My Story
Storytelling has been woven into the fabric of my life from a young age, though my path to becoming a writer wasn’t straightforward. It all began with drawings that revealed the colours of my imagination, then evolved into short stories, poems and hundreds of pages in my private diaries. As a teenager I aspired to be a journalist, a dream I didn’t dare to fulfil.
Instead, my professional journey kicked off in the fast-paced world of advertising, where I crafted narratives designed to spark desire for brands and products. After starting my career in Paris, I seized the opportunity to live and work in London, an experience that broadened my horizons and opened my mind to new cultures. Years later, I returned to Paris, and my creative pursuits (alongside my job) led me to join an amateur theatre class, where I discovered the joy of bringing characters to life. Soon after, I became involved in a weekly theatrical writing workshop – Friday evenings I eagerly anticipated. There, within a wonderful group, I experienced the magic of creating short stories and performing them for one another.
Several years later, a new opportunity arose, and I made the decision to move to Amsterdam to pursue my career and personal growth. In my free time there, I immersed myself in the realm of improvisation, where I rekindled the child within me. Improvisation is all about imagining worlds, play, freedom and magical moments full of emotions – elements that now flow naturally into the stories I craft.
A life-changing experience occurred in that vibrant city. During a weekend writing workshop, I composed a short story about two children, a brother and sister, facing a traumatic event. When our coach read the texts aloud anonymously, mine filled the room with a palpable emotion. As I saw the tears in my peers’ eyes, I felt a deep confirmation of what my inner voice had been whispering all along: I have the power to touch people with my words. Those extraordinary minutes in that library were a turning point, giving me the confidence to embrace my identity as a writer.
Four years ago, personal reasons led me to leave Amsterdam and settle in the Pas-de-Calais, in the North of France, where I now live with my husband. It was an opportunity to sit down and decide on the next chapter of my professional path. As reflections and conversations with my family unfolded, being a biographer emerges as a natural choice. But beyond this, during that time, I joined a writers’ circle, and it was here that the true connection between my storytelling and children became clear. My fellow writers often commented on my gift for creating pieces that resonate with younger audiences. Their encouragement, along with the reactions of my niece and sister to a tailor-made story I crafted, inspired me to develop the concept of ‘Your own Fabulous Fable’ – a unique service that brings to life my belief that children can find solace and strength through personalised, insightful tales. My storytelling is shaped by an intuitive connection with my inner voice, the natural world, and the gentle guidance of my spiritual mentors. This blend of influences helps me compose tales that are both imaginative and meaningful, carrying messages intended to be received with the heart.
Now, through ‘Your own Fabulous Fable’, I aim to be like the hummingbird (see story below)—a small but determined force for good, offering tales that bring light, comfort and positivity into the lives of children. Each story is crafted with care, designed to resonate with the child and accompany them in providing guidance and inspiration on their journey, to grow into confident individuals.
The hummingbird story
This story is often attributed to a Quechua legend from the Andean region of South America.
In the midst of a great fire consuming the forest, all the animals fled in fear, believing there was nothing they could do. But a small hummingbird decided to take action. It flew to the river, picked up a drop of water in its beak, and returned to release it over the fire. Back and forth it went, tirelessly, while the other animals watched and doubted. When they asked the hummingbird why it bothered, knowing it couldn’t put out the fire alone, the hummingbird simply replied, ‘I’m doing my part.’ This story teaches us that even the smallest efforts can make a difference, and that everyone has a role to play, no matter how tiny it may seem.
« Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.» — Winnie the Pooh