Women who inspire us; Ida Polnaija-Kakisina
Who is Ida Polnaija-Kakisina?
She is a loving caring person with a big heart for her family, powerful because she is aware of her vulnerability and not anxious to show this. But also fierce when it comes to people who are harming the people she loves.
Can you tell us something about your background?
I have a mother who is half Dutch and Half Moluccan and a father who is fully Moluccan. We have a colonial history with the Netherlands which felt like a struggle since I am a mom. Raising children requires awareness of your own identity which in our case also contains a lot of unanswered questions and trauma we want to protect our children from. Both of my parents witnessed a lot of pain and poverty so they worked their ass off to give their children better opportunities in life and they succeeded.
Where do you find your inspiration?
On the street, observing real people who do not know someone is watching them.
And lately a lot of indigenous young people all over the world who are reclaiming their heritage and identity.
What do you like most about your job?
Team Modefabriek, my colleagues. They are all women, I feel safe and seen by them which makes me wanna work even harder because we do it together!
Is there something you would still like to learn?
The Moluccan language and my indiginous language from the village Kaibobo-Ariate where my dad's parents were born.
What was your life like before becoming a mother?
Carefree and wild since I did not had a lot of fear in my bones. But the time I spend with my friends and family is still the same, only with less alcohol and more sleep.
What do you enjoy most about motherhood?
The way my kids make me smile and cry over the most stupid little things.
And what is the most annoying part?
How do you keep balance between being a mother, and just being you?
Please call me if you have the answer to this question! I'm still trying...
How would you describe your style and did it change much over the years?
I think I have this style since 11 years now. It's always colorful, bold, fabulous with a touch of urban.
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
''Take reality as it is'' Looks easy, but my brother had to tell me several times before I understood.
For example, We lived at my parents house when i got the twins, my brother also lived there at that moment. I wanted to do everything on my own since Joenoes was working a lot, it was exhausting but they were my kids and my responsibility so I did not ask for a lot of help. My brother always told me to never feel guilty to ask them for help on a daily basis. The reality was we lived in the same house together and my brother and parents loved to nurture the kids, my head told me differently.
What would you like to teach your kids?
That they are descendants of the beautiful indiginouse people of the Moluccan island, the Alfur people! In our house they do not have to accomplish things to be of value! My husband and I made the choice for our kids to enter this world as an act of love for each other, that alone makes them worth everything.
Where did you meet your husband?
We knew each other from parties and stuff since we where like 16, never talked to him or whatever! And then we met on a film project where we played lovers, which became reality before the movie came out.
Who of you is the more strict in parenting?
He is!
When are you most proud of him?
When he is coming out of his comfort zone to grow to be the best version of himself.
Do you have any advice for newborn mothers?
Everything you do with loving intentions is good!
Did you always dreamed of having a family of your own?
Yes! Because family always give me the feeling I am the most rich person in the world.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be?
The Moluccan islands!
What’s your morning routine?
Wake up, pee, make breakfast for all 3 kids, take a shower with the oldest kid, dress up, bring the oldest kid to school, going to work.
(no my breakfast is not included in my morning routine, yes I know that's not healthy! Also working on it)
Is your home as colorful as you the way you dress?
Yes! All walls have different colours ;)
Name your three worst habits
1. Always taking care of my loved ones first before I take care of myself..
2. Can be unreasonable to the people I love the most
3. I curse a lot
Favourite song all times?
Solange - Dont touch my hair
Anything else you like to share with us?
I asked my 4 year old, he said: Buy more presents
