My future

When I started this specialisation, I did not have a clear idea of what I wanted to do in the future

I knew I was creative. I was drawn to design, concepting, and building experiences. For a long time, I imagined myself working in the theme park industry. I even had the dream of becoming "the new Anton Pieck", creating magical worlds and environments that people could step into.

But over time, something started to shift.

The more I learned about the industry, the more I realised that this environment did not fully align with who I am. It felt fast, complex, and sometimes disconnected from the kind of lifestyle I saw for myself. At that point, I did not yet know what would fit better.

That clarity only came later.

A shift in direction

During my internship in year 2, and later through my project in year 3, I experienced a completely different side of the leisure industry through The Salty.

This environment introduced me to something new: a slower rhythm, a more mindful way of living, and a deeper connection between people, place, and experience. It brought me back to the thinks I always felt drawn to:

  • Surfing
  • Yoga
  • Nature
  • Creative freedom

But this time, not just interest, as part of a possible lifestyle.

Living in Cascais made me realize that I do not see my future in the Netherlands. I feel more connected to environments where life happens outside, where people slow down, and where experiences are built around presence rather than pressure.

This was the moment where my vision started to form

My long term dream and my path towards it

My long term goal is to create my own place.

A bed and breakfast in a coastal environment, combined with elements of surf, yoga, and community. Not just a business, but as an experience.

A place where people can: slow down, reconnect, feel inspired, and step out of their daily routines.

A place that reflects the feeling I experienced myself in Portugal.

This dream is not only about creating something for others, but also about creating a way of living that feels aligned with who I am.

At the same time, I am aware that this dream required time, experience, and financial stability.

That is why my focus for the coming years is on building a strong foundation. My first step is to develop my own marketing business like I talked about earlier. This allows me to use my creativity, work location independently, build something for my own and create financial freedom.

Next to that, I am also interested in expanding into organization experiences such as group trips or retreats.

In addition, I want to deepen my connection with yoga by getting a yoga certification within the next one or two years. This would allow me to teach yoga, understand the practice on a deeper level, and eventually intergrade it into future concepts such as retreats.

Looking back, understanding the journey and looking forward

Looking back, I can see that my direction did not come from one decision. It came from experiences.

From trying things, from feeling what fits and what does not. From moving away from what I thought I wanted, towards what actually feels aligned.

From aiming for a structured, traditional path, to slowly creating a more personal one.

Right now, I am in the phase of building.

Not everything is clear yet, not everything is fixed.

But for the first time, I feel that I am moving in a direction that truly fits me.

A life where I can combine creativity, freedom, connection, and experience.

Not only as a career, but as a way of living.

And even though the exact path may still change, the feeling behind it is clear, and that is what I will continue to follow.