When I was younger, I was a bookish Dutch girl who loved playing outside in the ‘burbs of Rotterdam, NL. Growing up, I dreamed of traipsing around the globe (think: a female Indiana Jones) and getting into all kinds of adventures. So, as an 18-year-old dreamer, I decided to study Latin American studies.

But after University, those dreams were pushed away in favour of adultitis. I figured being an adult meant fitting into the Corporate world. But can you be successful as a creative, adventurous dreamer? I didn’t think so, at the time. So I tried, REALLY hard, at becoming someone I was not. (I’d call that typical round peg into a square hole behaviour.)

Three years ago, I finally realised that you can’t be someone you’re not and expect to feel happy, whole, enough, and successful. You have to bring your whole self to the table, which includes your talents, curiosity, personality, quirkiness, and your vulnerability.

I knew I had to stop waiting for someone to come and give me permission. Because living life on my terms meant I had to stop keeping myself small, AND:

Write a different story, with a beautiful heroine, ready to make a scene!

And now, today, I’m the founder of The Mangrove Concept (formerly known as The Ecotourist), a quirky media co. that helps other women OWN their voice and teaches them to tell a better story about themselves. With an online program coming out soon in August 2020, I’m proud to be an adventurous (and very quirky) influence on women and guide them into doing something irreverent and bold with their career and life.