Elvira (30): a strong woman with a soft edge

A balanced connection between body, mind, and soul: that is what Elvira (30) considers one of the most important aspects of life. After years of performance-based work in a hectic corporate environment and an unhappy relationship, she suffered from burnout. She changed course completely and found strength through self-connection and self-love. Six months later, she retrained as a holistic life coach. By viewing issues from a wider perspective, she now helps people become more (self-)aware and confident. She also gives women emotional and physical support during child birth. She is an open source of reflection, takes as much time as she wants, and knows exactly how to break taboos.

A stepping stone of success

After spending some time abroad after college, Elvira started working as an international account manager at a commerical real-estate company: ‘‘After a while, I really started to struggle.’’ After three years, it all came crashing down. She suffered from burnout, ended her relationship, and tore up her contract. Despite feeling relieved, it took six months for her to regain her energy. In hindsight, that drastic decision ended up being a stepping stone for happiness.

Change is scary. People like to stay in their comfort zone. We live according to many learned patterns, which are created by our upbringing, surroundings, and society. We have been taught these patterns from a very young age. With breathing exercises and reflection, among other things, she helps herself and others to reconnect with the body. ‘‘By making a connection with yourself from a place of love, a connection with someone else can grow’’, says Elvira. For many people, thoughts are in the way of their emotions and feelings. When it comes to intimacy and sexuality, it’s important to clear the way for your feelings in order to optimally enjoy them. As a holistic coach, she helps women experience more self-love and confidence.

Pregnancy: ‘a world of taboos’

As a doula, she also emotionally and physically guides women during their pregnancy until they give birth. It’s a world of taboos according to Elvira: like pooping while giving birth, vaginal tears, and breastfeeding, just to name a few. ‘‘Women often have an idea of what it should be that is just not in line with reality.’’. They are often ashamed of it, so it isn’t talked about a lot. ‘‘Many women think they are weird, even though practically everything I hear and see is completely normal. That’s a problem.’’ Research shows that a third of all women has had a negative sexual experience. Continuous support is even more wanted in those cases, so the women giving birth feels heard and seen. The feeling of being in control.

The woman in her natural strength

It’s Elvira’s driving force to have open conversations and placing the woman in her natural strength. ‘‘By being vulnerable, you open a door for other people to do the same. That causes a chain reaction that can break taboos.’’ Recognition makes room for what is allowed to exist, it increases awareness, and it helps make you feel strong. She hopes to help thousands of more women find their inner strength from a place of (self-)love in the future.

Finally, what do we see in Elvira’s portrait according to Elvira?
“A beautiful, warm, open, strong, and confident woman with a mission. And a little stubbornness.”

Also read: Fabiënne Schriek (26): professional taboo breaker