Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself;
I am more than what you see; I have much to give and much to discover for those who are interested.
Tell us about your Instagram mission?
I like to contribute to changing social standards towards a more realistic and diverse picture. It is time for stereotypes to be broken. It is time that appearance, age, or origin no longer play a role in accepting ourselves, each other or to be taken seriously by our society.
Tell us about your career?
I have been an independent entrepreneur for over 30 years, active within the so-called “plus-size fashion industry.” Because my overweight is a common thread throughout my life, much talked about, and I am an expert on the subject, I have made my profession out of it. My mission is more acceptance and diversity, but above all, to make a positive contribution to the negative self-image that many women have due to the narrow standards.
What are you most proud of?
That I sometimes succeed in making others love themselves a little more, accept themselves more and be less vulnerable to the negativity from society.
Knowing yourself now, what would you tell your 80-year-old-self?
That I should have done some things in my life differently. I should have let others influence my life less. And that I, even at the age of 80, still have to keep looking ahead.
Latest Google search?
Nu.nl, a Dutch online news channel.
How do you stay healthy, both physically and mentally?
There is, of course, a lot to be said about the unhealthy side of being overweight. Still, if I kept myself busy every day thinking that I should be slim(mer), I would exhaust myself, go crazy and be anything but happy. Being or becoming slim is not an equally easy goal for everyone due to various factors and causes.
For some, it is even not feasible at all without resorting to extreme measures such as surgery. The thought that all fat people are lazy and live unhealthy lives is really false. I eat healthily, I am active, and I exercise enough.
I have accepted that I was born with a very cost-effective engine, meaning that I can eat significantly less than what can be considered normal, which isn’t healthy. Or have to spend a few hours every day in the gym, but unfortunately, I don’t have time for that. I am doing the best thing I can do for myself mentally. We’re just really not all the same.
What is the first thing you do in the morning to start your day in a positive way?
The best way to start my day is to hug my 14-year-old teenage son, as long as he allows it and doesn’t think it’s ‘stupid’ yet… everything else crucial of the day comes after that wonderful hug.
If You Had a Warning Label, What Would It Be?
Beware! You miss a lot and don’t learn if you don’t look beyond your own nose.
What’s your age, and how old do you feel?
I am 50 years old; I have no idea if you can feel how old you are. I feel happy with where I am in my life.
