What is your greatest achievement?
Well, I believe giving birth to my two babies of, nine pounds each at home. Wow, that was something. I could also talk about taking the plunge to become a make-up artist. I lived a comfortable life as a hairdresser, running my own business, but I gave up on EVERYTHING to start all over again around my 30th. I no longer had a home, a car, or a partner—only myself. From my last bit of money, I went to NYC to intern in the freelance world. At Christiaan, my most excellent example, and others. When I returned, I found somewhere to live, anti-squatting (basically the legal version of squatting in the Netherlands), and I set new goals. When I was forty-one, I had everything: I built up a career and a relationship, brought two kids into the world, and bought a house. Although, I see it all more as something that was expected. So, well, is that an achievement?
What does your career look like now?
Back in the day, and still, sometimes it is stimulated to specialize in one thing. You’ll be valued a little more if you stand out in one thing. I discovered I could maintain my job through the years because I am widely oriented. An ex-boyfriend used to call me the “seven-complex.” I like many things, but I don’t excel in a specific thing. I decided to expand my profession as a hairdresser and makeup artist. I liked that profession for a while, and as the kids got older, I finally found the space. I like to write, photograph, and be a model myself. These are my new challenges. Besides that, I’ll keep grooming people, doing their makeup, and working as a freelancer. I also want to prove that you’re still in the loop after turning 50. On paper, you are an “older woman”. In reality, age is just something in your mind. We must get rid of these narrow-minded thoughts! You can still make career switches, fall in love, dream, chase dreams, and achieve them. Those are the things that make me happy!
Our parents were often of a generation that couldn’t do it and conversed with us. Times have changed. Everybody can do what they want. Let’s support each other with these sometimes difficult decisions. Approach them positively and support the initiative takers, who want to do things “differently”. Why wouldn’t you if it’s one else’s disadvantage or causes harm? I’m a person who poorly handles securities. I preferably throw them overboard to create space for new things. There’s probably enough reason and explanation behind WHY, but perhaps I still have another 50 years to find out!
What would you tweet to your younger self?
I would repeat what my mother always told me but often didn’t get through:
“Don’t fret, things always take their own turn.” I was always worried about the things that automatically fell into place.
This entire period of “awareness” and ” mindfulness” didn’t exist in former days. I often find younger people so wise. I didn’t know the things they knew at that age. It’s remarkable!
What I do want to encourage young people to do is “don’t rush” and “Don’t let them push your buttons.” Certainly, considering the number of burnouts, you have your whole life to achieve and accomplish, and many of you will get to 100! Accept that you get older. It’s not a bad thing; on the contrary, it’s often very pleasant! Neither wrinkles nor gray hair will make you stop. Just let it happen.
Credits:
Concept and photography by Denise Boomkens
Makeup and hair by Esther van Maanen
Model Manous @ Max Models Special
Photo 1: dress by AGENT PROVOCATEUR earrings by LOTT. GIOIELLI
Photo 2: blouse by GANNI earrings by ISABEL MARANT
Photo 3: sweater by LES COYOTES DE PARIS earrings by SWAROVSKI
Photo 4: jewelry by SWAROVSKI
Photo 5: dress by AGENT PROVOCATEUR earrings by LOTT. GIOIELLI
Photo 6: veil by PHASE EIGHT ring by SWAROVSKI
Photo 7:sweater by LES COYOTES DE PARIS earrings and ring by SWAROVSKI
Photo 8: top by AGENT PROVOCATEUR earrings by SWAROVSKI
