Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:
I’m Anouk, 48 years old, living in Amsterdam with my husband and two kids of 14 and 12. Raised in the south part of the Netherlands, I come from a family where the pursuit of security was fundamental. I think my parents would have preferred to see me staying in the village where I grew up, working for the local government with a permanent contract. They meant well, but this line of thought constrained me and what they unconsciously did was plant the seed for my endless search for innovation. I was always experimenting with making my own clothes, designs for shoes, and my hair. I have an unlimited curiosity for new styles, new places, art, and music combined with people’s behavior. My first jobs were in the travel industry, and I found traveling liberating. The inspiration of other cultures. Later I was able to turn that constant search for innovation into my work. And luckily, I found freedom in Amsterdam and in entrepreneurship.
What do you do for work?
Since January 2020, I started the brand and the community Signed by You. In this brand, all the things I love and find essential come together. I design heeled boots with and for women over forty. I truly believe in women’s power in their full blossoming of themselves, energetic women in their 40‘s and 50’s. But these women are hardly catered for, and there is too little awareness in our society for this group. Or, maybe better said, at least not by any proportion relating to these women’s strengths and power. This is why I started ‘Signed By You,’ a platform and brand for powerful women who are not afraid to show themselves to the world, who inspire and connect. Their stories are my biggest inspiration for creating the shoes that express that attitude.
Any surprises about getting older?
There are many things, but one thing I discovered over the years is that it’s not about age; it’s about energy. The way we think determines how we feel and what we radiate. There are all judgments and opinions about aging. Still, no matter how old you are, how many wrinkles you do or don’t have, it is about the energy around you, and how others feel in your presence.
Society has based its judgment on aging on the changes in women’s looks. While I see (and I speak for myself too) that women searched for the answers on the inside themselves. Where they find self-acceptance, peace, more self-knowledge. This internal development creates a different energy. I like that because that energy, for example, shows the resilience of women. And that energy is indestructible and defeats the outside world’s judgment on aging looks. The key is it is not about the way you look, but how you feel, that’s what you radiate.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Relax, Listen more to your inner voice, despite what other people say. It has some exciting things to say, and it can be a value compass during your journey. And if you do so, dare to follow your heart and intuition. And sing. 🙂
What makes you happy?
Being with my family, we love the adventure of traveling together.
Having a long delicious dinner with good quality wines with my dearest friends
A beautifully made pair of heels. Singing and an evening at the theater.
And the sun, the sun makes me happy oh and yes cappuccino and preferably both at the same time.
What’s the Biggest Risk You’ve Ever Taken?
Starting an entirely new business in corona times.
Greatest new discovery?
There is a new film called The Glorias released in the states. It is about Gloria Steinem. She’s a journalist and became famous in the late 1960s when she wrote the article ‘After black power, women’s liberation’, which made her know as a feminist. In 2005, she co-founded the Women’s Media Center with Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan. She strives for more and more positive attention to women in the media. I’m curious about that film because there could be aspects relevant to today’s sentiment.
What’s on your nightstand?
The book ‘becoming supernatural’ from Joe Dispenza, a cup of Jasmine tea, and my Castiglioni lamp.
Latest Google search?
The latest red table talk with Jada and Willow Smith, & Gammy invited shame researcher Brene Brown. Fascinating talk.
Favorite Instagram accounts we should follow?
Ohhhh lots. In every segment, I have my favorites; here are a few:
- trendtablet
- J_lab31_consciousandfair
- fashioncircle
- creativewomencollective
- artinaging
- moonsistersmooncalender
- patriciablanchet
- thehelmco
- bureaubetak
- moamamsterdam
- goodbyecroptop
What’s your age, and how old do you feel?
My age is 48, and I feel (and think like) 32.
Credits:
Anouk is wearing Zara
Styled by Dayenne Bekker
Makeup Esther van Maanen
Hair Mark van Westerop
