Read the story of Nannette, breast cancer survivor

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. »