My full name is…
Iman Ana Cristian Whitfield.
But my friends call me…
Iman, or Maan.
I grew up…
In Amsterdam, in a very creative household. Surrounded by paintings, handcrafted sculptures, self-made furniture, a lot of love, and passionate conversations.
Creativity for me means…
Expressing myself, my thoughts, dreams, and ideas.. in whatever way that feels best.
The best part of being a creative director is…
That I get to combine all the things that I love and feel inspired by. From art, design, and interior to fashion, branding, photography, and film. Creating things from scratch, visualising ideas and bringing them to life. I think it’s important to create something that resonates, that makes you feel something. The best part of it is that I get to work with a lot of talented people with different skills.
Before becoming a mother, I was…
Full of time on my hands, haha!
One thing that surprised me about motherhood is…
The repetitive part of caretaking. That it's forever ongoing, it never stops. Having your hands free is a scarcity, and me-time is suddenly a luxury.
And don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying every second of it, I mean, almost every second. It’s just the realization of what motherhood actually entails, it’s beautiful and magical to watch her grow, to see her develop, and to feel the love and warmth of a human being we’ve created ourselves — but the non-stop caretaking can be a bit overwhelming at times.
Having Lola has taught me…
Patience. And being present.
Balancing motherhood and creative work looks like…
This is something I still need to figure out. Lola is 3.5 months now.. so I’m slowly landing back on earth and feeling ready to work & create again. The creative process is not something I switch on or of, it keeps going, so even during long walks I get new ideas. But to actually sit down and work means I need to have some time on my hands. So daycare is the next step.
Right now, I am inspired by…
Other moms that manage to combine being a mom with pursuing their dreams and ambitions at the same time.
The values I hope to teach Lola are…
Nothing really matters, and everything really matters. Be kind to yourself and others. Be mindful of your surroundings, and impeccable with your word. Follow your intuition, and pick whatever path feels best for you. Oh and have fun while you’re at it, it’s just a ride!
I care for myself…
By taking a long shower (or bath) and a hot cup of tea. In the summertime, I also love to go to our cabin on the water in Vinkeveen. It’s a great place to unwind, and it definitely balances our life in the city.
I find comfort in…
The thought that I have the rest of my life to make my dreams happen. I don’t have to do everything right now.
I feel most at home when…
I’m with my family or close friends, good music, and a nourishing home-cooked meal.
My favourite snack…
Just about anything with spicy chili oil.
My favourite childhood memory...
Jumping in the clear blue Adriatic ocean at a campsite we used to go to in Croatia. Running around naked. Catching sardines with my dad, and having lunch under the trees. Some of my best childhood memories are definitely there.
One thing people might not know about me…
Something I didn’t even know about myself is how much I enjoy moments of solitude, just being with myself. This is something I found out quite recently. I don’t really feel the need to be that social anymore.
How I find balance…
Quite literally by doing yoga. I’ve always been into Ashtanga, but when I feel very rushed a slow yin-class to reconnect with yourself and slow down. I also LOVE taking a day off and going to a spa.
I feel womanly when…
When I dance! (and I should do this more often).
I am hopeful for…
The future.
I am looking forward to…
Launching my swimwear platform and brand called IMAN SWIM.
