At the Hul le Kes Recovery Studio in Arnhem, textiles are mended, and so are people. Every day, we work with individuals who join us as assistant employees: people recovering from burnout, stress, depression or other mental health challenges. The Recovery Studio offers them a place to reconnect with rhythm, focus, and self-worth through working with their hands.
Guiding them are Irma Koning, Juno Lefèvre, and Agnes Hendriks; three professionals who bring together years of experience in both fashion and social work. Their role is to support each person not only with practical skills, but with personal insight and care. For this blog we have been talking with the three of them to get more insides about the Hul le Kes Recovery Studio.
For Irma, the difference was clear from her first day. “I’ve worked in other social ateliers,” she says, “but Hul le Kes is something else. Here we’re building something real: real garments for a real label, that go out into the world. People here feel that. They want to be part of it. It makes them proud.”
The professional structure of the company and the diversity of what we make play a key role. “It’s meaningful,” Irma continues. “That was missing in some of my past jobs. Here, I feel proud to work for a brand that values both people and product.” Juno shares a similar experience:
“We work with the same care paths and goals I’ve followed in previous jobs: time to land, clear structure, personal goals. But what sets Hul le Kes apart is the craftsmanship. People see their effort reflected in something beautiful. That makes a big difference in how they see themselves.”
The foundation of the Recovery Studio is handwork: stitching, repairing, learning new techniques. And while it’s not therapy, it is deeply therapeutic. “Sewing calms the brain,” says Agnes. “There’s something powerful about working with your hands. It brings people out of their heads. Even if someone has no background in textiles, it quickly becomes a tool for self-discovery.”
Irma adds, “Just the act of working on a garment, knowing it will be sold in a shop somewhere in the world, gives people a sense of purpose. They matter. They feel seen. And that’s healing.” Juno notes that each day brings visible growth:
“We start where someone is. We don’t push. But we do challenge. People learn to ask for help, to try new techniques, to trust themselves again. And little by little, you see their confidence grow.”
What makes the Recovery Studio special isn’t only what we make; it’s how we work. “I always say,” says Agnes, “the studio is more a space for being than for performing. Yes, we create garments. But more than that, we create space. Space to recover, to try, to fail, and to try again.”
That gentleness is paired with clear agreements. “This is not a free-for-all,” Agnes explains. “We work with contracts and structure. Everyone is responsible for their role and their behavior. That’s part of building trust in yourself, and in the team around you.” Irma agrees:
“You’re allowed to be yourself here. And from that place, you can start building. Skills, routines, relationships. It’s powerful.”
While most participants are from Arnhem and nearby areas, interest from Nijmegen is growing. “It’s good to see,” says Irma, who has personal ties to the Nijmegen region. “There aren’t many places like this around. The only downside is travel,
getting here from Nijmegen can be costly, and that makes it harder for some people to join.”
Agnes adds, “For some, Arnhem feels far away, not just physically, but mentally. It’s like crossing a river. But once people are here, they connect. The studio has that effect.”
The definition of success here is different from most workplaces. “It’s not about how much we produce,” says Agnes. “It’s about whether people felt calm, connected, supported. Whether they learned something. Whether I did too.”
Irma describes her favorite moments as the ones where everything clicks. “When someone discovers a new skill, or finishes a piece they’re proud of, that’s the best. You see it in their posture, their face. That pride. That joy.” Juno puts it simply:
“When someone leaves with a good feeling about themselves, that’s a successful day.”
To anyone considering a pathway at the Recovery Studio, all three women say the same: come and see. “Don’t overthink it,” says Juno. “Just visit. Do a trial day. Feel the space, meet the people. That will tell you more than words ever could.”
Irma adds, “You’ll learn real skills; about textiles, about teamwork, about yourself. You’ll get good support, and the chance to grow. It’s not always easy. But it is worth it.”
Agnes closes with a reminder: “Everyone has value. Here, we work with care. For textiles, and for people. And we believe that with the right space and attention, anyone can rediscover their strength.”
Send an email to the Irma, Juno and Agnes to follow one of the many trajectories with Hul le Kes Recovery Studio.
Our Recovery Studio would not exist in its current form without the support of others who believe in its mission. Over the past years, contributions from organisations like Stichting Doen, Rabo Foundation and the municipality of Arnhem have helped make our work possible. Just as important are the many volunteers who offer their time and care; showing up, lending a hand, and becoming part of the process.
If you’re interested in joining us as a volunteer to support our participants in the studio, feel free to reach out to Agnes, Juno or Irma. Those who wish to support the Recovery Studio financially can contact Sebastiaan Kramer directly. Every form of support helps us offer more people a place to recover, reconnect, and rebuild.
