In this interview for our Woman2Woman campaign, we talk to Anouk Allemand. She is a body confidence warrior from Amsterdam who uses social media to promote positive body and beauty ideals. She encourages people to nourish a healthy relationship with their bodies and mind. Through beautiful and authentic content on social media, she invites us to celebrate and love our bodies. As an inspirational goddess, she is on a mission to change how bodies are portrayed and seen on social media.
Who are you today, and what is different from ten years ago?
I feel I am strong, pretty independent, and a little stubborn woman (lol) that loves to meet new inspiring people, wants to grow and is very curious in life. Ten years ago, I was still in high school, and I thought I knew it all! Everything that I wanted to do worked out differently – for the better. I really learned a lot in those ten years about letting go and that you simply can't control everything in life.
What was the best personal and/or professional advice you have received?
Trust the path that is meant for you. Although it can be hard to trust the path you are following, it will work out one way or the other. I am a major control freak, so the process of letting go can be tough sometimes - but it helped me a lot to just breathe, let go, and trust the universe that everything will fall into place :)
From a creative standpoint, what or who has been your most significant influence?
Oeeh, there are a few! There are some Dutch content creators that make really nice and educational content about, for example, body confidence that inspire me. I think people, in general, are my biggest inspiration and influence. I am a social butterfly, so talking to like-minded people makes my creative juices flow.
Where or what is your happy place? How do you find peace? Has this changed during the years?
I think my friends are my happy place. Being with them re-charges me; they bring me so much joy! I find peace in my bed, preferably with my cat Nelson. My bed is my safe place for sure. When I read, journal or watch murder documentaries, I find my peace. This has definitely changed recently. I just came out of a relationship of 7 years; all of a sudden, there was a shift because that one person you always leaned on falls away. I'm still in the process of learning to be alone at the end of the day, but I trust the process and trust the path that is meant for me.
How important is a connection with nature for you?
I live in Amsterdam, so there's always a lot going on and a lot to do. The past few years, I get overstimulated quite fast. My German family is from the Black forest, and I visit them often. My grandma has no wifi which makes it perfect just to zone out and enjoy nature. Being able to go into nature and leave the hectic of the city behind is really important to me to get my balance back and get some peace!
How do you start your day?
I start my day by drinking some water. Sometimes I put on a motivational podcast, or I listen to some music. I wake up quite early for work, so I grab my coffee on the go and eat my breakfast at work.
How do you take care of your body, mind and soul?
I went to a mesologist a few years ago, and it has been a revelation for my body. I recommend it to everyone because you get to know a lot about your body that you usually don't learn so quickly in western medicine. I'm really for learning to listen to your body more than going to the doctor when you're already in pain. I love reading, listening to murder podcasts and having diner with friends. That fills my soul with joy.
How do you take care of your skin?
I take great pride and joy in taking care of my skin! Taking care of my skin is a little ritual that I love doing. I scrub my body and face two times a week; I rub myself in with lovely rich oils and treat myself to a nice face mask one time a week.
Do you have any daily, weekly or monthly rituals?
My weekly ritual is cleansing my room with some white sage, and I try to write in my journal at least once a week.
What is your guilty pleasure?
The Bachelor and Temptation Island! It's reaaally bad tv, but I love to watch it Lol!
What advice would you give yourself at the age of 16?
I would tell myself that it's okay to talk to a shrink and ask for help when you feel lost. Although I'm happy I see a therapist now, it would've helped me a lot talking to someone at that age, just to put more into perspective.
Which song lifts you up and put you in a better mood?
Kiss me more from Doja Cat, and everything from Tyler, the creator!!
Can you share one piece of wisdom with our community, something that you have gained in your life, something that will encourage women reading this to grow, find their inner strength and confidence?
Cut out the social comparison! Everybody has insecurities; some people are just really good at hiding them. Try to say something nice about yourself every day in the mirror, and try to recognize the 'negative nancy' voice in your head. Surround yourself with people and things that give you positive energy, and spark your joy. And don't forget that you are a Goddess! ;)
WOMAN2WOMAN CAMPAIGN IS HERE TO INSPIRE AND CONNECT WOMEN ALL OVER THE GLOBE. YOU CAN TAKE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN BY POSTING YOUR STORIES WITH #WOMAN2WOMANFS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA.
PART OF THE SALES FROM THIS ONGOING CAMPAIGN WILL GO TO SUPPORT WOMEN AT KIVA.ORG
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