My story..

As you might know or seen on my profile; a couple of months ago I made a choice to put myself first and (the dreams of) others, last. Ever since I noticed that my circle is declining and it becomes harder to relate to- and (re-)connect with people. They often just don't seem to understand the choices I make and the reasons why the "success" that everyone is chasing (and expecting you to chase) really suffocates me.

Ever since I was young people alway looked/ stared at me. (I never knew why, but later in my life I was told that my energy is very positive and I look like an approachable guy). Since people where looking I thought I might as well make it worth their while right? So whenever someone was looking at my crazy sneakers or my big afro and I noticed it; I stoped, looked back with a smile and greeted them. Often catching the people off-guard. Sometimes a little embarrassed they'd smile back, but most of the times they were surprised and smiled back or even gave me a compliment. So I started thinking about WHY people were surprised to see my reaction, I concluded that a lot of people (in the Netherlands) are always running. always busy with the next thing and whatever they're doing. But most importantly; not really open for interactions with people who they don't know. When you just say "Hi" to someone who's passing by, they'll often look at you like; "What do you want from me?" To be able to snap people out of their rush and make them smile became something I love to do, and so I consider myself a "provider of smiles".

From the start I told myself I never wanted to work a 40 hour regular 9-to-5 office job because I was positive that I would go crazy sitting on my *ss all day. I need to move, need to do things. Yet a couple of years ago I did exactly the opposite; I started as a recruiter at the firm of an old friend of mine. I thought it was the perfect thing to do because I was able to make good money (to help my family) and help people find their dream job/ influence their lives for the better; I could make people smile! Completely ignoring my needs to move a lot, I went all-in. Working 10 hour days on a regular and exploiting my mental state. It eventually cost me my relation with the love of my life, I gained my first gray hairs and I was 2 inches away from a burnout.

After returning from an amazing mind-blowing 3 week holiday to Thailand accompanied by Me, Myself and I, I was sitting behind my desk completely unable to concentrate. I realised that the last time I was truly happy I was by myself on an amazing motorbike, listening to my favorite tunes, entering the wonderful village of Pai. (For those who've been there; The moment you pass the "Welcome to Pai" sign after a 4/5 hour drive through the mountains, literally changed my life). Completely relying on myself and being able to do EXACTLY what I wanted. I felt free. This idea of freedom always had been in my mind but I never experienced it like this before.

Since then I decided I'll do everything in my power to pursue that feeling and doing things I love to do. Me and my girl got back together (thankfully!!). We changed a lot; we both were in a different mental state when we broke up. Since then we both got insights in what's important for us. She always wanted to travel the world, I was the one who was focussed on a career and making enough money to provide for my family. We discussed traveling the world together. "How awesome would it be if we'd just drop everything we have and go?!" We both got skills we can use anywhere in the world, we're both tired of this society and people who are always judging you by the things you have or the line of work you do. We both wanted to be happy. We both knew; in order to be happy, you got to do things that'll make you happy. You got to do things that gives you that feeling that you're on top of the world.

For us that thing is making other people happy, spreading knowledge and adding value to peoples lives. Spreading Smiles! My girl, Maxime Wiebes (@travelinghardresser_), is one of the best hairstylists in the Netherlands and came up with the idea of "The traveling Hairdresser": spreading knowledge and smiles by providing people with free workshops on how to cut hair. Hopefully inspire people to pick up a new skill that will help them provide for their family and/or loved ones.

So the idea was born to start a non-profit organisation where we can do the things we love and travel the world. Now I am not a hairstylist, and although I want to learn the basics, it's not my passion. We wanted to create something that will work for the both of us.. We love to spread smiles everywhere we go, so the name WeSpreadSmiles is perfect for our organisation. I studied to be a physical education teacher and after I went soul-searching from nov '18 - feb '19, that was exactly what I did (for 16 hours a week). It's my plan to utilise my passion (sport and education) in our project.

The reason I'm writing this post is because a lot you (the people I'm connected with) only know me as a recruiter. You don't know me outside of my suit and nice shoes. (If you're reading this and we're not yet connected but you like my story, send me an invite!) We'll be tracking every step of the way on our website (www.wespreadsmiles.com --> coming soon!) Linkedin, Instagram (@Travelinghairdresser_ & @LaminLesley) and Facebook. Our goal is to provide as many smiles as possible and learn the ways of the world in the process. The next few months we'll be actively looking for people/ companies who believe in our cause like we do and are willing to help us spreading smiles. So if you have questions, want to help or just want to get in touch; please send me a message!

Good luck this week and remember; Nothing changes until you do.

Peace and love,

Lamin