Hi, my name is Julia Jorritsma.
You might not guess it, but I was born in Moldova. I carry a beautiful Frisian last name, thanks to my stepfather who to me, is simply my real father. He adopted me and gave me not only his name, but also a sense of belonging.
When I was six years old, I moved to the Netherlands with my mother. As a child, you quickly learn how to adapt. You pick up the language, you observe the culture and you try to fit in. Finding where you truly belong is not always easy.
Within my own family, I also experienced the ups and downs that come with moving to a new country. Starting over in a place where you don’t yet understand the culture or speak the language is challenging. Integration is not automatic, especially in a society where many people live in their own bubbles.
This lived experience is what inspired me to start this company: to help people feel at home.
For the past twenty years, I have worked in mental health care. I started at seventeen and have dedicated my professional life to supporting people’s emotional well-being. I even ran my own private practice for several years. One theme kept showing up again and again: loneliness.
Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges of our time, for both locals and internationals. We live in an increasingly individualistic world, yet as human beings, we are not meant to do life alone. It’s striking that in parts of the world where people have fewer material possessions, they often report feeling happier than we do in the West, where we have more than ever, yet struggle with rising mental health challenges.
I am 38 years old, living in Arnhem. I am divorced, yet I share a beautiful friendship with my ex-husband, because connection can take many forms.
Today, I bring together my professional background, my personal journey, and my heart to build communities. I create spaces where people truly meet. Where small talk is replaced by meaningful conversations. Where you are allowed to simply be yourself.
This is more than work for me, it’s a mission.
Because I believe everyone deserves to feel at home.