Another great story from a former Amsterdam International Community School students.  This week in our Sharing Stories series, we hear from Jessica Leembruggen, an Artist Manager, photographer, and videographer, who is also in her final university year in Tilburg.

I joined the AICS in MYP4 in 2014 and graduated in 2019, after which I felt uncertain about my next steps so took a gap year, working full-time while searching for a suitable study. During this time my dad introduced me to a program he’d heard about through a friend, so I signed up and started in Tilburg in September 2020.  I’m now in my final year of university.

In 2024, I took a leap and started my own company! My journey into the music industry began during the pandemic when I started tagging along with my cousin, a DJ in The Partysquad. I joined his shows, creating content and practising my skills in photography - a hobby I was eager to explore further. 

Over time, I realised I wanted to pursue a career in the music industry as an artist manager. It’s incredibly fulfilling to support artists achieve their goals. My company is dedicated to empowering female artists, addressing the lack of female representation in the music industry. Currently, I manage two amazing female artists. My aim is to grow my business and establis myself as a global pioneer. Exciting opportunities are already set for 2025!

In addition to artist management, I’ve continued my passion for photography, working with artists such as Akwasi, Valsbezig, and Broederliefde during their shows and shoots. This part of my career has allowed me to explore new cities with every gig - keeping my work dynamic and exciting. This lifestyle has confirmed that a 9-to-5 job isn’t for me. I thrive on flexibility and being constantly on the move. 

One of my fondest memories of my time at the AICS was during DP1, when I joined a trip to South Africa to do charity work. On arrival, we handed in our electronics, which initially felt daunting but turned out to be transformative, as it allowed us to connect deeply with each other as a group, the stunning nature around us, and the present moment. Seeing the joy and resilience of the children, despite their limited resources, gave me a profound sense of gratitude and changed my perspective on life, teaching me to appreciate the simple things in life.

To students at the AICS, my advice is to embrace mistakes—they’re a vital part of growth. Trust your instincts; your gut feeling will guide you to what’s meant for you. Take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t compare your journey to others. Your path is uniquely yours, and everything will align when the time is right.