Thomas, how sewing one sweater with his mother, became the start
of something bigger
Dive into a curated collection of the inspiring people that worked with me and the impactful work they are doing by following their heart and curiosity.
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Back in the Netherlands, Esmee couldn’t leave the idea. A vision took shape. She created a mood board—her version of a proposal—and sent it to Laurens in December 2021. “From a young age, you always knew what you wanted,” her stepmother, told her.
“And somehow, you always make it happen.”
For Esmee, this wasn’t just about a project; it was about finding home. While living in Holland, she always felt a sense of belonging somewhere else. Maybe home isn’t just a house, but more a feeling tied to a place. Looking back on the houses she once lived in, she realized she was always restless, constantly searching for something more, somewhere else. Traveling through Australia, she experienced what real happiness was for her, and she promised herself to live like that—free, in nature, untethered and following her heart.
For Laurens, this move was more than just an exciting new project—it was a deep return to something he had lost along the way. From a young age, he had a strong preference for being in nature, fascinated by everything that moved and lived. During his childhood football matches, he was often more captivated by the soaring buzzards and surrounding wildlife than by the actual game itself. He grew up surrounded by nature, always outside, always exploring. Birdwatching, fishing, and being in the wilderness were second nature to him. But when he moved to the city for university, that part of him faded. Moving to Amsterdam, he focused on building a career. Like many, he faced the pressure to choose between nature and making money. The city offered opportunities in media and entertainment.
He dove into that world, but he knew the whole time: something was missing.
Then after pulling on yet another one of those too-short-after-one-wash H&M sweaters, he found himself wondering: How is a sweater actually made? He remembered the sewing machines sitting upstairs in his childhood home—and it hit him: his mother would probably know the answer.
And just like that, it all came together. He made one for friends for their birthdays, and then he pulled a courageous move: He sent a message to 150 friends asking if they’d be willing to buy a handmade sweater from him. Why? Because he had a dream: to open a sewing studio together with the young people he works with daily—creating meaningful adventures and lasting memories through the simple, powerful act of sewing a sweater together.
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Thomas
Thomas was deliberately searching for slowness—a more grounded rhythm to his life. He began finding deep satisfaction in making things with his hands: a table, a chair, even a set of speakers. One day, in the middle of one of these sessions, a thought struck him: “If today’s world already feels too fast for me, how must it feel for the people I support every day?”
That was a turning point. Thomas realized he wanted to share this sense of calm and the joy of the creative process with the people he worked with at the JP van den Bent foundation: people who don’t have easy access to the job market.
They made an offer on the spot. Fear and exhilaration mixed together. What followed was a whirlwind—renovations, selling their homes, traveling back and forth, preparing to build their dream from scratch. Friends and family were supportive, though cautious. You’re young. Are you sure? But waiting five years to “be sure” wasn’t their style. Both had grown up in entrepreneurial families. Esmee’s father always told her: Don’t wait for permission—just go for it. Laurens shared the same mindset. If it failed? They’d figure it out. They weren’t chasing luxury. They weren’t chasing convention. They were chasing freedom—a place by the ocean, a simple, raw life, built with their own hands.
Today, Helder Farm Studios is more than just a home - it’s a space where creativity and nature intertwine. A retreat for artists, dreamers, and those seeking an escape from the ordinary. Esmee had always believed in one simple truth: "If you do what you truly love, things will work out. If you chase what you want, the path will find itself."
Words
Bibi Timmerman
Thomas realized he wanted to share this sense of calm and the joy of the creative process with the people he worked with at the JP van den Bent foundation.
Eventually, the fast pace caught up with him. At the age of 30, he made the unconventional choice to move back in with his parents in Delden, a small town in Twente. Tired of the commercial rat race, he enrolled in a three-year program to become a personal support worker for people with mild (intellectual) disabilities.
Three years ago, Thomas was living in the Randstad, working as a sales rep at an international marketing agency. His evenings were packed with social appointments and the constant buzz of city life.
From first date to renovating and running a farm stay in the countryside of Portugal: How Esmee and Laurens Turned a wild Idea into reality
Words
Bibi Timmerman
Some love stories take their time, unfolding gradually over years. Others, like Esmee and Laurens', ignite like wildfire, fueled by a shared dream, a leap of faith, and an unwavering belief in building a life together - no matter how soon or how risky it seemed.
It all started with a trip to Portugal. Esmee and Laurens had been dating for a short while, still getting to know each other, but enjoying their time together immensely. Laurens casually mentioned that owning a place in Portugal was a dream of his. Esmee took note but didn't dwell on it. After all, they had only just begun. Three months later, Laurens was back in Portugal for an extended stay, and Esmee came to visit. On just their second trip together, over dinner at a small burger restaurant, the conversation took a turn. Laurens threw out the idea again—why not buy a piece of land? Esmee, intrigued for the first time, thought, I’d love to have a place to rent out.