Today a portrait of a beautiful radiant lady. “To see yourself as you never saw yourself before’, that is the most essential reason Shirley started her company. This ambitious lady was nominated as one of the best black hairdressers in the Netherlands. And I was thrilled to portray her for AndBloom.
Tell Us About Yourself?
My name is Shirley Wijngaarde. I am passionate, have a positive attitude towards life, and want to get the most out of it, preferably with my loved ones and the people I work with. I always try to get the most out of my work and relationships.
In family circles, I am called Chokka, which is also partly the name of my company. I have been around for over 29 years now, of which I am very proud. I am married, have 2 children and 1 granddaughter. I value my family, and spending time together makes me happy. Together with my dear husband, we thank God daily for everything we have
What do you do for work?
I own Chokkas Blackhair academy, It is a black hair salon/academy in the heart of Amsterdam.
Here I create the most innovative hairstyles in the field of Blackhair together with my professional team. In the academy, which is also the only one in the Netherlands, we provide professional black/mixed hair training.
Strangest thing about becoming an older woman?
Although I am now 53 years old, I don’t feel like I have aged; I can best answer this question in 10 years. I still feel young and love the same things as 20 years ago. I do worry less quickly nowadays, and I am more aware of the things I do and undertake. In this way, I can appreciate a walk in nature more than before.
If you could tweet something to your younger self, what would you say?
Chok a bright future awaits you, keep it up, and read a book more often to relax. And especially; keep a diary.
What makes you happy?
My family makes me happy. Especially being a mother, to be there for my children, wanting to be an example. If my kids are happy in what they do, so am I. I also love to come home on time and sit on the couch with my husband, preferably with our granddaughter between us.
At work, I get to be part of the physical change that many clients want to undergo by choosing a new haircut. Often it is much deeper, and then I get to be more than just the hairdresser. After a new look, the joy my clients have is sometimes so emotional and priceless.; that’s what I do it for.
Dream vacation, and why?
I want to take a family cruise to the Caribbean islands. Why? Maybe it’s not about the place, but about being together and building good memories.
Favorite Beauty Product?
I actually don’t have a favorite beauty product.
Biggest regret?
So far, I am happy with everything I have already done. Franchising is something I still really want to do. Maybe I should have done that already, but it is never too late.
If You Had a Warning Label, What Would It Be?
Strictly prohibited access for negativity.
What’s your age and how old do you feel?
I am 53 years old and feel just under 40. Sometimes I think I have kept up with the years because I really don’t feel older.
I still like the same kind of music and clothes. I find it difficult with clothes sometimes because I really still feel young. But I also think you can’t wear anything anymore when you age. So, in that case, I adapt a little bit.
