I think I was born with a passion for flowers. My father was a bulb grower and exporter, as was my mother's father in a neighbouring village; my father and my mother's brother first met on a boat bound for America where they were going to sell flowers.

Ever since I can remember, flowers have been part of my life. When I began to draw, and later to stitch, it seemed natural to choose flowers as my inspiration.  

Growing up in the village of Sassenheim, The Netherlands, I was fortunate to be surrounded by vast fields of tulips, daffodils, and other stunning flowers. From my bedroom window, I could see endless rows of vibrant blooms stretching across the landscape, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. During the spring and summer holidays, my siblings and I worked in these bulb fields, cutting and harvesting flowers for export. Though the work was physically demanding, I found joy in being close to nature, and it was during this time that my deep appreciation for flowers began to grow.

At home, while my father tended the fields, it became my responsibility to take care of the garden, a task I embraced with enthusiasm. I loved planting and caring for the flowers, especially sweet peas, whose delicate, scented blossoms fascinated me. This love of gardening sparked my interest in art, and I began drawing flowers, paying attention to the smallest details. My artistic journey took a new direction when my aunt introduced me to embroidery. I was captivated by the process of creating intricate designs with needle and thread, and soon I was spending hours crafting embroidered panels, inspired by the natural beauty that surrounded me.