Blog: Heike Louisa
"In the meantime, I can say that I even feel (a little) truly Zeeuws!"
Hi! My name is Heike, 29 years young, born and raised in Doetinchem (the Achterhoek). Since 2016, I have been living in Terneuzen. I moved to Zeeland for love. I met my husband in the Royal Navy, where we sailed together. I worked in hospitality on board and he worked in the nautical service. He is from Terneuzen and since he already had his own house here, we moved in together.
Very soon, I noticed that I had landed in a warm bath here in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. I felt (and still feel) very much at home here. Because we both wanted to build our future here, we both left the Royal Navy. We didn’t want to be separated for months at a time anymore, whenever we were back on a ship.
Our wish for a child also came true quickly after that. In 2017, I became a mother for the first time to a beautiful son, Milan. I had a job in hospitality but soon traded it in to work at the fishmonger (visbijjaneskes), which is quite Zeeuws for someone from the Achterhoek…
A few years later, we had our second son, Luca, and soon after our third son, Roan. Yes, I am a real boy mom! I absolutely love it!
After the navy, my husband became a captain in inland shipping. As a result, he alternates between two weeks sailing and two weeks at home. I found out that it really is hard work sometimes, being home alone with three boys while my husband is away sailing and also working. So we made the decision that I would stay home with the boys for the time being. This way, I can give the children all the attention they need. But of course, I still go to the fishmonger for kibbeling because it’s simply the best!
When I stopped working outside the home, I felt that now was my chance to make my dream come true. Namely, to breathe new life into my photography. In the past, I did an art degree, majoring in photography. I have always had a great love for photography, but never had/taken enough time to do anything ‘serious’ with it. That feeling always lingered. Until recently! Heikelouisafotografie was born—and how! I never thought or expected it would turn out so well.
This work (huge hobby) fits very well with my husband’s sailing schedule and life with three children. For me, this is the ideal combination! It’s never too late to go after your dreams and do what you love most!
I definitely wouldn’t want to leave Zeeuws-Vlaanderen! My family visits regularly or we go there. That’s wonderful. Although FaceTime works wonders these days! In the meantime, I can say that I even feel (a little) truly Zeeuws! I have seen wonderful opportunities and found the space to make my dreams come true!
