From Globe Trotter to Business Owner  

Eleven years ago, after living abroad for fifteen years, I moved back to the Netherlands.

Looking back, I remember the struggle of trying to fit in again: finding a job, realizing old friendships had faded, and even struggling to speak proper Dutch. I started from the bottom, working jobs that didn’t reflect my skills, living in shared homes, adjusting to Dutch culture, and spending more time indoors than I was used to.

But the hardest part? Finding a sense of grounding. After thirty moves, you get used to… something. But not quite home.

I stayed with my best friend during those first weeks, her support was invaluable and gave me a soft landing after such a big transition. After that, I spent nearly a year living with dear family friends who continued to support me as I tried to rebuild my life. Slowly, things began to shift. I found a lovely apartment in Westerpark, close this dear family friend who supported me during that first year. I was finally able to gather all my belongings that had been scattered across several countries, where kind friends had stored them. I changed jobs a few times, found the love of my life, and now live in our forever home.

During my fifteen years abroad, I lived in countries like Portugal, South Africa, New Zealand, Haïti, and the Bahamas, each with its own culture, rhythm, and challenges. I learned to adapt quickly, build new routines, and find comfort in unfamiliar places. But what stood out most was the lack of accessible support, especially when it came to settling in. Simple things like understanding local systems, finding reliable services, or just having someone to talk to were often missing. That experience stayed with me and planted the seed for what I now offer through Neat Solutions.

Still, something was missing. I wasn’t thriving in the jobs I had. I came close to burnout. Again. That’s when I asked myself: What do I really want? To keep working jobs that drain me, or to take charge of my own path?

Starting Neat Solutions wasn’t just a career move, it was a personal transformation. I had to let go of the idea that stability only comes from traditional employment and trust my instincts. I knew I had something valuable to offer, and I wanted to build a business that reflected both my skills and my story.

That turning point made me reflect on what truly energizes me, and one thing has always stood out: I love organizing. Whether it’s creating order in a space or helping someone feel more in control of their surroundings, it’s something that comes naturally to me. Combined with my own experience as an expat, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to settle in a new country. One of the biggest lessons I learned abroad was how much of a difference it makes to have someone by your side, a friendly face, a helping hand, someone who just gets it. That’s what I missed most, and it’s exactly what I want to offer now.

Neat Solutions is more than a business; it’s a reflection of everything I’ve learned, struggled with, and grown through. My goal is to be that calm in the chaos, the person who helps you feel at home. Whether it’s organizing your space, your move, or your mindset, I’m here to offer support, structure, and trust, because everyone deserves to feel grounded.

So here I am, eleven years later, a proud business owner. With Neat Solutions, I aim to give back what I’ve received: practical help, emotional understanding, and a sense of calm. The impact I want to make mirrors the support I received from those who helped me get my life back on track. That’s what I reflect in my work: someone you can count on.