't see—I am infinitely grateful for his understanding and support. But everyone has all these sides in them, and that is completely normal. We need that time to recharge. When I’ve had time to rest properly, I have huge power inside me afterwards to do all my tasks even better than when I am tired.

We all have a public life, a private life, and an inner life. My private life is seen only by my inner circle, and my inner life is known, besides myself, maybe by a couple of people, if that. So, we all have these three lives, and it is logical that the public life is very different from the other two. But that doesn't mean that none of them is you just because these lives are invisible to many.

Sometimes you need time to recharge and just be quietly at home, sometimes doing nothing at all. Dare to listen to your body and your thoughts and don't feel bad even if you aren't doing anything. Just BE. I admit that if I have been "just" for a long time, I get a very strong feeling of FOMO, because socially there is constant pressure to achieve more and faster. Multitask. I try to consciously break that generational burden where one's own well-being comes at the end of the list. It should be the other way around.”

“Dare to listen to your body and your thoughts, and it is important not to feel bad even when you aren't doing anything.”

It is also important to choose people around you who understand the word "No" and don't take it personally. “Over time, I have also learned to take better care of myself and sometimes say "No". Not because I want to say "No", but because I need to say "No" to keep myself in a good mental place. I have a tendency to overload myself with obligations because when I am offered exciting opportunities, I feel immense gratitude and a desire to take everything on. So, I am not very good at saying "No", especially when deep down I know that a "Yes" might lead me to new acquaintances and cool experiences. Like many women, I have inherited independence from my grandparents and an inability to ask for help when it is needed. At the end of the day, I am the one who has to stand up for myself and be able to acknowledge that if I feel that I mentally or physically cannot take on more obligations at the moment, I cannot be that multitalent, I cannot multitask. My girlfriends and I have reached a healthy place where I don't have to lie or make up something as to why I can't meet up today, for example. Then I just say that I want to be in my own bubble today. Listen and listen to your body, which tells you very clearly what is necessary for it right now. The importance of listening to your body should not be underestimated.”

“Over time, I have learned to say “No”. Not because I want to say “No”, but because I need to say “No” to keep myself in a good mental place.”

Hanna feeling like a confident woman in the Tiger Dreams collection triangle bra, g-strings, suspender belt and stockings.

In summary, Hanna suggests realizing that we all have different lives and we can always show ourselves to the world from the side we want to. Therefore, you should never compare your life with others, because behind the public life, there always hides a world that is not available to everyone. We can fully understand and control only our own lives. “Mel Robbins said that “happiness is taking every situation exactly as it is, not as you want it to be or as you thought it should be”. I will take this thought with me into my 30s.”

“Happiness is taking every situation exactly as it is, not as you want it to be or as you thought it should be.”

A sustainable lifestyle is an attempt to be a slightly better person today than I was yesterday

Although Hanna considers herself more of a lifestyle-representing influencer, which includes fashion, beauty, travel, and hobbies, she admits that fashion has always held a podium spot in her life. “I have dressed strikingly since I was little—everything over the top is simply in my DNA. Once, before I started going to school, my dad asked if I was going to a carnival or to school. I got up at least an hour earlier to put together a cool outfit, do my hair and makeup.”

“I have dressed strikingly since I was little—everything over the top is simply in my DNA.”

"Pink is my favorite color in the world and this kimono won my heart from the moment I laid eyes on it. Bold, charismatic, sexy!" Hanna has combined the Sweet Escape kimono with the collection's matching triangle bra, suspender belt, g-string, and stockings.

 

In today's world, where everything is fashionable and trends change faster than they reach store shelves, Hanna admits that following trends has passed her by. She keeps an eye on the latest trends but is not the first to jump on them. She values more the style that comes from within, because it is always in fashion. "I don't have a unique style and I'm not sure I'm even looking for one. I wear what I feel like at the moment – today you can't tell if I'm a hipster or homeless, and tomorrow I'll wear the most feminine bling bling outfit. Life is an adventure, fashion is an adventure, and I'm living it to the fullest – from one extreme to the other. Colors have always been a part of my identity. Clothing is the perfect way to emphasize your essence, character, and even your attitude toward what's happening in the world. Since I have a background in advertising, I also treat things like appearance as branding. Part of personal branding, besides style, is also what you say, how you communicate, what feeling you leave with people, your energy, and character. YOU are the creator of your own brand, from beginning to end. While I used to proclaim at every step that people should wear more color, today I think everyone should wear exactly what they want. Black, for example, is a color that holds energy, and I noticed at one point that I started reaching for black clothes more during more stressful periods. The color black, which I previously considered the most boring, comfort-zone color for clothing, is actually energetically very powerful. We are in a constant state of flux, both internally and in terms of style. The main thing is to stay true to yourself."

“I value more the style that comes from within, because it is always in fashion.”

 

Beyond trend manipulation, it's easy to fall into the trap of the ideal person illusion on social media. Thus, we may start comparing ourselves to a person who doesn't exist in reality. "What saved me is that I had just finished high school when social media really took over, meaning I know life before social media and after it. Thanks to that and being an influencer myself, I know very well that what is displayed and seen on Instagram is not always real life, real flawless skin, real feelings. I don't know how I got there, but looking at someone who is beautiful, talented, stylish, intelligent, I don't feel envy or pressure to be like them. I feel inspired. Then I always ask myself, what can I do to be as intelligent as they are, what books could I read for that? What characterizes their style and what could I adopt from it? Everything depends on your own attitude. There's no cooler phenomenon than a woman supporting a woman – less envy, more support!"

 

Lifestyle blogger and vegetarian Hanna admits that while a sustainable mindset is at the center of all her life choices, she too is only human at the end of the day and cannot always remain perfect. "I try to be a slightly better person today than I was yesterday with small steps in everyday life. I admit that I am far from perfect, but I am of the opinion that several small extra steps toward sustainability are better than nothing at all." Therefore, she recommends that everyone start by improving their daily behavioral patterns. Whether it's, for example, taking your own bag to the store, eating as plant-based as possible, using your own coffee cup when buying coffee, recycling, avoiding food waste, limiting overconsumption, or being kind to yourself and others. "These are just a few simple ways to be more sustainable. Everything you believe in and want to do – including being more sustainable – comes easily if it's something you really (!) want to do."

“I admit that I am far from perfect, but I am of the opinion that several small extra steps toward sustainability are better than nothing at all.”

Hanna feeling playful in the Tiger Dreams triangle bra, g-string, suspender belt, and stockings.

 

One of the easiest ways for fashion enthusiasts to be more sustainable, according to Hanna, is to consume vintage and second hand products. As she has grown older, she has learned to think more deeply about consumption and value ethical brands. "I am a big fan of vintage and second hand – I like to mix old and new. "Old" can also be something very timeless! I wear a mix of contemporary modern fashion and vintage goods. I guess it comes with age, but while the origin of the goods didn't have much importance for me when I was younger – the item just had to be cool – today I value ethical brands more and more and try to look a little deeper than just my wants. I also ask myself more and more questions: do I REALLY need this or that item, or is it my current emotion talking? How many times would I wear this dress? If the answer is once, then the dress should stay in the store. Practicality has gained more meaning, but at the same time, it doesn't mean that practical has to be boring. In clothing, I still want to go crazy!"

“While the origin of the goods didn't have much importance for me when I was younger – the item just had to be cool – today I value ethical brands more and more and try to look a little deeper than just my wants.”

"Stockings that leave no one cold... A feminine accessory to give the outfit that final kick!" Hanna has combined the Sweet Escape stockings with the collection's kimono, triangle bra, g-string, and suspender belt.

 

According to Hanna, BonBon Lingerie is an example of such interesting practicality, where the comfort that is important to her meets design with character. "When it comes to lingerie, I have two rules – the lingerie must be beautiful and comfortable. Seems simple, right? Unfortunately, that's not always the case, because surprisingly, people often don't know what their correct bra size is, and there's nothing more annoying than an ill-fitting bra (okay, falling socks are only slightly more annoying)! I don't know how BonBon does it, but with some secret weapon, they have managed to create extremely feminine and beautiful lingerie sets that don't compromise on comfort! I especially like the option for BonBon's g-strings to be adjusted to the right size for your body, just like bra straps – how genius is that? 

 

If you know that you are wearing beautiful lingerie under your clothes, the feeling is completely different! If you feel like today isn't your day or you just don't have a good vibe energetically, wear beautiful lace lingerie even under a T-shirt, and I guarantee that this little knowledge will boost your feminine energy and add confidence." 

 

BonBon Lingerie thanks Hanna Martinson for the inspiring energy boost and for the reminder of why we all love her so much. Also, check out the Hanna M x BonBon Lingerie exclusive collaboration, where Hanna Martinson has selected her favorite products from our collection, which also includes the Sweet Escape kimono launched as part of the Hanna M collaboration. Hanna M selection is 30% off only until May 24th. The offer does not apply to the Sweet Escape kimono.