Why Anne-Marie Said "Yes" to Modeling

MunemiHow did you start modeling and how old were you?

MunemiAt what age and what prompted you to start modeling?

Anne-MarieI was scouted at the age of 14 at a local marine park while living in Florida with my family. I said yes to modeling because I was trying to raise money to help save an orca in captivity. I have always been passionate about nature and wildlife and quickly learned about the negative impact captivity has on these intelligent animals. To this day I still work with various non-profit groups to help raise environmental awareness.

Anne-MarieI was scouted at the age of 14 when my family and I visited a marine park in Florida. I said yes to modeling because I wanted to help raise funds to save an orca in captivity. I've always been passionate about nature and wildlife, and I quickly learned about the negative impact captivity has on these intelligent animals. To this day, I still assist various environmental non-profit organizations.

MCan you tell us how your career happened from there and what brought you to NYC?

MunemiWhat brought you to New York, and how did your modeling career develop from there?

AMModeling has never been my dream job. I modeled part-time while living in Florida, then my parents moved back to Holland. I signed up with an agency in Amsterdam but was more interested in attending university. Soon after graduating from High School in The Netherlands, I was suddenly booked for Prada. This changed my entire career and I was immediately sent to New York. This was 8 years ago and I am still here!


MCan you share your favorite places in NYC for restaurants, spas, stores, if you have any?

MunemiDo you have any favorite restaurants, spas, or shops in New York?

AMNew York is one of the most magnificent cities I have been to in terms of energy and possibilities! You can find everything in New York, from the traditional to the ethnic. I have been a vegetarian for 11 years so many of my favorite restaurants are all-vegetarian or all-vegan. My favorite restaurants are Caravan of Dreams, Pure Food and Wine and its take out store One Lucky Duck. My favorite spa is Pratima Spa, which is conveniently located in Soho, it is LEED certified (i.e. the building is sustainable) and founded on the principles of Ayurveda. Finally, my favorite store is ABC’s Apothecary. ABC Carpet & Home is one of the most luxurious stores in NYC but they harbor a beautiful little organic apothecary, where you can find some of the world’s purest skincare products and brands.

AnneIn terms of energy and possibilities, New York is one of the most outstanding cities I've ever visited. You can find everything here, from traditional to various ethnic cuisines. I've been a vegetarian for 11 years, so all my favorite restaurants are vegetarian or vegan.

I recommend "Caravan of Dreams," "Pure Food and Wine," and its takeout shop "One Lucky Duck." For spas, I like "Pratima Spa." It's located in a LEED-certified green building in Soho and offers treatments based on Ayurveda. My favorite shop is the "Apothecary section" within "ABC Carpet & Home." ABC Carpet & Home is a very luxurious store in New York, but their apothecary corner offers some of the world's finest pure and organic skincare products.

Anne-Marie's Daily Life and Joys

MDo you exercise? If you do, what do you do?

MunemiDo you exercise? If so, what kind of exercises do you do?

AMOver the years, thanks to my job, I have learned how to take proper care of my body and the importance of exercising. I love to workout with a personal trainer. I know some great ones in NYC and two of them are part of our team at CLEANSE (more on CLEANSE below). Personal Trainers know exactly what a model needs and what areas to target. When I am abroad, I generally make use of the hotel’s treadmill and some light dumbbells. Generally, I’ll walk half an hour on the treadmill (at a steep incline) holding a dumbbell in each hand, doing some light-weight exercises.

AnneThrough my years as a model, I've learned how to take care of myself and the importance of exercise. Personally, I enjoy sessions with a personal trainer. I know some excellent trainers in New York, and two of them are part of the CLEANSE team (more on CLEANSE later). Personal trainers understand exactly what models need and which areas to focus on for training. When I travel abroad, I usually use the hotel gym's treadmill and some light dumbbells. I typically walk for 30 minutes on an incline treadmill, holding light dumbbells in each hand for some light weight exercises.

MWhat’s your diet like in general? Have you been always a healthy eater or have you changed at some point?

MunemiWhat is your usual diet like? Have you always eaten healthily, or did something change at some point?

AMI have always been interested in nutrition. My father would always look up the latest scientific and medical discoveries. We would share thoughts and ideas and change our lifestyles accordingly. Ever since I became a model, learning how to take care of myself became even more important to me. As a model, you face significant pressure to maintain specific physical measurements. If you don’t have the proper tools to stay in shape and stay healthy, it is easy to fall into a trap that may ultimately cost your mental and physical well-being.


MWhat do you enjoy doing in life?

MunemiWhat do you enjoy in life?

AMI’m first and foremost a bookworm. I love to read! I will always have a good book with me. My favorite subjects are philosophy, cosmology, psychology, wild life, metaphysics and nutrition. However, what I enjoy most in life is to work on projects I feel passionate about. I believe that following your Passion is one of the most healing and empowering things you can do in life.

AnneAbove all, I'm a bookworm. I love to read! I always carry a good book with me. My favorite subjects include philosophy, cosmology, metaphysics, and nutrition.
But what I enjoy most in life is dedicating myself to projects that I feel passionate about. I believe that following your passion is one of the most healing and empowering things you can do.

What is the "CLEANSE" Project Anne-Marie is Passionate About?

MSo let’s talk about your new project and passion, CLEANSE. Can you explain how does it work and what kind of program CLEANSE are offering?

MunemiLet's talk about "CLEANSE," your new project and passion. How does CLEANSE operate, and what kind of services does it offer?

AMCLEANSE is an exclusive platform that has been designed to help models achieve
their career goals in a healthy and responsible way. We partner with modeling agencies and offer models a variety of tools such as free yoga classes, cooking classes, fitness and make-up classes. In addition, we work with a specialized team of top-notch health professionals such as personal trainers and nutritionists to help models lead healthier lives.

Anne"CLEANSE" is a platform designed to guide models in achieving their career goals in a healthy and environmentally conscious manner. We collaborate with modeling agencies to provide access to various resources, including free yoga classes, cooking classes, fitness, and makeup workshops, as well as regular contact with model counselors. Additionally, we work with a team of top-tier health professionals, including personal trainers and nutritionists, to help models lead healthier lives.

MWho are you working with you right now? (Partner companies that offer services) And what kind of partners/services that would you wish to work with as the future additions?

MunemiCurrently, what kind of partners are you working with? And what kind of partners or services are you considering for the future?



AMIn addition to supporting models, CLEANSE maintains a high standard of sustainability. The companies we partner with are organic, local, eco-friendly and/or have a social mission. It is important for us at CLEANSE to educate our audiences about leading a sound life that nurtures the body and the planet.
Our current partners include Pratima Spa (www.pratimaspa.com) and Blink Fitness (www.blinkfitness.com). Next year we are launching a whole new program that will involve NYC’s greenest companies.

AnneIn addition to supporting models, CLEANSE is based on high standards of environmental consideration. Our partner companies are organic, eco-friendly, or have a social mission. It's important for us at CLEANSE to educate our audience about leading a sound lifestyle that nurtures both body and planet. Our current partners include Pratima Spa (www.pratimaspa.com) and Blink Fitness (www.blinkfitness.com). Next year, we will launch a brand-new program in collaboration with some of New York's greenest companies.

MIs this NPO?

MunemiIs this an NPO (non-profit organization)?

AMCLEANSE is not an NPO but a L3C (Low-Profit Limited Liability Company.) When I first came up with the idea of CLEANSE, we were hit hard by the recession. Many non-profits I used to work with were struggling to stay afloat. A friend of mine described this well, “If you think the recession makes it hard for individuals, how hard do you think it is for non-profits?!”. She had a good point. Non-profits rely on grants and donations, among other things. These are hard to find during an economic crisis. I had to find a middle way. A friend introduced me to the concept of an “L3C”, a hybrid between a non-profit and a for-profit. This is exactly what I was looking for. To become an L3C, you must first be able to prove that your mission is charitable as opposed to commercial and that profit-making is possible, but not the ultimate goal.

AnneCLEANSE is not an NPO, but an L3C (a hybrid entity between an NPO and a for-profit company). When I first conceived the idea for CLEANSE, the economy was in a recession. Many non-profits I had worked with were struggling financially. A friend aptly put it, "If you think the recession is hard for individuals, imagine how hard it is for non-profits?!" She had a very valid point. Non-profits rely heavily on grants and donations, which are difficult to secure during an economic crisis. I realized I needed to find a middle ground. A friend then introduced me to the concept of an "L3C," a hybrid of a non-profit and a for-profit. This was exactly what I was looking for. To become an L3C, one must first prove that their mission is charitable rather than commercial, and that while profit generation is possible, it is not the ultimate objective.

I believe a hybrid between a non-profit and a for-profit is the way of the future. I believe the world could benefit from having more companies that have a social mission yet remain a “business”. In other words, I personally believe that the non-profit system needs to be reformed. The world is in a different economic place compared to 10-20 years ago. One can no longer solely rely on grants and donations anymore. I believe an L3C encourages a company to stay creative, find economic solutions while retaining a social mission. I see a beautiful message in this.

I believe that a hybrid model between non-profit and for-profit is the future. Wouldn't it be beneficial for our society to have more companies with a social mission that also operate as businesses? In other words, I personally feel the non-profit system is due for reform. The global economy is vastly different now compared to 10-20 years ago. We can no longer rely solely on grants and donations. I believe the L3C structure encourages companies to remain creative, find financial solutions, and maintain their social mission. I see a beautiful message within this system.

Anne-Marie's Mission Through "CLEANSE"

MCan you tell us your dream in the future with CLEANSE?

MunemiWhat is your dream for the future of CLEANSE?

AMCLEANSE is first and foremost a support system for models. In an industry where you are judged by your looks and where models are so young (under the age of 18. Often times 16 or younger) you need a support system to guide them and give them the tools they need so that they can take responsibility and lead healthier lives. However, my ultimate goal with CLEANSE would be to empower not only individuals within the fashion industry, but individuals around the world. My ultimate mission is to enable people everywhere to create sustainable paths of wellness that enrich the body and mind while also helping to preserve the health and beauty of our planet.

AnneCLEANSE is, above all, a support system for models. In an industry where you are judged by your appearance and where models are very young (under 18, often 16 or younger), they need a support system to guide them and provide the tools necessary for them to take responsibility and lead healthier lives. However, my ultimate goal with CLEANSE is to empower not only individuals within the fashion industry but people worldwide. My ultimate mission is to enable everyone to create sustainable paths to wellness that enrich the body and mind, while also helping to preserve the health and beauty of our planet.



MWould you have a platform to share those tips and experiences from Models of CLEANSE for the others to enhance their life style?

MunemiIs there a platform where we can share healthy tips and experiences learned from CLEANSE models to apply to our daily lives?

AMAbsolutely! We are currently redesigning our website. Our new site will launch next year and will offer our members and non-members a myriad of fun and interesting things. What exactly? This remains a secret ;) CLEANSE can now also be found on Facebook where we share tips, articles and recipes with our fans.

AnneAbsolutely. We are currently in the process of redesigning our website. The new site is scheduled to launch next year and will offer a wide range of fun and interesting content for both members and non-members. The specifics? That remains a secret ;) You can also find CLEANSE on Facebook, where we currently share healthy tips, articles, and recipes with our fans.

CLEANSE
http://www.cleanse-nyc.com/

Anne-Marie Van Dijk
Born in The Netherlands and raised in the South of France. She started modeling after being scouted in Florida while observing dolphins at a local marine park. She accepted the job after realizing this could help her raise funds for a whale she was trying to save and soon booked her first job with the renowned photographer Bruce Weber for Abercrombie & Fitch. She decided to finish school before pursuing modeling full-time and after doing so was booked for her first runway show for Prada.
Over the years, she has worked with some of the world’s greatest fashion photographers including Steven Meisel, Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier. She has graced the covers and editorial pages of Vogue and has worked with high profile clients such as Armani, Louis Vuitton and Dior.
What started with one whale and her modest contributions to its survival led her to the realization that her unique position as a model could enable her to do more for the environment than she had ever imagined possible.
She is the founder of "CLEANSE one body, one planet", a unique platform dedicated to bringing professional health and wellness services to the fashion industry. CLEANSE’s ultimate mission is to enable people everywhere to create sustainable paths of wellness that enrich the body and mind while also helping to preserve the health and beauty of our planet.
Anne-Marie resides in New York and Paris.

Born in the Netherlands and raised in the South of France. She was scouted as a model while observing dolphins at a marine park in Florida. Realizing that the job could help her raise funds for an orca she was trying to save, she agreed to model, and was soon cast in a campaign for Abercrombie & Fitch by renowned photographer Bruce Weber. She decided to focus on her studies until after high school, and upon graduation, she made her runway debut at the Prada fashion show. She has since worked with top international photographers such as Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, and Patrick Demarchelier. She has appeared on the covers and in fashion editorials for Vogue in various countries and has been featured in campaigns for Armani, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. Her initial efforts to help save a single orca led her to realize the significant environmental impact she could make through her position as a model. In 2011, she founded "CLEANSE one body, one planet," a unique platform providing health and wellness services to the fashion industry. CLEANSE's ultimate mission is to empower people worldwide to embrace sustainable wellness practices that enrich the body and mind, while simultaneously protecting the health and beauty of our planet.
Anne-Marie resides in New York and Paris.