A few weeks ago I met with Maria Kooistra, a former actress, model, columnist, single mother of 3, and kickass jewelry designer. Maria’s new collection is on the theme of Chinese Zodiacs.
She fell in love with the Chinese zodiacs a long time ago and her fascination for Chinese astrology resulted in an astonishing jewelry collection. Totally my thing; I am crazy about animal elements in my clothing, accessories, and jewelry.
From rat to dragon; all animal heads are equally amazing. Secretly I’d rather be a snake but it turns out (after looking up my Zodiac on Maria’s website) I am a rabbit. In another interview with Maria, I read online, she, fortunately, explains that it’s ok to wear different signs, depending on your daily mood, because I feel like a snake or a tiger quite often these days.
Maria, what would you say is the strangest thing about becoming an older woman?
The strangest and most wonderful thing is that I’ve been experiencing first-timers after forty. When I was eighteen, I was convinced I’d be dead by forty but I’ve grown in ways I’d never imagined. Spiritually, mentally, sexually. I am deeply grateful for the wonder and excitement.
What do you do for work?
I’m the owner/designer of a jewelry line that’s inspired by twelve animals representing the Chinese Zodiac. Besides the wisdom of traditional Chinese astrology, that’s worth a study on its own, I believe studying animals can be beneficial to our sense of self and well-being.
What’s your fantasy version of your older self?
Seventy is when I’ll be in my prime. I love thinking about the different scenarios I can choose for my future life.
Also, knowing that it’ll eventually be an entirely different script that the ones I’m fantasizing about right now is what I find incredibly exciting and fun! We can fantasize all we want yet life takes us by the hand and steers us in an entirely different direction. All the world’s a stage!
Regrets?
Non!
What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Giving birth to three wonderful babies and the fact they’re all still alive! That’s an accomplishment especially since we now all live in Amsterdam (craziest traffic in the world).
If you had a warning label, what would it be?
I’m currently writing my own user manual. Sometimes I forget how I function best so I can look it up in times of despair.
A warning label would be a great addition, yeah. The warning label could read: walk three times a day, preferably in nature.
Are you working on any exciting projects?
This wonderfully strange eventful life is an ongoing exciting project.
How old are you?
44
