..that you unlock a new door
This is mine.
I lost my heart in Sweden many years ago, before ever visiting it.
It was a powerful feeling that eventually turned into a determination. I simply had to bring myself and my family there.
Describing what it feels like to see a strong dream come true is difficult to put into words.
After years of preparation, I was finally able to start my heart project: Unlock the Forest.
And this is just the beginning...
I grew up in a small Dutch village in a rural area, known for its beautiful hills and an idyllic, picturesque setting. When I was very young, I enjoyed playing in the meadows, taking walks with my grandparents, and discovering the magical lands beyond the hills.
As I grew older, I faced a harsh reality. Being a sensitive individual with peculiar interests proved to be a difficult path. People can be unkind when they fail to understand that being different from others is not a weakness. The connection with nature I had as a child was lost, and with it, I lost a sense of myself. This made me deeply unhappy; I felt misunderstood and unheard.
I found my way back to nature by reconnecting, deepening my knowledge of the healing powers of natural elements, and learning to make choices that align with who I truly am. I rediscovered myself while healing my past.
To build a strong foundation for this, I undertook various training programs. I explored holistic healing methods, specializing in wild and organic foods, as well as the cyclical movement of nature and its effects on physical and mental health.
Being or feeling different from others can be challenging, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything, because this is who I am. Everyone should be free to be who they are.
Most of my work experience comes from being a coördinator and chef in a social enterprise, where I trained and guided people with barriers to employment. In this role, I reconnected with the art of preserving foods on a professional level, creating natural sambals, jams, syrups, and chutneys for commercial purposes. I experimented with and applied techniques such as canning, fermenting, drying, smoking, pickling and combining flavors and nutrients from foraged ingredients.
After completing the Holistic Nutritionist program, I gained experience by coaching individuals towards healthier living and eating.
Before this, I had studied to become an art therapist, where I explored the connection between creativity and healing, although I eventually chose a different path.
By learning from experts in the field in The Netherlands, Sweden and a lot of research, I am always deepening my knowledge of wild foods and medicinal herbs.
I also completed courses in food hygiene (HACCP), various forms of meditation and the Permaculture Design Course (PDC), which enhanced my understanding of how to work harmoniously with nature.
These experiences now form the core of my teaching: helping others reconnect with their food, their creativity, and the natural cycles around them through hands-on culinary herbalism.
I have a background in puppy training and have been refining my skills ever since. I’m part White Shepherd and part Husky, with a very small percentage of actual wolf.
My love for food is something I share with the humans. I pride myself on being one of the best food testers around. I can tell if something’s good or bad with just one sniff! Honestly, I think I have a future as a gourmet critic.
In addition to my food duties, I’ve recently become the star of our social media. Especially on Pinterest and YouTube Shorts. You might catch me posing with herbs, sniffing ingredients, or just being my charming self on camera. Some say I’m the heart of the brand (I humbly agree).
I love people even more than I love other dogs. My energetic nature can be a bit overwhelming, and while some might be unsure of how to handle my enthusiastic hugs, I never give up. My philosophy is simple: the more I shower them with affection, the more they’ll come to love me! Plus, who can resist this face?
Living in Sweden has been a dream come true. I love running through the fields and sniffing every tree. There’s so much more to discover, and I’m excited for every new adventure! Whether it’s digging up hidden treasures or just lying in the sun, I’m always finding joy in the little things.
My artwork
For many years, I've searched for the best way to express myself.
My creativity takes different forms, but I always seem to want to go back to sharp pencils and fine-liners. While studying to become an art therapist, I had to work with very light and soft watercolors, which never felt like me. Watercolors did seem like a great addition to my toolkit, but it was in their bewitchingly dark shades that I found my true place.
Inspired by nature in the evening and night, I blend moonlight and natural elements into my art.