More about me?
I was born on June 24, 2002, during a full moon in Arnhem, the Netherlands. For the next 18 years, I grew up in Arnhem.
During those 18 years, my parents were quite adventurous too. We went on amazing trips to nearly all the countries in Europe, as well as Thailand, Dubai, Cape Verde, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. We traveled a lot, with annual ski vacations and summer holidays as well. I’m incredibly thankful to my parents for giving me the opportunity to experience so much of the world at such a young age, it’s definitely where my love for exploring comes from.
After finishing high school, I decided to start filming my daily life during my first gap year. This is where my love for videography truly began. Capturing those everyday moments allowed me to preserve memories in a way I had never done before. I love looking back at that time, 18 year old me, so clueless yet full of curiosity, figuring out life one step at a time. Those videos are a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown since then.
My dream was to travel to Indonesia, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, I couldn’t leave the Netherlands.
I took another gap year and traveled to Mexico, one of the few countries you could visit without too many restrictions. This time, I focused on living in the moment. I still filmed a lot on my phone but never did much with the footage. I stayed in Mexico for seven months, and during those months, I discovered so much about myself, I realised I liked girls, loved traveling, and enjoyed immersing myself in different cultures. I truly got to be myself and started exploring new ways of life.
After Mexico, I had no plans and found myself stuck in post-travel depression. A few months later, I applied for a last-minute Workaway at a dog shelter in a small town in Bulgaria. It turned out to be an amazing experience, and I learned a lot about myself, especially about being solo.
A friend I met in Mexico told me she was studying online, which inspired me to look into online studies in the Netherlands. I chose an online Media & Design program, so I could travel and study at the same time.
This time, my travels took me to Asia: Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka for eight months. Along the way, I met incredible people who made the journey unforgettable. I learned to live and travel alone, make mistakes, and create my own journey. However, I ended up pausing my studies for three months to focus more on traveling.
While in Thailand, I met a friend, she told me about a job in Finland: driving snowmobiles every day and seeing the northern lights. Of course, I was in! After just two weeks at home, I headed to Finland and had six incredible weeks there.
At the beginning of 2024, I decided to go back to Mexico and explore more of that side of the world. In February, I returned to Mexico, reuniting with friends I’d met three years ago. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but I’m so glad I went. After Mexico, I traveled to Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil.
South America was a solo trip filled with emotions and personal growth. It taught me so much about how I respond to different situations and what I can change within myself. It also allowed me to explore the spiritual side of who I am. A journey focused on inner growth, self-awareness, mindfulness, and finding my place in the world.
I reflected on the way I love, how I handle conflicts, and how I respond to life’s challenges. Being alone gives you a lot of time to think, to learn from your behaviour, your mistakes, and everything you do. Sometimes, I find myself in beautiful places with good people, yet I don’t feel good. It’s a reminder that everyone has off days or weeks. Life is full of ups and downs, but I believe I’ll always find my way back to the right track.
One thing I’ve learned is not to judge others too quickly. Everyone has their own life story, their own struggles and triumphs. You’re only the main character in your own life, so it’s important to approach others with understanding and kindness.
I paused my studies again after three months of traveling because I started questioning if it was really what I wanted. Right now, I’m on that break, focusing on what truly excites me, bringing my imagination to life.
Every country I’ve visited has its own unique pros and cons, but comparing them doesn’t make sense. Each place is special in its own way: the cultures, people, food, nature, friendships, and experiences are all so beautifully different. I’ve learned to embrace and enjoy wherever I am in the moment.
These days, when I come home, I see everyone, but there are also many days where I feel disconnected. Everyone has their own lives, and my life just doesn’t seem to fit into the Netherlands. People here plan weeks ahead, while I thrive on spontaneity. It’s hard to align that with a 9-to-5 lifestyle, and I know that’s not for me.
After all these travels, I know one thing for sure: I want to keep traveling. How?
I don’t know yet, but I’ll make it work. If you really want something, you’ll find a way. And even if it doesn’t work out, at least I’ll know I tried.
My ultimate dream is to work for myself, be my own boss, and have the freedom to be anywhere in the world.
My motivation comes from doing what I love. After finishing high school, I had no clear direction, and even after my time in Mexico, I still didn’t know exactly what I wanted. It wasn’t until I discovered my passion for videography and photography that things started to click. I haven’t gained much recognition or a large following, but that doesn’t matter to me. For me, it’s about creating a personal visual journal of my journey. It’s incredibly cool to look back on my trips and experiences through my own lens, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.
As a videographer and photographer, my goal is not just to create for myself but to inspire and bring joy to others through my work. I want my photos and videos to connect with people, evoke emotions, and offer new perspectives. Whether it’s sparking creativity, reflection, or simply making someone smile, I aim to share the beauty I see and inspire others to see the world in a different light. My passion lies in using visual storytelling to make an impact, not just for personal fulfilment but to brighten someone else’s day.
What’s next? Honestly, no clue. No plan is the best plan. But I think Asia is calling again in 2025.
While exploring the world, I let my values guide me. Curiosity keeps me open to new experiences, and respect for different cultures helps me connect meaningfully with people. I stay true to myself, appreciating every moment with gratitude and mindfulness. Flexibility allows me to adapt when things don’t go as planned, and empathy helps me understand and connect with others. Above all, I embrace growth and adventure, using each experience to learn and push my boundaries.