When I organized my event last January (seems like a million light-years ago now that I am thinking of that…) I also did a little giveaway on Instagram.

Claudia won one of the three giveaway invitations and came to my first meet & greet. That is how we met and from there naturally followed a portrait and an interview.

Tell us what you’d like us to know about youself;

I was named after Claudia Cardinale, a beautiful Italian actress, and I try to live up to her Italian zest for life, despite my down to earth Dutch heritage. I have a bubbly personality, I honestly believe being cranky is a waste of time. I love to bake people happy, I like to cook them happy as well. I am a proud girlfriend of Peter, a bonus mum to two children with great personalities and love my dachshund @charming.george to pieces as well. Helping other people makes me happy.

What’s your fantasy version of your older self?

My fantasy version of my older self is that I hope I will be as strong and lively as both my grandmothers were. I had the luck to see them both grow very old, and they remained the center of attention of a large group of friends from all age groups. My grandmother – of then in her nineties – would reply when I asked if it was ok to come over for a visit: “Let me check my calendar, dear!”

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement was that I had the guts to start my academic career at 30. One of my best friends died, and I realized when processing this, that he had done everything he wanted in life, and I couldn’t say the same for myself. I decided I had to leave my consulting job. I got rid of a quarter of my salary, my lease car, my bonuses, and started my career in education. That’s where my heart lies. I eventually got my BSc., M.Ed. And I finished my management study last year.

If you could tweet something to your younger self, what would you say?

I would tweet to my younger self that the key to happiness is loving myself. No one else should be given that power over you, don’t let yourself down by surrounding yourself with the wrong people. Trust your instinct, woman!

What Do You Do for Work?

I’m a department manager classes 1, 2 and 3 of (bilingual) VWO.

What do you do for play?

I play tennis, merely for the aftermath that includes wine and Dutch ‘bitterballen’ with my incredibly fun team. Can’t wait to go outside and play tennis with them again!

What’s the Biggest Risk You’ve Ever Taken?

Leaving my ex-husband was the biggest risk I ever took. I went through the worst divorce and had to start all over again, but it was to date the best decision I ever made.

Strangest recent middle-of-the-night thought?

When I met my boyfriend, I had some severe issues with trust and bonding again. It took time for me to see that he is really the most beautiful person to be with. After an internal crisis, I made a choice to dive into the unknown and choose to love and trust again. I was exhausted when I eventually laid down in his arms and woke up in the middle of the night and felt the urge to eat a ‘krentenbol’ (typical Dutch bread) with cheese. The surprise on his face! Hilarious! He then went down and made one for me. This one is a keeper!

Last great book you read?

The last good read was “Wij en ik” from Saskia de Coster. It’s about trying to live up to expectations and – of course – how everything goes downhill when you do.

How old are you?

I’m 49 and proud of it. Ageing is a privilege!

Styling: Dayenne Bekker
Makeup: Esther van Maanen
Hair: Mark van Westerop

Claudia