Bianca Omatuku’s journey began with a deep love for personal development and a growing frustration during her medical studies. While learning about the human body, she noticed how often women’s health was sidelined or oversimplified. At the same time, she saw how little accessible knowledge there was around self-care and holistic wellbeing. This gap led to the foundation of AMA Holistic Women’s Centre, a space where women can learn, grow, and reconnect with themselves through health education, events, and community.
From Realisation to Action
“During med school, I realised how much of what we were taught was based on male bodies. Women’s health was treated like an afterthought. That really stuck with me. I also noticed how rare it was to find spaces that taught basic self-care or personal insight in a meaningful way.”
This led Bianca to open her first business: a wellness café and concept store where she hosted self-care events. She invested her savings, did everything herself, and ran the entire operation solo. “It taught me a lot. I felt powerful, but I was also constantly working and didn’t have time to grow the business in a sustainable way.”
When the store closed due to a lease ending, she used the moment to reflect. “I asked myself what I actually wanted. Who I wanted to serve. And the answer was clear: I wanted to help women not just function, but thrive.”
Laying the Foundation
“I’m someone who just starts. Even when it’s messy. You don’t get to step D without first stepping into A.”
Bianca launched AMA with a clear mission and practical mindset. She learned not to underprice her work and to build in her own compensation from the start. “For a long time I cut myself out of the budget to keep things affordable, but that’s not sustainable. You need to value yourself just as much as your audience.”
She also started asking for help. “Even though I began alone, once I opened up and shared my vision, people supported me. Whether it was advice, encouragement, or practical help, I was reminded that you don’t have to do it all by yourself.”
Growing Through Connection
Bianca built her audience through word of mouth, community events, and social media. “I joined groups that aligned with AMA’s values, and just started talking about what I was doing. I showed up at markets, posted consistently, and made sure people knew what AMA stood for.”
This grassroots approach helped her create a community that values not just health, but depth and connection.
What She Learned the Hard Way
“I worked three weeks straight without rest. I said no to social time, fun, rest—anything that wasn’t work. And eventually, I crashed.”
That experience taught Bianca that hustle isn’t the same as growth. “I’m the core of my business. If I’m burnt out, everything suffers. Rest and joy are part of building something long term.”
When her store closed, she had time to reflect. “I realised I had achieved so much—but I hadn’t taken the time to acknowledge it. I also noticed that I wasn’t always practicing what I preached. That had to change.”
Highlights So Far
- Ran a 100m² self-care store in Amsterdam-Zuid for two years
- Featured in Harper’s Bazaar for her work in self-care advocacy
- Became a speaker and voice for holistic women’s health
“All of that happened because I just went for it. I applied, asked, pitched. My mom always told me: ‘You already have no. Try for a yes.’ That’s what I do.”
Her Advice to Other Women
“Start. Go to the KVK. Write out your dream and use it as a guide, not as something that pressures you. You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step.”
She also recommends asking for advice from people already doing it. “You’ll be surprised how generous people can be with their time and knowledge.”
What’s Next
In 2025, AMA will restart its event series with new classes on topics like cycle health and body literacy. In 2026, Bianca will open AMA’s first full-time Holistic Women’s Centre in a new Amsterdam location.
“This work is about giving women the tools, knowledge, and space to thrive. That’s what AMA stands for.”
