I really wanted to have a cup of tea with Anne-Marie van Dijk. She is a model, in fact: Amyzine’s Model of the Year and I knew she was very involved with Cleanse, the agency that helps models to be as healthy as possible. Because that is a top sport and indeed; it’s mainly about food. And let’s just say we have a mutual interest in that. So we arranged to meet. At the Juice Generation in Soho, where else?

First, just briefly, how did you get into this “modeling life”?

“I lived in Miami with my parents when I was 14, and I went to the dolphinarium there weekly. I am a huge animal and nature lover. Especially orcas and dolphins. I was also scouted in that dolphinarium, but being a model was really the last thing I wanted to be. But well, through a bit of modeling work, I could maybe earn 100 dollars to give to the foundation that can then save orcas.’’^e Well, after a first booking for Abercrombie & Fitch, of course, it doesn’t stop at just one time.’

“No, you’re right. My agent.

“Sarah from Paparazzi s suggested going to New York for half a year for modeling work. I thought there had to be another way to save orcas, but okay, I told myself two months. Everything for the orcas. Well, after three days, I called my parents to say I wouldn’t be coming back. I got a job for Prada. Yes, and that’s where my career started.’’Okay, let’s talk about Cleanse, you felt there was a need for that?’

“Yes. A modeling life is top sport and I started when I was fourteen. The pressure to be thin is high, so I had difficulties with that. I was incredibly thin, I lost even more weight and was afraid of gaining. At first, you’re in denial, but you know this isn’t okay. When I finally spoke up, I found that I couldn’t get the right help. A normal dietitian would immediately make a plan where you have to gain a few kilos per week. That’s not how it works, and the best advice I got in the fashion world was: “Lucky you, you can still have a pastry because you’re super thin.” But I didn’t dare to do that anymore.’’

“What do you mean? There are plenty of psychologists and dietitians and your own agency? They must have experience with that.“

“Models really need a different approach. It’s a top sport and a dietitian or psychologist must understand what happens in that world, which (incredibly small) sizes are perfect and how to lose weight in a healthy way, but also how to set boundaries and remain confident. Basically, someone who has also been in that world.’’.

“Like you.’

“Indeed. Many models think: oh, I’m only doing this for a few years and then I’ll go back to ‘normal’ life, but by then the ‘damage’ is already done. Just at the point they start their career, I wish they would sign up with Cleanse. We teach them how to.

“stay at a healthy weightmindfulness, we provide personal training, workshops on nutrition, smart snacking tips, and they immediately get a folder to take home with all the healthy hotspots in the city. But also if models want to know how to get beautiful skin through food, there’s a lesson for that. And there’s also a psychologist on staff. “A listening ear is half the healing.”’ Is there a Cleanse office in every city?“

“The intention is that there is a place in every fashion city (New York, London, Milan, and Paris) where models can sign up. There are already locations in New York and Amsterdam.”

“And do the models have to pay for this?”

“Look, I would prefer everything to be free for the girls, but unfortunately, that’s not possible. We are a foundation, but the rent of our premises and the professionals also need to be paid, of course. I try to keep the costs as low as possible. A normal personal training session in New York costs about 200 dollars per hour. A model really can’t afford that, so we charge very reasonable prices for that. Because

“they really need it. But yes, I also believe you should invest in your own health.’’ personal trainers And so it is. I would almost want to sign up with you, did you know that? It sounds like an incredibly fun journey to bring out the best in yourself. Just back to the orcas. Do you already have one as a pet?’

“Well, I’ll tell you, I am the mother of 14 orcas. I adopted them, that’s quite enough, don’t you think?’’

“I really wanted to have a cup of tea with Anne-Marie van Dijk. She is a model, in fact: Amyzine’s Model of the Year and I knew she was very...’