Ons team
Patrick | Founder
Patrick founded When Nature Calls 26 years ago, and has been on a mission to disrupt and challenge the wellness industry to offer more to society ever since.
Current favorite wellness habit?
Microdosing has become an integral part of my wellness routine, helping me stay more mindful and motivated. It enhances my awareness, allowing me to connect more deeply with my well-being without becoming obsessive. Instead, it serves as a gentle nudge, inspiring me to keep exploring new ways to improve my physical and mental health. It's a practice that keeps me curious and open to discovering new dimensions of wellness, all while maintaining a balanced, holistic approach.
When are you the most inspired?
Right now, just being in the center inspires me. It sparks new ideas and motivates me to think bigger. I feel energized by our team, and I'm often inspired when I'm in nature, walking my dogs. I'm naturally a dreamer, always aiming for the next peak, and I thrive on working with people who share my vision. I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to the center because I want everyone to leave with a smile. I love creating that "wow" factor and watching things grow organically while staying open to change.
Haylin | Center General Manager
Haylin has been with When Nature Calls for 2 years, She is originally from New Zealand but has lived in China and Spain. She has a Bachelors in clinical psychology and a Post Graduate in Business Management. She loves bringing out the best in our team and making the whole sum greater than the individual parts.
What wellness things are always in your handbag?
A million burts bee lip balms, a can or two of kombucha, and noise cancelling headphones.
On a sunny day off, where can we find you?
Probably having a forest bath (post icy morning swim of course).
jakobien | Experiences Manager
Jakobien is a Dutchie, who spent most of her professional life in the psychedelic space - aiming to normalise psychedelics as tools for greater wellbeing. Starting out during university as a smartshop employee, she became a retreat organiser, psychedelic educator and microdosing coach. She loves it when people discover new things about themselves.
Most adventurous thing you have done in your life?
A story of adventure and serendipity! When backpacking in Ecuador, I wanted to visit the Amazon but had no plan or connections there. So I just got off the bus at the last stop, and walked into the jungle. I ran into a middle-aged Kichwa-German couple in a boat, who invited me to come stay with their family. Drinking ayahuasca - the mystical visionary brew - is a common ritual in their culture and soon after I was invited to partake in ceremony.
What’s a little-known detail about your career path?
My long-term goal is to become a psychedelics-assisted trauma therapist.
Gian Luca | Headshop specialist
Gianluca is originally from Italy, resident in Amsterdam for 11 years. Is an enthusiastic about sports, having been a former professional volleyball player. He Has been with When Nature Calls for 4 years and likes to bring dynamism to the team. Always putting a smile on everyones face.
why did you choose amsterdam?
I love the multicultural vibe of the city.
Best holiday destination you’ve been to?
Lanzarote Canarias island
Dennis | Sales advisor
Dennis has been working at When Nature Calls for one and a half year years. He is originally from Amsterdam and has studied Psychology at the University of Amsterdam
What do you do outside of work?
Making music, exercise, running and sometimes take walks in the Amsterdam Forest
Favourite Book?
4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Serinya | Community Engagement Lead
Serinya is currently completing her final year of a Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Her fascination with the intersection of wellness, innovation, and business shapes her vision for the evolving business landscape-one where companies are not just profit-driven but also serve as catalysts for positive change in individuals and communities alike. She loves contributing to this vision through her work at When Nature Calls.
Go to coffee order?
My favourite coffee order is an oat cappuccino with wayyy too much sweetener and my favourite cafe is Screaming Beans Runstraat :)
What's next on your bucket list?
Either celebrate Carnival in Rio De Janeiro or go snowboarding in
Japan.
Giorgia | Education lead
Giorgia, originally from Milan, has been with When Nature Calls since June 2024. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is a Holistic Counselor, and is training to become a Breathwork Instructor. Passionate about plants and well-being, she genuinely cares about people.
What mushroom do you find the most beautiful ?
I love all mushrooms because each one offers a unique contribution. I believe mushrooms represent the future of holistic well-being, and every single one is special in his own way.
Best way to relax/decompress?
The best way for me to relax is by practicing deep breathing to connect with my emotions on a physical level. I then love to express these emotions through ecstatic dance, which helps me achieve a profound sense of mental and physical well-being.
OUR MISSION
We empower individuals to discover joy in their pursuit of balanced, fulfilling lives, offering state-of-the-art wellness innovations to support them in achieving their goals.
OUR VISION
To pioneer the transition towards a society where fungi and adaptogenic-powered wellness are common place, empowering individuals to take control of their own well-being.
We envision a future where holistic health overcomes stereotypes, and we serve as the bridge between traditional wisdom and modern practices.
HOW IT STARTED
When Nature Calls began as a concept by three friends searching for natural alternatives to well-known nootropics and aphrodisiacs, but finding none available. This inspired the idea of a high-end smartshop to provide natural health products, nootropics, and aphrodisiacs for anyone aiming to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. Developed from this vision, When Nature Calls was born in 1998.
For the last 26 years we have welcomed people from all across the world through our store doors in the heart of Amsterdam. Creating an oasis of innovative health products.
This summer we are proud to be opening our first wellness center, where we will offer workshops, mini-retreats, a space to try out new innovations such as red-light therapy and microdosing meditations. Our mission is to nurture the growing community of wellness enthusiasts by providing a hub for exploration, learning, and holistic well-being.
come visit our store
come visit our self optimisation centre