Hi!

Thank you for visiting the 'About' page. How has life been treating you?

Over the past 30+ years, life has presented me with a myriad of challenges. Some fun and some downright difficult. I lost my best friend when I was 10 in an accident, I have been bullied, I struggled with feeling lonely and even empty at times, I have been in toxic relationships, I went through redundancy, I have been scammed, I lost both my parents within 5 years of each other, the state of the world and in-action from governments bothers me, and the list goes on. Each experience has shaped the person I am today. We all carry a past with its unique set of baggage, the key lies in how we process it, take action for ourselves and others, and live in the present.

I am very passionate about yoga, plants, nature, and coaching because they all have been and are a big part of teaching me to navigate and experience life in the present. And then there is magic. The magic of loved ones and even those who challenge us, the magic of support systems, the magic within ourselves, nature's enchantment, and the magic of the universe and connection.

Some random things about me: I am an introvert but that does not mean I am shy. It simply means I recharge by being in my own company and I prefer to meet up with 1 person or a few people instead of big groups. I LOVE icecream, crisps, and chocolate. I grew up on a farm in The Netherlands. I believe we should all experience a human life, not a perfect one (what does that even mean?), being kind towards others and the planet. FUN is a massive part of my life.

From a young age I felt a strong connection with nature - scroll down for the cutest picture of me helping my mum in her garden - and as mentioned above, I had now awakened a passion for plants. They are basically pets with wants and needs who bring us joy! The only difference: plants can not talk and their roots prevent them from walking away.

I wanted to know more about their healing properties and completed a Diploma in Herbology at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh with distinction. After an incredible year learning about plantproperties, tinctures, herbariums, design, and so much more, I wanted to learn more about gardens and growing plants. After an internship at Attadale Gardens - Wester Ross and a year at The School of Heritage Gardening at Threave - Castle Douglas, I gained horticultural qualifications and continued to work at the flagship of the National Trust for Scotland - Culzean Castle and Country park from 2018-2022 as their sole propagator and glasshouse gardener. Among many responsibilities within six glasshouses, the most important was to grow plants appropriate for the site and nurture them so they could flourish. I loved my job and in 2021 I completed the RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.

I love helping people with their plants whether that is plant border design, pruning, weeding, or consultations that give clarity about plants and what is possible in their garden. Plants also offer healing and creating a remembrance area in your garden to cherish loved ones is very special too. Your garden is an extension of yourself and when connecting with nature, life becomes magical.

In 2007 I was initiated as a witch after completing a witchcraft course. I learned about runes, energy, moon phases, elements, guides, divination, spells, herbs, potions, sacred space, and so much more. No, there was no naked dancing involved although it could have been if I wanted too!

I have always been perceptive to energy. Magic is all around us and I can see and feel it in people, in nature, in plants, in animals, in a hug, a laugh, a meal, a dance, and so much more. Magic is energy and witchcraft is working with it in harmony and with love and intent.

To live life fully we need to be able to look into our mirrors. Life doesn't exist only of positivity, it also carries negativity. Witchcraft has taught me how to tap into energies with care and respect and how to navigate tricky moment with love and kindness. It very much ties in with yoga, at least for me.

Yoga, nature, coaching, magic, and plants helped me to reconnect with myself, befriend death, to love my mostly introvert self, to stay true to my own being, and to thrive in life! I know it might sound like a cliché, but it is profoundly true. In March 2022 I completed Life Coaching training and became a member of the Association for Coaching so I could use my holistic experience and skills to help others on their journey of self-acceptance and follow their bliss.

At the beginning of 2022 I left Culzean and set up Petals and Aum as it was time to write my own chapter. Embracing one's true self, navigating life with kindness and grace, and living in peace filled with love and laughter are aspirations we all share. Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and no one can do it alone. That's why I do what I do: I combine my skills or use them individually and assist you to reconnect with nature, teach you how to navigate tricky emotions, befriend death, gain healthy self-respect, nurture self-love, and a create a fulfilling life. It is an adventure for yourself to yourself and it does not have to be difficult or time consuming all the time. In fact, it can be very fun and playful amongst the seriousness of life.

How can I help you?