In Short
Welcome! I’m Iris Blue.
I’m 31 years old, from Breda in the Netherlands. I live with my husband, our daughter Elizabeth, a cat, a dog, and three chickens — a lively household that keeps me grounded and inspired every day.
As a motivational speaker and founder of the Phoenix People Community, I specialize in trauma, resilience, and personal power. My mission is to create a space where trauma survivors can feel strong, seen, and connected — not alone or ashamed.
Pic by Jill Cooiman
I speak about what we can learn from the shared experiences of trauma survivors and what it teaches us about resilience and personal power.
Pic by Jill Cooiman
My Story
I’m Iris Blue, the founder of the Phoenix People Community, a space where trauma survivors can feel strong, seen, and connected, rather than alone or ashamed. My journey has been shaped by profound personal trauma. At the age of four, I suffered a severe burn injury from a fireworks accident, an event that left lasting physical and emotional scars. This early trauma was compounded by the devastating experience of sexual assault, which completely altered the course of my life.
Growing up, I lived in a constant state of survival. My experiences with trauma led me to feel disconnected from others, always on edge, always questioning my worth. Alongside these struggles, I faced chronic depression, the weight of which made it seem impossible to believe in any kind of future. However, over time, I found the courage to face my pain and start my journey of healing. Through therapy, research, and countless moments of self-reflection, I learned that healing is not only possible but transformative. It is through embracing both strength and vulnerability that we can truly rise from our pain—just like the Phoenix.
The loss of my father and the years spent as his caregiver only deepened my understanding of resilience and the complexity of trauma. I had to balance caring for him while struggling with my own emotional battles, which caused me to feel even more isolated from the world around me. But these years of struggle, along with the knowledge I gained from studying trauma and resilience, led me to create a method for healing that I now share with others.
My Work
I share my story, knowledge, and the Phoenix Method to empower trauma survivors to move from victimhood to triumph. Through motivational keynotes, interactive workshops, and the Phoenix People Community, I help people reconnect with their inner strength, heal their past, and become the fullest, most powerful version of themselves.
I collaborate with organizations — especially in care, education, and wellness — to raise awareness about trauma and recovery from a lived experience perspective. My keynotes illuminate the phases of trauma, offering a unique blend of theory, psychology, and real-world stories. My workshops help teams, caregivers, and service providers foster a more compassionate, trauma-informed approach — transforming not just individual perspectives, but workplace culture as well.
With the Phoenix People Community, I aim to create a space where survivors can connect, find solidarity, and grow together on their journeys toward healing and renewal.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical or scientific professional. I speak from lived experience—as a community leader—giving voice to the unheard and bringing trauma into the light. If you need professional help, please consult a qualified specialist.
Get in touch.
If you are interested in collaborating with me. For your event, workshop, seminar, organization, panel, interview etc email me, text or call and I would be happy to see what I can mean for you.