I’ve been following Nelletje for a while on Instagram and have since become a fan of her beautiful gray hair journey and funny reels.
Not so long ago, she came to my studio for a portrait and immediately took her mother Bep with her for a mother/daughter portrait. I posted Bep’s portrait last week. In addition to Nelletje’s input as a silver influencer, she also champions the truth behind breast implants. She openly talks about her experiences and her reasons for having them removed as soon as possible.
Tell us about yourself, who is Nelletje?
I am quirky, with a big heart – an empath you could say, but also someone who doesn’t like fake people. I’m a positive girl, with a radar for bullshit, but also a bit of a loner, with a tendency to maybe become that weird woman in the village who doesn’t speak much to other people.
You have a great Instagram feed, tell us more about your grey hair journey and why?
I was simply done dyeing! I never, ever, expected to become a hit on Instagram when I started posting. But getting positive feedback became a daily thing and I must say, I really love it!
Tell us about your breast implant story?
They need to get out ASAP! For years I have had my doubts. I’ve been experiencing many of the symptoms that can be linked to ‘Breast Implant Syndrome’. It happens when your body recognizes the implant as something foreign in your body and starts to reject it. There is only one way to find out if this is what’s happening and that is to check them out and make them ‘ex-plants’! Hopefully, this will happen in the Summer – I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
If you had a warning label, what would it be?
Treat me with respect or you will exit without warning.
Any regrets?
No, no regrets. Everything I have done has lead me here, to this life and with these people. I’m happy – so no regrets, only gratitude.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being a mom. I have three beautiful kids, each with their own troubles and bubbles. Despite having had health problems, I’m raising my son who has autism, as well as my twin girls. I am also their guide when they need me to be. Yes, doing this has been my biggest achievement so far but I can just feel that there will be more in the future.
What is your fantasy version of your older self, let’s say 80 years old?
I’m being naughty, sipping cava sangria on the porch of my Ibizan Finca. Maybe I’ll have pink hair and perhaps a gold tooth. Who knows, maybe I’ll even have started to smoke cigars?! But one thing is for sure, I definitely won’t be behaving like a regular golden girl.
What would you tweet to your younger self?
Girl, you did well! I love you! Thank you for getting through all the shit for me, you’ve done me proud.
What do you do to stay positive both mentally and physically?
Sleep, eat healthily, exercise frequently and stay positive. I surround myself with positive and inspiring people who make my life way more beautiful.
What is your age and how old do you feel?
I’m 42 years old. Some days I feel 85. My days of feeling like a 20-year-old are long gone but maybe they’ll return after the removal of my silicone implants. Anyway, I’m keeping my fingers crossed – and any extra ones as well.
Nelletje on Instagram @all_that_glitter_is_silver
Styling Dayenne Bekker
Bathingsuit Zara | Vintage Kimono Episode
Makeup and hair Nataly Vasilchenko
