Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself.
My name is Fransje; I am married and mother of 4 children. Two biological and two by marriage. I have my own advertising studio and enjoy working at the interface of design and communication strategy to grow companies. This inspires me. And I still like to jump out of bed in the morning for that. I love to do what I am good at and to let others do what they do best!
Tell us about your gray journey.
Hair says so much about someone. It shows a person’s self-image. For me, gray hair is a powerful statement. I’m not standard, so neither is my hair. And it is also lovely to make a statement: to cause some overall confusion. Remarks that you are getting old and less sexy with gray hair awakens the rebel in me. When I stopped coloring my hair, I decided to prove otherwise.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
In 2012 my husband’s children got their primary residence with us. I then became a full-time bonus mother to two children in addition to the mother of my own 2 children. Two children who were both disqualified due to several restrictions placed on them by authorities. I gave everything to create a natural and safe home for them and managed to get rid of the stamps they had been given. They are now two confident young adults, living in the midst of life, both working towards their future, from special education to graduating at HBO (Higher Vocational Education) level. I am incredibly proud of that.
What’s the best and the worst part of getting older for you?
The best part for me is that I am becoming kinder to myself. I’ve become far less judgmental, more loving, respectful, and in awe of all, I’ve endured and triumphed over.
The worst part for me is that my body starts to protest when I do things it apparently doesn’t consider appropriate for my age. Cranking your body in the morning like a kind of old-timer… that idea.
If you could tweet your younger self a message, what would it say?
Dear baby girl,
Follow your own dreams. The wishes of others are not yours. Don’t worry too much. That will only bring gray hair 😉 Put yourself first by following your heart and intuition. When you choose for your own happiness, you can make someone else happy too. And never settle for less in love. Really be in love. Surround yourself with people who give you energy. Have faith, and don’t be afraid. You are good enough. Your spirit and strength will bring you everywhere you want to go. Always!
PS: Never put your hamster out in the sun, and tell Grandma you love her immensely.
Love Fransje
How do you stay healthy? Both physically and mentally?
Consistently putting myself first. What do I like? What is good for me? I always have a low-stress tolerance. That works in both directions: both physically and mentally. For me, this consists of short quality time moments throughout the day, saying ‘no’ to others and/or setting my limits. That pleasing other people is something I really learned to skip. I also love to walk outside with an infinity view, and I regularly do yoga.
What is the first thing you do in the morning to start your day in a positive way?
Stretch and stretch my body and drink a glass of water with lemon or lime. But after that: COFFEE !! Let the day begin….
What’s your fantasy version of your 80-year-old self?
I will be an 80-year-old lady wearing an 80s outfit with teased hair in a high bun, big funky glasses, and bright colored clothes.
If you had a warning label, what would it be?
Beware! Addictive!
What’s your age, and how old do you feel?
I am 51 years old, but I feel at least 10 years younger. I understand life better; I have more knowledge of people, but above all: I know who I am and what I want. Everything has fallen into place for me in recent years. I chose full entrepreneurship for myself. I feel powerful and at the heart of life. My gray hair makes part of my own authenticity visible. I wear every gray hair with pride!
My goal: to age self-confident and gracefully!
Makeup and hair by Esther van Maanen
Styling Dayenne Bekker
Fransje is wearing a jumpsuit by Adidas
