Read the story of Nannette, breast cancer survivor

Read the story of Nannette, breast cancer survivor

by marlies|dekkers

Well, not long after that, it was my turn. Cancer. Nothing really prepares you for the moment your hair starts to fall out. It suddenly makes the illness all too real. Even though I knew it was a sign the chemo was doing its work – it’s targets all rapidly dividing cells, including your hair follicles – it still really broke my heart. And, like my mother, I was very frustrated about the lack of good-quality wigs and personal service. So, there I was, a sick, 39-year-old woman with a dying mother and a small daughter. Both my breasts, my ovaries and lymph nodes had to be removed. An intensely challenging time, but during the darkest hour, I made a promise to myself. “If I survive this, I am going to help women dealing with hair loss.”

And I did. I dedicated my life to it. I sold my successful hair salon – we had 17 employees at the time – and opened a wig salon together with my dear friend and colleague Leonie, who had shaved my head during my chemo treatments. Mienis & Co Pruiken is a place where women can get the perfect wig or hairpiece, but also information and support.

Listen, I don’t believe femininity is all in your hair. I never stopped feeling like a woman, even when I was bald or didn’t have breasts for four years. But when you put on the right kind of wig, you look in the mirror and see the woman you like to see, instead of a patient. Going out into the world, your interactions with others don’t automatically revolve around your illness. For a few hours, it’s about YOU. The resulting confidence can give you the strength to carry on. And that’s exactly what I want to give women. In the end, it’s so much more than just hair.”

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fall|winter 20 preview

Marlies Says

fall|winter 20 preview

by marlies|dekkers

In January, I presented my newest FW20 collection during a show full of dance and entertainment in Rotterdam. All my work as a feminist designer is inspired by muses, powerful female icons from past and present. And for FW20, my muse will be crime writer Agatha Christie. A few months from now, you will get to discover the collections, and see how they tell stories like Agatha’s thrilling books do..

Running for your life

MD Friends

Running for your life

by marlies|dekkers

Dr. Bram Bakker is a psychiatrist, a writer, a runner and a provocateur. With his many bestselling books and columns – and yes, even his own theatre show – he urges us to think outside the box when it comes to our mental health. Not crazy about popping pills? Bram shared some interesting alternatives with me, from throwing out our phones to running ‘till we puke’.

Peas & peppers instead of pills

MD Friends

Peas & peppers instead of pills

by marlies|dekkers

General practitioner Tamara de Weijer believes that we would feel a lot better if we hit the produce stand before we visited the pharmacy. “On a massive scale, we have been putting the wrong kind of fuel in our bodies.”

Singles Day – You’ve Got this!

Marlies Says

Singles Day – You’ve Got this!

by marlies|dekkers

All the single ladies, listen up! With single women rapidly becoming the majority, it is high time to stop feeling singled out. This Singles Day, let’s celebrate our freedom and independence by sharing all those solo milestones that make us go: ‘You’ve got this!’.