IN CONVERSATION WITH YOLANTHE CABAU

interview by SAMO ŠAJN

Yolanthe Cabau is a Spanish-Dutch actress, presenter, and entrepreneur best known for her role in the Dutch series Onderweg naar Morgen and films like Pain & Gain. She's also the founder of Cabau Lifestyle and co-founder of the charity Free a Girl, which fights child exploitation. Now based in Los Angeles, she stars in Netflix’s first Dutch reality series, Yolanthe, premiering June 18, 2025.

full look DOLCE&GABBANA

⁠Your new Netflix show offers a behind the scenes look at your life. What made you feel ready to share your personal journey with the world?
I've always believed in the power of vulnerability, and over the years, so many people have asked about the woman behind the public image. I felt that now was the right moment to share not just the highlights, but also the struggles, lessons, and growth. What truly convinced me to do this show was that Netflix gave me the freedom to also share the story of Free a Girl, the charity organization I founded 17 years ago. That’s something very close to my heart. To be able to raise awareness for the cause on a global platform made it feel meaningful and deeply personal.

You've worked in both Dutch productions and international films. What’s been the most rewarding project for you as an actress, and why?
Every project has taught me something new, but one of the most rewarding roles was in Pain & Gain. It was my first big international experience and really pushed me out of my comfort zone. But honestly, I find joy in every role that allows me to explore new layers of emotion and connect with different people. Whether it's a small indie film or a larger production, if I can touch someone’s heart with a performance, that’s what makes it special.

⁠You've been in the public eye for years. How do you stay grounded and maintain a sense of privacy despite the constant attention?
My family, close friends, and my faith help keep me grounded. I’ve learned to protect certain parts of my life, especially as a mom, while still sharing what feels authentic. I try to stay connected to who I truly am and not let outside noise define me. At the end of the day, I’m just a woman doing her best, like anyone else.

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You’ve explored many career roles: acting, presenting, running a business. How do you decide where to focus your energy, and what excites you most right now?
I follow my heart and ask myself: Does this bring joy? Can it make a difference? Right now, I’m most excited about empowering women through Cabau Lifestyle, and of course, storytelling. Whether on screen or through real-life experiences. I love being creative, but I also love creating impact. When the two come together, it’s a beautiful thing.

What inspired you to start Cabau Lifestyle, and how does it reflect your own values and lifestyle?
Cabau Lifestyle was born from my personal transformation. I know what it feels like to be disconnected from your body or overwhelmed by life. I wanted to create a space that helps women rediscover their strength, physically, mentally, and

emotionally. It’s all about balance, self-love, and living a healthy lifestyle that’s sustainable and empowering. The brand is truly an extension of who I am and what I believe in.

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Wellness brands are everywhere today. How do you keep yours unique and meaningful for the people who follow you?
I think people can feel when something comes from the heart. Cabau Lifestyle is not just about looking good, it’s about feeling strong, setting boundaries, and embracing self-worth. We focus on community, support, and real stories. I stay very involved in everything we do, from the app to the content to our products. It’s a journey we walk together with our community, and I think that’s what makes it real.

⁠Free a Girl has made a huge impact. Is there a particular story or experience that’s stayed with you from your work with the foundation?
There are so many stories that have touched me deeply, but one that has stayed with me is of a young girl who was rescued and told me she wanted to become a lawyer, to fight for justice and protect other girls like herself. That moment filled me with both heartbreak and hope. It also reminded me of why we started the School for Justice in 2017. The goal was to offer girls not just safety, but a real future and an education that empowers them to become lawyers, judges, changemakers, and social workers. They are now changing the system from within, and that gives me so much pride and motivation to keep going.

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You’ve been very hands-on in your charity work. What do you think are the biggest challenges in the fight against child exploitation today?
One of the hardest parts is that so much of it happens in silence, hidden from the world. Awareness is growing, but we need stronger laws, more resources, and global cooperation. The legal system often fails these children, and the cycle of abuse continues. That’s why initiatives like the School for Justice are so important. We need to empower survivors and create real change from within the system. And above all, we must keep speaking out, even when it's uncomfortable.

Having grown up in different countries and cultures, how has that shaped the way you see the world and your place in it?
It’s given me an open heart and mind. I’ve seen how different life can look depending on where you’re born, and that has made me both grateful and passionate about helping others. It taught me to be adaptable, curious, and empathetic. I feel like a citizen of the world, and that global perspective influences everything I do, whether it’s acting, business, or charity work.

When people watch your Netflix series, what do you hope they come to understand about who you really are, beyond the headlines?
I hope they see a woman who’s been through a lot, made mistakes, learned, grown, and never stopped believing in life, herself and purpose. I’m far from perfect, but I lead with heart. If my story can bring hope or healing to even one person, then it’s all worth it. And if people walk away with a deeper understanding of the mission behind Free a Girl, and feel inspired to make a difference, then that would be the greatest gift of all.

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full look CELIA KRITHARIOTI

TEAM CREDITS:

talent YOLANTHE CABAU
photography DANIEL SARS
styling TOMMY DRIESSEN
makeup ANH NGUYAEN
hair WIARDI D. KOOPMEINERS
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview SAMO ŠAJN
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN