Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon van Tienhoven.
Hi Sharon, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m unique, you’re unique, we’re all unique in this world but sometimes we just forget how unique we are and how to respect each other. But when your life changes because one of your children gets a diagnosis with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), you really start to understand how unique we all are, how to embrace life and be grateful.
My name is Sharon and I’m originally from the Netherlands where I worked in marketing and event management for global brands. Ever since I got my first camera, my passion has been photography, content creation and storytelling which comes natural to me. We moved to Miami in 2017 with our two young boys and added one more baby boy to our team in 2020. I’m always working on different kinds of creative projects that I’m combining with my Instagram and found a passion for writing about our life and the journey we’re on with a son with autism. My articles have been published online in several Dutch & American magazines, with the focus on creating awareness, inclusion and understanding. This is very important for me and my family.
At this moment I’m working on a new project for kids and adults which will be launched early 2024. In the meantime, I translated a children’s book called “ABCs for Racers, My First Guide to Formula 1”. It’s an introduction to the exciting world of racing using the letters of the Alphabet and beautifully designed illustrations. I also do photoshoots, but my main focus is my three boys. I bring them to school, pick them up and try to be there for them as much as possible and so is my husband, who also works from home. Together we’re a team and that’s very important when you live abroad without any support from family. Luckily there is nothing we can’t handle.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Moving abroad was definitely a rollercoaster for us as a family and for me personally. Leaving my family, friends and work behind wasn’t always easy but it also created new opportunities and dreams. More quality of life with our family and ways to explore my creativity. It felt meant to be, when we got the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) diagnosis for our son and found the perfect therapy center for him close to our home in Miami. The people here really became our second family. We can’t imagine a life without them.
We’re so grateful how they changed our daily life with our son and all the love, therapy and academics they provided. Something which is very different in our home country unfortunately.
Fast forward, I had the opportunity to do some amazing creative projects here like a Pop-Up Art Gallery in the W Hotel for Art Basel. I started a sustainable market “Second Smile Market”, did many collaborations with amazing brands for my Instagram account @MiniAndMeBySharon, published online articles for great magazines and did numerous photoshoots. Too much to mention, but blessed I can listen to this creative part inside me and combine it with my family life. They remain my priority, now and always.
“And we can build this dream together
Standing strong forever
Nothing’s gonna stop us now” – Starship”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Here in Miami, I’m know as a Dutch Boys Mom, who loves to be creative and works on different creative projects. Positivity is my middle name and I love to connect with people and create awareness for autism. Instagram provided me with a lot of opportunities by sharing my/our story as a Dutchie here in Miami.
It gave me the chance to start my Second Smile Market, publish my (autism) articles, create content for other brands using my photography and writing skills by sharing their story via my Instagram account. I’m proud of creating this creative flexibility for myself and still be able to be there for my kids every single day.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Waking up under the sun with palm trees surrounding me is something I never would have dreamed of in a million years. It makes me smile every single day and is just the best way to start the day.
Even though we live in a big city, Coral Gables feels like a little town, and besides the palm trees we totally love all the amazing Banyan trees in our neighborhood. The city has so much to offer for all of us and there’s never a dull moment. The city is also known for their inclusion when it comes to ASD. That is truly amazing and makes us feel included in this community.
The only feedback I would like to give to the city as a true Dutchie here in Miami, is to create more bicycle lanes and to lower the humidity occasionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miniandmebysharon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miniandmebysharon/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-van-tienhoven-933a179/
Image Credits
https://laurelcreative.net/ – Lauren Listor
