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
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…
October 6, 2021
Pirouette kicks back into action
After being hacked & disabled we're back to bringing the whats what in Kid's fashion & lifestyle! Pirouette has been a little quiet for a while. In part at least because I've been working for…
August 24, 2021
Past, present & future – Bobo Choses & sustainability, founder interview
Serious about taking responsibility for their social and environmental footprint. Ethical and environmental practices and sustainability are now part and parcel of most kid's independent labels, but…
June 11, 2021
Interview: My Little Cozmo
Women supporting womenKatie chats with the ladies behind this ethically focused brand from Barcelona ‘ My Little Cozmo’ about supporting women throughout the industry.…
March 24, 2021
Parent & Child: Valentina with Stefania @stefbrunetti_
Parent & Child Valentina (5) lives in Melbourne, Australia with her four siblings Stella (18), Serena (14), Piero (11) & Olimpia (1) with Mom & Dad. Mom Stef describes her beautiful…
February 28, 2021
Brexit talks:
Brexit talks with Stu Anderson, CEO of Young SolesKatie talks to Young Soles CEO, Stu Anderson about how post-Brexit things have changed for UK based fashion labels. Stuart…