Shirley

Tell Us About Yourself?

My name is Shirley Wijngaarde. I am passionate, have a positive attitude towards life, and want to get the most out of it, preferably with my loved ones and the people I work with. I always try to get the most out of my work and relationships.

In family circles, I am called Chokka, which is also partly the name of my company. I have been around for over 29 years now, of which I am very proud. I am married, have 2 children and 1 granddaughter. I value my family, and spending time together makes me happy. Together with my dear husband, we thank God daily for everything we have

What do you do for work?

I own Chokkas Blackhair academy, It is a black hair salon/academy in the heart of Amsterdam. Here I create the most innovative hairstyles in the field of Blackhair together with my professional team. In the academy, which is also the only one in the Netherlands, we provide professional black/mixed hair training.

Strangest thing about becoming an older woman?

Although I am now 53 years old, I don’t feel like I have aged; I can best answer this question in 10 years. I still feel young and love the same things as 20 years ago. I do worry less quickly nowadays, and I am more aware of the things I do and undertake. In this way, I can appreciate a walk in nature more than before.