Tell us about yourself?
It remains difficult to describe yourself, but it has become clear to me after almost 75 years that I am an enthusiastic, curious, entrepreneurial, outgoing, and ambitious woman. I love to soak up life and the possibilities and the challenges! I am a star in networking and partly because of that was a board member of several women’s networks.
At the moment I am a committee member “ModeTafel” to the Royal Industrieele Groote Club in Amsterdam. We have already welcomed a number of prominent Guest Speakers related to Fashion.
My zodiac sign is Aries, I can sometimes be a bit pushy, I sometimes hear… I have a sense of humor and I like to play with it, also in language with words and allusions. I love music, classical, and much more: from Billy Holiday to Hip Hop.
I really enjoy going to the opera, ballet, theater or cabaret and I love to dance at parties. Sometimes I also dance at home when a song on the radio swings too well! The music during the photoshoot made me happy and free.
Can you tell us about your view on aging?
For me, getting older is almost a “strange” thing. It is a pity that my longest time on this earth has passed, but I am grateful that I am still there. Some very dear friends have already died and I still miss them. I don’t feel almost 75 (my birthday is in April) but when I see the number I think: no, already 75?! I feel good and try to strengthen my body by eating reasonably healthy food. Alcohol in moderation. Playing golf, exercising in the open air, and having fun too. And a cold shower every morning, does it help? I think so!
What’s your career today?
In 2008 I started “Ambition & Fashion” by accident. I had a medical company for many years, I was trained as an OR nurse. Through my networks, women asked several times: “How do you do that with your nice clothes, Renée?”
I sold my medical company when I turned 60, then I traveled a lot with my husband, but the ambition started to itch again. I was asked for fashion advice from the network, which I always did for fun. And then I thought: “I’m going to do this professionally”. I have no education, but apparently have a good sense of style, color, and making combinations.
In short, choosing the right style for the right person for the right job. I have several longtime loyal customers who come back regularly. I am chosen because of what I wear and who I am. In this way, you develop a relationship of trust with the customer. And that works! I usually first look in the wardrobe of the customer, sometimes so much can be worn in a different surprising way in combination with the right accessories.
After that, it depends on what the customer wants, and together we will choose new clothes. I myself first go pre-shopping, that saves time. And it is also very nice with a drink and some typical Dutch “Bitterballen” to end the day or afternoon after shopping!
You have a fabulous fashion style, can you tell us about that?
Thanks for the compliment! My fashion style is diverse: classic with a twist, it should not be obvious, a bit out of the box, as I am. Colorful and eclectic too. Good quality, that’s what I go for and that translates into quantity. I hardly ever throw anything away and do years with my clothes. I also buy good vintage brands and always like to browse, markets, vintage shops, etc!
I combine a lot and different every time. I open drawers and cupboards and voilà. I love and have a lot of accessories: bags, shoes, earrings, scarves. My trademark: red lipstick and red nail polish and wear a headband and like hats. My Ambition & Fashion business card is also red with gold letters!
What Scares You?
I’m not really afraid, it’s not in my character. I do worry about the climate and the quality of life in the world for my grandchildren.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is the establishment of my own medical company BEM (Guidance Extramural Medical Technology). Treatment with medical equipment was made possible in the home situation instead of in the hospital, such as light therapy for skin disorders.
We developed this with university professors. It has been a great success and still exists after I sold it in 2006. This gives people more freedom and time savings, as you no longer have to go to the hospital for half a day.
What do you regret most?
Nothing! “Non, je ne regrette rien!” (Edith Piaf) Live this short life!
What Would You Tweet to Your Younger Self?
Carpe Diem! Seize the day! Enjoy life, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. And take the opportunity if something good or interesting comes your way! And above all: Out of the box!
Greatest new discovery?
How old are you and how old do you feel?
I will be 75 on April 20 and I usually still feel like that enthusiastic naughty teenage girl! Can it also be “forever young?!”
Styling Dayenne Bekker
Makeup and hair Eshter van Maanen
Renée Ambition & Fashion
