Joyce Heere is mom to two children, Mauro (9 yrs) and Romy who has Down syndrome (7yrs) they live in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Joyce is a single mom and her two children love to model and act. Romy goes to a regular elementary school in Amsterdam where she has got lots of friends. Since the day Romy was born, she loves to be the centre of attention. She loves to be photographed and model. Her brother was signed with a model agency but sadly all of the big agencies in Holland have refused Romy because of her Down syndrome. But this is not stopping her from dreaming.
Scrolling through instagram I was stopped in my tracks by a beautiful image of Romy and contacted Joyce to find out more about this little girl with star quality. Romy’s hobbies are dancing, playing with friends, swimming, horseriding and of course modelling and acting. Her role models are Madeline stuart and Makayla Holmgren.
A message from mom Joyce:
We sincerely hope that we contribute to a positive reflection for people with Down syndrome and/ or other disabillaties. Because these people can achieve so much more, but do not get a fair chance. We hope that one day people will see the possibilaties instead of the disabillaties.
We do not have an ultimate goal besides having a lot of fun and love for what she does. It would be great if one day she could do something big, or international that would break all the rules. To make a statement that everyone is beautiful in their own unique way. Romy has now been chosen to be a model at black fashion week, and we are very proud.
I am a kind but a strict mom (I hope). Because I raise them all alone I try to bring my up my children as strong and independent as possible. Because of her Down syndrome I think she wil never become completely independent.
The last wardrobe item I got for my kids are printed T-shirts with the text ‘The lucky few’. I also got a ‘lucky few’ tattoo with several other mommys here in Holland. These mothers also have a child with DS. We consider ourselves the lucky fews.
Afterword: Today is International children’s day. Romy is part of the patchwork that make up the diverse landscape our children populate. It would be great to see the children’s fashion industry embrace this by positively reflecting beauty in all it’s forms to an audience which is ready and looking for a true reflection of us all.
Support and follow Romy & brother Mauro through their social media feeds below:
Katie Kendrick
Katie is a specialist in kids’ fashion and lifestyle, editor, consultant, content creator, and owner of Pirouette - a leading resource to the industry.
With a keen interest in both the business and creative aspects of the industry Katie has interviewed buyers, agents, stylists, designers, influencers, covered runway shows, produced trade show reports and curates thought provoking and engaging exhibitions.
She is passionate about good design, creativity and brands that manage to combine this with their environmental responsibility.
Subscribe to Pirouette's monthly Newsletter.
You might also like
February 29, 2024
Jean Jullien’s ‘Paper People’ at Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche, Paris
If you're in Paris make sure to pop into Le Bon Marche, Rive Gauche - there you will encounter two gigantic blue paper people created by Jean Jullien. Art set in a retail space ensuring an enhanced…
February 27, 2024
The Little Red Planet
Mindi Smith talks to us about The Little Red Planet, her children's boutique based in Sag Harbor, New YorkLaunched online in September 2018, the first brick ‘n mortar followed in Dec 2018.…
February 5, 2024
Julie Vianey – stylist
Julie Vianey shares some of her experiences as a stylist.Julie Vianey is a freelance kids and fashion stylist based in London with 15 years experience. She has worked for iconic brands such as…
February 1, 2024
Cookie Dough boutique
Yasmin Agha talks to us about Cookie Dough, her beautiful children's boutique in downtown Beirut.Cookie Dough Boutique sits in downtown Beirut, on the corner of one of the most prestigious locations…
January 11, 2024
Kidswear therapy podcast launch
New podcast launchThe Kidswear therapy podcast is a safe space to discuss the ups, downs, the positives and sometimes the irritations of the kidswear industry. Linda McLean of Smudgetikka joins…
May 17, 2023
Panel talk – the business of kids’ fashion
Pirouette panel talk at Pitti Bimbo '96Katie of Pirouette talks with Piero Iacomoni of Monnalisa, Mogens Jepsen of Molo, Shoshana Kazab of Fuse Coms & Kidswear Collective. They discuss their…
March 28, 2023
Mini Rodini x FILA launch – interview with founder Cassandra Rhodin
Today on Pirouette I’m talking with ‘the’ pioneer in sustainable and ethical kidswear, founder of Mini Rodini Cassandra Rhodin. Launched in 2006 Cassandra’s colourful designs are loved…
October 10, 2022
Knut, & Mom Holly Biörklund (Artist & Muralist)
Way back in January of this year I was lucky enough to be introduced to this wonderful human who was accompanying her BFF to Pitti Bimbo. Grouped together on a press/ influencer tour we spent a…
June 16, 2022
Parent & Child Interview: India (4), Reef (2) & Mom Photographer Karen Holt
Parent & Child interview Karen is a fantastic photographer using natural light her work with families capture a very real, but beautiful look into the moment. The family lives in a remote part of…