“I need to become better at taking care of myself. I often take better care of others than myself. I am now trying to change that. I take on less and dare to say no more often when it becomes too much.

I have empathy and the ability to sense what others need. As a result, I get along well with people. That's my best trait. I feel less confident about the way I look. What I do like is that I look natural. For instance, I wear very little makeup.

That's why I found the photo shoot exciting. I am shy and found it scary to be in front of the camera. It was fun, though! I love art, but it's different when you're a model yourself."

Learn to take care of myself

"Seventeen years ago, I came here as a customer. Then I became a volunteer at the beauty salon and did an internship here. This is how I progressed step by step to a position as an employee. I'm proud of that.

Because Binnenste Buiten is my home from home. I can relax and be myself here. We may work with different contracts, but everyone is equal. That's what I love about this place.

My internship was part of my Personal Guidance course. It's very demanding, but every Sunday I go to church. When I'm not too tired, I like to sew."

From customer to employee

Age: 49 years

Born in: Dominican Republic

Loida

Read the stories