Issue 06: Follow Your Dream
Follow Your Dream
Take a peek into Carolien’s empowering journey from supermodel to super entrepreneur, to business owner and currently, to producer.
“Follow your dreams, create your own journey, be whatever you want to be!” says Carolien Ter Linden and clearly lives by.
Carolien grew up in Apeldoorn, a city in Gelderland in the Netherlands. Her childhood was full of happy memories, a warm environment with hardworking parents who instilled their exemplary values in Carolien and her two sisters. Today, Carolien wears many hats, she is a co-producer and presenter of the Dutch RTL4 TV program “Op Weg Naar Cannes,” has a weekly television show called Life is Beautiful, reports for international media channels, is an entrepreneur, a brand ambassador for multiple clients, a loving wife and a proud mother of two wonderful children.
Carolien began her journey by winning the title of “Miss Bride of the Netherlands.” As Miss Bride, she was inspired by the owner of the bridal company to develop a strong interest in business, organizing fashion events and working with models. As her career in modelling progressed from local jobs in the Netherlands to international modeling, Carolien steadily built her portfolio of industry contacts by networking with her clients. Building trust and the right client list is critical in the fashion world.
Later, Carolien received the Amsterdam Fashion Award in recognition of her experience and contribution to the fashion industry. “I built a solid reputation for reliability and professionalism, which allowed me to launch my own company, Passerella Moda.” said Carolien, whose company has developed into an international, multi-faceted agency, providing models, producing events as well as acting as a public relations company for national and international television coverage. “I guess one of the big differences between my agency and other modelling agencies is that I get to accompany my models and designers to various events as a host, sometimes even a model and a reporter.” exclaimed Carolien.
Kimberley Kleczka is interviewing Carolien Ter Linden!
What is your contribution to the world?
Helping young designers, models and hosts fulfil their dreams, and celebrating the achievements of other women. I love highlighting positive role models in the creative platform that can in turn inspire and help other actresses, artists and models internationally. I am also working with a charity called “Free a Girl.” This organization is committed to freeing young women from forced prostitution and convicting the perpetrators.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me is about being connected and helping others with my connections, so that I can create more possibilities for each individual. Success is about being independent, taking action, developing and learning from our mistakes. Success is being happy and having the freedom to enjoy your life. I have been blessed and want to help give others the same opportunities.
What is it like being a TV host?
I have lots of fun travelling, meeting new people and exploring the world. I enjoy seeing how people live their lives. At the moment, I host two lifestyle TV shows. We get to work with tourism agencies, restaurants, lawyers, artists, business executives as well as the fashion and beauty industry.
Tell us about your show?
It is called “Op weg naar Cannes,” which means “On the Road to Cannes” in English. It started in September 2020 on RTL4 and has been a big success, earning a 4 star ranking on Videoland in the Netherlands. Ten Dutch models are selected by judges to complete a specific challenge in each show. From acting, swimming, cycling, designing, fashion shows, interviews… the list of possible challenges goes on. We have completed Season 2, and will be filming Season 3 in 2022.
What is your life purpose?
Having a positive attitude and strong values of respect and dignity. It’s always important to be kind, giving, and to be there for others when they need you. Although I travel a lot, I am always there for my family and friends. It’s very important for me to stay connected, wherever in the world I may be.
Who helps you with your TV wardrobe?
Addy Van Den Krommenacker. He’s a celebrity and royalty fashion designer that I’ve been fortunate to work with over the past few years. He has an amazing collection of haute couture and pret-a-porter fashions. Addy styles my wardrobe perfectly for each show. Addy and I also travel around the world together, hosting shows at embassies and special events like Fashion Week in Dubai, Marrakesh, Milan, Paris, London and New York. He’s so much fun to work and I’ve learnt so much from him.
As a Brand Ambassador, with whom do you work?
I am the brand ambassador for the world’s best chic design hotel, Twentyseven Boutique Hotel, it is in the heart of Amsterdam, on Dam Square. It is modern and beautifully styled. We do our model shoots and TV show at the hotel. I also work with the Dutch Flower Cake, which you cannot eat, as it’s made from beautiful roses that come from Holland and Ecuador.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
My goal is to progress from co-producing shows, to being a producer with my own production company. I have spent many years working hard to build a strong energetic production team and I am excited to make this a reality.
What words of wisdom would you like to share?
It is important to be honest to yourself. Never give up and believe in who you are. Do what makes you happy and always follow your heart. Be kind and helpful to others, that is the key to success. Do not be afraid to try new things. If you need help, ask for some advice. There are so many opportunities out there to follow your dreams, but be wary of others. Don’t do anything that does not feel right. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion, you always have people around that can help you out. Move forward in your life and stay positive as life is an amazing journey.
