The below is a preview of our May cover story with Jennifer Hawkins. Read the full interview and see the shoot in our new issue, on sale Thursday April 2.
Resplendent in a rose-pink Prada gown, Jennifer Hawkins is working the camera. For the model โ who shot to stardom as Miss Universe in 2004, going on to become the face of Myer, the host of Australiaโs Next Model and now a successful entrepreneur โ today is a particularly special shoot: the first with her baby girl, Frankie. She holds the five-month-old close to her chest, then lifts her lovingly to the ceiling, gazing into her eyes.
After experiencing a miscarriage and then being diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis, Hawkins says she feels โoverwhelming gratitudeโ every time she looks at Frankie. โThere were moments when I honestly thought that I might not be able to have a baby,โ she shares. โIt was really difficult to even think that and I was scared to say it out loud.โ
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Her two-year struggle to conceive, she says, was a period of immense personal growth. Now sheโs in state of bliss and cherishing every day with Frankie. โItโs the best thing Iโve ever done. I feel more content than Iโve ever been,โ says Hawkins. โThereโs so much love flowing through my body.โ
Love: itโs exactly what we all need right now (not to mention compassion, kindness and some of those baby cuddles!). Hawkins agrees: โI want Frankie to have a strong voice and be her own grounded woman, but I also want to teach her to be humble and kind along the way, because you feel better when you treat people better.โ
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Read more in the May issue of marie claire, out Thursday April 2.