Dear reader,
My name is Irma. I am 28 years old and, like probably most of you, I am a history nerd.
My love for history began as a small child. I loved the stories that were told to me. About other times, about things, people, wars, and battles or places that I was eager to imagine. That is also where my passion for writing stories comes from. The most beautiful thing, and I still think so, is visiting such a place. Being able to physically touch something. Being able to immerse myself in the atmosphere and history. I also feel at home in those places. So quite naturally, I have a life dream: to one day have my own castle.
My parents then say that I should marry rich. With a man who is very smart and has a lot of money. Then I say ‘’no, you should encourage me to become rich’’.
Fortunately, when I have a goal, I am a fairly unstoppable whirlwind. Having a dream keeps me ambitious, it gives me a purpose.
What kind of work do I do to become so rich, you wonder? I work in the hospitality industry... in a museum restaurant as a kitchen assistant. You probably saw that coming haha. A girl with a big dream but a modest budget.
After leaving HAVO, I pursued a makeup artist course. Unfortunately, I didn't complete it. But I made many contacts and learned a lot. Then I started studying spatial design. The course was mainly focused on commercial spaces. But I quickly decided that I wanted to specialize in historical design. This is where things really started to take off for me.
I did my first-year internship at Stichting Kasteel Radboud in Medemblik. I performed various tasks here. But I was also allowed to design and realize part of an exhibition. Jackpot, I thought. I learned so much here. For example, that pool noodles are not the most convenient material to make a display boat, although the right intention was there. So you can take that life advice for free. In the end, there was something I was very proud of.
After my internship was over, I stayed there as a hostess. But I also got to know the castle inside and out.
In my final year, I did 2 internships. The first was at the 20th century museum in Hoorn. Here I contributed to an exhibition about children's TV. Also experienced quite a few bizarre moments. For instance, I combed the wig of Pipo the clown. Had my hand inside the puppet of Paulus the woodgnome. And placed the real bear boat bears on a replica bear boat. And yes, I even took a selfie with the real Moffel and Piertje. Let that sink in, a more recent kind of history.
The second internship was again at Radboud Castle. By this point, I was fully integrated into the Radboud family. I was allowed to design a library. This was during the corona time. So while everyone was at home, I made designs at the office. Pitched the ideas and later realized them myself. Sanding, painting, designing. In the end, I was extremely proud.
I was completely enamored with castle life. So I started thinking of other tasks. For example, I made and embroidered cushions that now lie on the window sills there. I applied storytelling to two special chairs with cushions I embroidered. Who would have thought you could tell an entire story with cushions.
At Radboud, I got to know real knights. A man in a armour has a whole different caliber of attraction. But also people who are professional Medievalists. So suddenly there was my dream career right in front of me. A choice I didn't even know existed.
Once I graduated, I really needed a job. So I ended up at the Zuiderzee Museum in hospitality. Not my ultimate goal, but something that eventually made me happy. Even against my expectations. I have since moved to Enkhuizen 4 years later. A beautiful historical city.
While working in hospitality, I do historical things in the background. For example, I participated in a Medieval tapestry project at Radboud Castle. Here I learned Medieval embroidery. Something that is now part of my creator identity. Something I now see as a passion. I have stood with my Medieval embroideries at a Medieval fair. I got to model for an exhibition poster. Recorded audio tours. I also do a lot of content creation for the castle to raise awareness of new cultural heritage.
I even got to live in an empty castle for a month. Of course, I immediately said yes when that question was asked. But there I was suddenly. My first night alone in a large castle while the storm outside produced all sorts of sounds that made you wonder if it was ghosts or the wind. Yikes. But that experience was ultimately very special and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Eventually, there was even an offer to live in another castle. But unfortunately, I ultimately had to decline because I couldn't pay double rent. All these opportunities come from my contacts. Because I show what my passion is. Because I'm not afraid to speak my dreams out loud. But above all, because I'm not afraid to step out of my comfort zone.
Currently, in my spare time, I'm coordinating a new project at Radboud Castle. We are making medieval clothing for all the volunteers. I move from one thing to another. Partly because I often take the initiative myself. Come up with ideas myself.
That's how I ended up at Celticwebmerchant. An ad on social media. They were looking for models. Although I was very aware that I am not a Victoria secret angel, I still signed up. Take a chance, as we sometimes say. Low and behold, weeks later I heard something. Whether I wanted to come by for a shoot. And oh yes, whether I was open to being a human sacrifice. I was particularly intrigued by the question and said yes.
Now I'm here. A number of shoots and great experiences richer. With a different kind of self-confidence. New dear friends and a CV entry I never thought I'd have. All in all, I am very happy with all these experiences. It gives me peace, confidence, and hope for a happier life. I am proud of myself for everything I have achieved and done. Even if I was nervous or scared. So my advice is, say yes. Take a chance. Be that human sacrifice in your first photoshoot. You never know where something might lead...…
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