Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
I grew up in Amsterdam, in the 'Jordaan,' where I spent most of my youth. My family was among the first to move to IJburg, an artificial island on the east side of Amsterdam. Until the end of last year, I lived in the city. However, since December, my husband, son, and I left the city to settle in the countryside, just 15 minutes from Amsterdam, but it feels like a whole different planet. Walking the streets in my toe shoes might make people think I'm crazy, but it grounds me. As a fashion model, my weekly schedule is ever-changing. At home, I look for order and regularity. I have plenty of routines that I repeat on a daily basis. Every day I have the same cup of matcha, at the same time, in the same mug. If it were up to me, I could eat the same dish day in and day out.
What is your favourite me-time moment at home?
I’d say having my cup of Matcha in the morning is one of my favorite rituals. It’s not just about the Matcha itself; it’s also about the preparation, which almost feels like a meditative ritual. Some might find it boring to repeat the same steps every day, but for me, it's a comforting routine that adds a touch of tranquility to my busy work life.
What is your favourite moment with Beaufort?
I really enjoy Beaufort's bedtime routine. It’s a daily ritual that starts with a shower, followed by him covering himself in our homemade shea butter, making sure not to miss a spot—even his eyelids. Lately, he's been saying his prayers before going to sleep, and doing it together has become my favourite moment of the day.
What is your favourite moment of motherhood?
Now that Beaufort is getting older, I enjoy our conversations. Before he goes to sleep, he often says, 'Shall we have a little chat now?' We both derive a lot of energy from these conversations. It almost feels like I am talking to an adult sometimes. I find it inspiring to see him grow up; in every phase, there's something new to look forward to.
What was the greatest ‘aha’ moment in your life?
When I moved to the countryside, I came to the conclusion that my busy, irregular life wasn't giving me the energy I needed. Even though there a lot of fun parts, it’s has not given me the satisfaction I was hoping for. Since moving here, I've undergone a personal transformation. I know that my career won’t last so I thought about what I would like to do after. Before I started I went to law School, I don’t see myself continuing this. Instead, I've developed a strong interest in beekeeping. These tiny creatures fascinate me, and I feel drawn to the idea of reconnecting with nature.
If you could spend a moment with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be?
I wish I could share another moment with my grandma; unfortunately, she passed away. Leroy, my husband, never had the chance to meet her. I’d love the spend a moment with the two of them.
Are there parts of your relationship with her that inspire you as a mother?
I see my grandma as the perfect woman. She is the mother of my stepdad, who is half Dutch, half Japanese. She was exactly how a modern woman should be. In the time that she grew up, it was not likely for a woman to go her own way. She grew up in a small town and when she was 18, left the country to go live in Paris, Rome, Morocco, you name it. She speaks 6 languages. Eventually, she went to Japan as a tall blond woman where she met a short Japanese guy who became the father of my stepdad. She was her weird self, and that is what I mostly liked about her. She collected a lot of treasures from all her trips which I gave a special place in my home. The rug upstairs in my bedroom was made by her, and we styled the entire room to complement it.
