Conversation with Jet van Nieuwkerk

There was a time when Jet sat across from me every day. A little chatting, brainstorming, typing, and goat knitting at the office. Until she took off from Amayzine to set up her own career, with the message of a happy & healthy life, not too strict and definitely not boring. And now? Jet is going like a cruise missile. So I picked up the phone.

Goodness Jet, it's been a long time! How's it going?

‘It's going really well, Kiek! I had a truly wonderful summer, where I could put my phone away and had no work to do. Before that, I had quite a busy period and now it's time to catch my breath and look at exciting, new projects.’

This has been quite a booming period for you, hasn't it? A web series of your own, three books, and since yesterday known: you are the face of Uniqlo. Congratulations!

‘Thank you! I really felt it was a huge honor to be asked by Uniqlo. I always went to their store in Paris and I was surprised that they didn't have any locations in the Netherlands yet, but luckily they are coming this way now.’

Just for those who don't know: Uniqlo is a Japanese brand that focuses on quality basics, right?

‘That's right. It's actually a brand that stands against clothing items that you wear a few times and then throw away. They have basics with soft fabrics that you can wash a hundred times and they still look good.’

I know you as someone who always works very hard. Last year it all went a bit too fast. Do you have that work/life balance a bit more under control now?

‘Definitely. I'm not saying I can never fall flat on my face again, but I have learned to set my boundaries better. It was really tough to be overworked last year and to get a burnout, but maybe it's strangely good when something like that happens. You become quite a bit wiser from it. I now make very conscious choices.’

Tell me. Your latest book.

”Out of the house with Jet’ is for everyone who lives on their own and wants to cook deliciously, easily, healthily, and especially affordably. So much happens during your student years: new friends, falling in love, exams; these are exciting times when you really need to take good care of yourself. Definitely no takeout meals. I try to inspire students to cook well for themselves.’

Weren't you a bit atypical as a student? Avocados and luxury vegetables instead of canned hot dogs?

‘Haha, yes, that's definitely a bit true. I was lucky because I have always found cooking very fun from a young age. I hope to pass that passion on a little bit to the younger generation. Even if they only pick up a little bit. Cooking doesn't have to be complicated.’

What is your ultimate comfort recipe?

‘A good melanzane. Without lasagna sheets, but with zucchini, eggplant, and mozzarella. It always works: when you want to put a quick, healthy meal on the table, when you're cold, having a bad day, and even when you're broke. Oh, for the last one, use a bit of plastic mozzarella, but otherwise, preferably buffalo mozzarella of course.’

And in the coming months, do you have any big projects planned?

‘Unfortunately, I can't say too much about it yet, but I am going to make a new TV program and it won't be about food. It's going to be very exciting, stay tuned, Kiek!’