We’re incredibly proud to welcome Mira van Houwelingen, Chief Marketing Officer at Travix and former marketing leader at Getir, Gorillas, LVMH, and Unilever, as an advisor to After5: The IRL friendship company for ambitious women.
A bold, strategic voice in both corporate and startup spaces, Mira brings not only deep brand and growth expertise but also a passion for championing women at every stage of their journey. As a 2024 Next Leader by MT/Sprout, she embodies the ambition, authenticity, and collaboration that After5 is all about.
We asked Mira five questions about what fuels her, why she’s betting on After5, and how powerful female friendships have shaped her path.
5 Questions with Mira van Houwelingen
1. What made you excited to come on board as an advisor to After5?
I truly believe in After5’s proposition — it fills a real and growing need. In today’s hyper-digital world, authentic friendships and meaningful companionship are more important than ever, especially among women. After5 taps into this with such clarity and relevance. What excites me most is the organic demand we’re already seeing — a strong indicator of product-market fit, and a powerful foundation for any start-up.
2. You’ve had an impressive career across both legacy brands and fast-growth startups. What’s driven your ambition throughout?
Thank you! At the heart of it, I’ve always wanted to add genuine value to people’s lives. Whether through a global brand or a scrappy startup, if I can help create something that makes customers’ lives better — that’s when I feel I’m doing meaningful marketing. It’s also what makes the journey worthwhile and leaves a legacy I’m proud of.
3. Why is supporting other women important to you personally?
Because it still doesn’t happen often enough. Men have long supported each other in informal but powerful ways. For women, that same support system hasn’t always come as naturally — but it’s essential. When we lift each other up, we don’t just create opportunities, we change the system.
4. What role has friendship played in your growth as a leader?
A huge one. Female friendships have been my anchor. They’re where I go to get grounded, get challenged, and get honest feedback — even when it’s hard to hear. Women solve problems together, and true friends will always reflect your strengths and your blind spots. That kind of truth is invaluable in leadership.
5. What are you excited to achieve together?
There’s a saying: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. I deeply believe in that. With After5, I’m excited to help build something meaningful — and to do it alongside smart, driven, and purpose-led women. The world is changing, and women are stepping into bigger roles. I’m proud to be part of something that helps fuel that momentum.
