Jose Stemkens may have first entered the public spotlight as the wife of actor Titus Welliver, known for his lead role in Bosch, but her own story is one of international experience, fashion entrepreneurship, and quiet strength. With a career that has taken her from retail floors in the Netherlands to fashion showrooms in Hong Kong and boutiques in Malibu, Jose has built a name for herself well beyond celebrity connections. This article takes a deep look at her early life, career journey, marriage to Titus Welliver, and her independent success today.
Quick Bio Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josepha Theodora Stemkens |
| Date of Birth | December 29 (Year disputed: 1982 or 1987) |
| Age (As of 2025) | Approximately 38–43 years old |
| Birthplace | Tembisa, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | Dutch-American |
| Ethnicity | Dutch and African heritage |
| Occupation | Fashion Consultant, Entrepreneur, Former Model |
| Business Ventures | Sunrise Fashion Consulting, Eywasouls Malibu |
| Ex-Husband | Titus Welliver (m. 2014 – div. 2021) |
| Children | Adopted daughter Cora; stepmother to 2 sons |
| Residence | Malibu, California, USA |
Introduction To A Global Fashion Voice
Jose Stemkens is more than a fashion consultant—she’s a global businesswoman who turned years of experience into two successful ventures. From managing fashion retail stores in Europe to helping international labels enter the U.S. market, she carved a path in an industry known for fast change and fierce competition. Her marriage to Titus Welliver added a public dimension to her life, but it never defined her. Instead, it highlighted her ability to balance family, career, and personal evolution. In 2025, Jose stands as a self-made woman whose story inspires with its steady, resilient rhythm.
Early Life In South Africa And The Netherlands
Jose Stemkens was born in Tembisa, a large township in Gauteng, South Africa. Although she spent only part of her early years there, her heritage remains a core part of her identity. Her family moved to the Netherlands when she was still a child, and that’s where she grew up and received her education. She attended Bouwens van der Boijen College, a school located in the southeastern part of the Netherlands. It was during this time that she developed a growing interest in fashion, nurtured through part-time retail work that gave her firsthand exposure to customer service, style trends, and merchandising.
Entering The Fashion World
While many start their careers after college, Jose had already stepped into the fashion world by her teens. She worked at Mata Hari Multi-Chain Store in the Netherlands, where her role quickly expanded. Starting as a sales associate, she was promoted to assistant manager, then eventually to store manager. These early years gave her foundational knowledge of store operations, inventory management, and customer behavior. Unlike many aspiring fashion professionals who chase design roles, Jose focused on the business and operations side of fashion—skills that would prove crucial later in her global career.
A Career That Spanned Continents
In her early twenties, Jose’s career took a global turn. She relocated to Düsseldorf, Germany, for a wholesale position that involved managing Disney-licensed apparel. Her performance there led to a major opportunity: moving to Hong Kong to support international operations. While in Hong Kong, she worked for Esprit, a major fashion brand known for its international presence. From 1995 to 2005, she handled large-scale projects across offices in Germany, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and New York. Jose worked closely with fashion industry veterans like Heinz Krogner and Michael Ying, gaining insights into branding, sourcing, and retail expansion.
Rising Through Fashion Leadership
Following her time at Esprit, Jose took on increasingly senior roles. She joined The Great China Wall, a streetwear and high-end fashion label, as International Account Manager. There, she managed partnerships and coordinated with retailers globally. In 2009, she became the President of Dept & JC RAGS, two Dutch fashion brands looking to grow in the U.S. market. Her task was to build brand visibility, grow retail partnerships, and position their collections for American audiences. Later, she briefly worked with House of Quirky, helping set up the brand’s U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles.
Launching Sunrise Fashion Consulting
After working for large global brands, Jose launched her own business—Sunrise Fashion Consulting—in 2014. Based in Los Angeles, the consultancy was built to help international fashion companies break into the American retail market. With decades of global experience behind her, Jose offered services such as branding, public relations, legal guidance, sales strategy, and U.S. trend forecasting. Sunrise Fashion Consulting quickly became a go-to partner for emerging and mid-sized fashion brands looking to grow in the United States. Jose’s expertise in both European and American markets allowed her to bridge cultural and commercial gaps for clients with ease.
The Birth Of Eywasouls Malibu
In 2017, Jose turned her personal aesthetic into a clothing brand. Eywasouls Malibu, her boutique fashion label, offers relaxed, bohemian-inspired dresses designed for comfort and style. With flowing silhouettes, soft fabrics, and sun-drenched color palettes, the brand reflects the beachside lifestyle of Malibu, where Jose lives. Eywasouls gained a loyal following among women who wanted high-quality clothing that felt natural and effortless. The brand’s success proved Jose’s design sensibility and business acumen could co-exist, allowing her to shape fashion not just from the boardroom but from the boutique as well.
Marriage To Titus Welliver
In April 2014, Jose married actor Titus Welliver, best known for his roles in Bosch, Deadwood, and The Good Wife. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Saddle Peak Lodge in Calabasas, California. Jose wore a fitted white Herve Leger gown, and the ceremony featured floral designs by The Exotic Green and live music by Trash Honey. The wedding was attended by family from the Netherlands and Titus’s three children: Eamonn, Quinn, and Cora. Jose’s bond with the children deepened after the marriage, especially with Cora, whom she would later adopt.
Becoming A Stepmother And Adopting Cora
Jose’s relationship with Titus Welliver’s children was more than ceremonial. She embraced the role of stepmother, actively participating in their lives and nurturing strong emotional bonds. When Cora’s biological mother passed away, Jose formally adopted her. Their relationship was loving and supportive, and Jose became a consistent maternal figure in Cora’s life. She also developed strong connections with Eamonn and Quinn. While she never had biological children of her own, her commitment to raising Titus’s children as her own defined a big part of her personal life during their marriage.
Divorce And Life After Marriage
In 2019, Titus Welliver filed for legal separation, and their divorce was finalized in 2021. Although the couple kept their separation respectful and private, the legal process included structured settlements. Titus received full custody of Cora, while Jose retained her personal belongings and financial assets, including a 2017 Range Rover, jewelry, furniture, and six horses they had owned together. She was also awarded $50,000 as a lump sum and $27,000 per month in spousal support for the remainder of 2021. Despite the emotional complexity of the divorce, Jose maintained a graceful public silence and turned her focus back to her work.
Jose Stemkens Today
As of 2025, Jose Stemkens continues to live in Malibu, California. She maintains a quiet, private lifestyle and stays out of the spotlight. Her Instagram account is set to private, and she has not made any public announcements about new relationships. Professionally, she remains active in both Sunrise Fashion Consulting and Eywasouls Malibu, helping international brands grow and offering unique, comfortable fashion for women. Her journey—from South Africa to Europe, and now to California—shows a steady evolution built on experience, resilience, and a deep love for her craft.
Final Thoughts
Jose Stemkens represents the kind of success story that unfolds quietly but powerfully. Her life has spanned continents and careers, combining personal strength with professional vision. While the public may know her as the ex-wife of a famous actor, her accomplishments in fashion and business speak for themselves. She’s a woman who chose her path, made thoughtful decisions, and built a name based on talent, not fame. In an age of oversharing, Jose Stemkens offers a refreshing reminder that privacy, independence, and consistent effort can be the foundation of lasting success.
FAQs About Jose Stemkens
What Is Jose Stemkens’ Background?
Jose Stemkens was born in South Africa and raised in the Netherlands. She has a mixed Dutch and African heritage and built her fashion career across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
What Businesses Does Jose Stemkens Own?
She owns Sunrise Fashion Consulting, which helps fashion brands enter the U.S. market, and Eywasouls Malibu, a boutique brand offering bohemian-inspired clothing.
When Did Jose Marry Titus Welliver?
Jose married actor Titus Welliver on April 12, 2014, in an intimate ceremony in Calabasas, California.
Did Jose Stemkens Have Any Children?
Jose did not have biological children but adopted Titus’s youngest daughter, Cora, and became stepmother to his sons, Eamonn and Quinn.
Why Did Jose Stemkens And Titus Welliver Divorce?
Titus filed for legal separation in 2019, and the divorce was finalized in 2021. The reason for their separation was private, and both parties handled it with respect.
What Is Jose Stemkens’ Net Worth?
As of 2025, Jose Stemkens has an estimated net worth of around $1 million, earned through her fashion consulting firm and boutique fashion label.
Where Does Jose Stemkens Live Today?
She currently lives in Malibu, California, and continues to run her businesses while maintaining a private, low-key lifestyle.
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