Raise Your Standards
The Master, The Fighter & The Moonwalker
It’s February 1, 2016 and I honestly feel like I haven’t properly started 2016…at least not the way I wanted to. Having spent half of the month of January in my home country Suriname, I was out of my usual working environment. When I arrived in the Netherlands, I really needed some time to get back out of vacation mode into a normal routine, with a serious case of Jet lag hitting me combined with a stubborn flu, from which I’m still recovering two weeks later.
Right before I left for Suriname for the holidays I felt so overwhelmed by everything I was doing that I knew I was close to suffering from a burn out. For a long time I suffered from writer’s block and lack of inspiration, just because I was trying to accomplish too many things at the same time (which is also why you haven’t heard from me for quite a while). I’m not the most creative person, but I found myself completely lacking creativity. It felt like I lost my Mojo.
Suriname, which still feels like home, was good to me, as it always is. The (too little) time spent relaxing, swimming, sleeping, taking walks in nature has done me good, yet still when I came back to the Netherlands, I didn’t feel ready to handle the chaos again. I still don’t feel completely ready, but I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.
2016 is going to be an interesting year, at the least. It’s the year I’ll be graduating from the University with a Master’s degree in Marketing. It’s the year I will officially launch my third business Madame Selfmade, which I will tell you guys more about soon (for real this time). It’s also the year I’ll bring my other 2 businesses Customized Wear and Wulterkens to a higher level. With a completely newly furnished office, and an entire new look and feel of my Sport, Fashion & Lifestyle brand Wulterkens, it has become both exciting and challenging to bring it to the next level.
2016 is the year of ‘’Raising Standards’’.
I hope to find my balance of being the workaholic my 3 businesses + thesis require me to be, with exploring meditation and boxing. Quite a combination, I know! I’m already working on becoming more skilled in Boxing, as I found it’s the perfect workout for me to blow off steam, and it’s most definitely the best way to get/stay in a killer shape. Meditation appears to be more similar to boxing than I thought, as it is more of a ”fight” than anything else now. Luckily, I have the best guidance for both boxing and meditation. Another goal of mine this year is to learn the Moonwalk! (the people who know me closely are probably laughing out really loud right know, but it’s just soooo friggin’ cool, so I’mma do it!).
Raising standards (with everything) & Be even more Badass than before….Sounds like a plan right?
As you can tell from my goals and responsibilities, it’s easy for me to become overwhelmed and burnt out. I’ve given it a lot of thought, but for me, doing less is simply not an option at the moment. I’ve always been a multitasker, but one thing I’m working on now, is really taking things step by step. With a lot of focus on each step/task, and not thinking about the other steps/tasks until I’ve completed the first. This focus helps me with completing the tasks at hand with success, without becoming stressed with all the other things I have to do. So I write down everything I have to do, I prioritise them according the level of importance or urgency, and then I just focus on doing whatever needs to be done first. One thing at a time, and so on…
While this seems logical and easy, it’s really not if your head is all over the place, and you think you can do 4 things at the same time and still be efficient. This was probably the reason I was close to a burn out 2 months ago, so I’m hoping that by mastering this ”step by step, one thing at a time- technique”, I will be able to handle things better with less stress, be more efficient and productive.
I would love to hear about your resolutions and how they are going so far. Or maybe you are starting along with me today, February first? Remember, you can start (over) at any time, you don’t need to wait another year. All you need is a new dawn and a new day!
I had to really discipline myself the past 2 weeks to get into it, and so far, so good. Still have a long way to go, but nobody ever said it was going to be easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it! ;-). Oh…and if you happen to know any other handy tactics on dealing with the above, please share!
Love,
Nadira
P.S. As some of you might know, I am a fan of simplicity, and there is nothing more intriguing than a woman in a simple, little black dress. The one I’m wearing is called MARA, exclusively available at one of my favorite Dutch online shops www.jurkjes.com.
Heels & Clutch: Zara. Necklace Tattoo: www.chiquetattoos.nl. Earrings: H&M.
Lipstick: A mix of Chili by MAC Cosmetics & 85722 by Contem1g Make up.
Location: Hotel Royal Torarica, Paramaribo, Suriname.
When on vacation in my beautiful home country Suriname, I would definitely recommend The Torarica Group of Hotels, if you find luxury and comfort a must. I had the privilege to shoot in the Royal botanical garden, with peaceful and impressive Buddha, ponds with mini waterfalls and local Tropical fishes, the saltwater swimming pool, Gazebo’s, a unique giant chess board and the Mangrove forest along the Suriname River.
Big thank you to Royal Torarica for the hospitality!
Photography by Surej Tul, special thank you! Copyrights: Nadira R. Ramautarsing.
Hipster – Beyond Style: Personal Branding
This summer we’ve launched our Wulterkens’ Hipster Party Collection, which consists of fashionable t-shirts, crop- and low cut tops with funky, unique personas, we call the Hipsters. What I personally love about the collection is that they’re all different in their details, and I believe most of us can find ourselves, or our alter ego’s within atleast one of the designs.
Next to the Hipster’s, I wanted to create a female superhero line, with powerful words, in a playful, comicbook style that just makes an awesome statement. By now, lots of lovely people are walking around in the collection, which is amazing!
If you haven’t checked it out yet, visit: www.wulterkensclothing.com.
We named it the Hipster Collection, because it simply fits the definition of being a trendsetter; to lead when others follow.
Apart from our awesome collection, I do believe in setting a trend beyond fashion.
Personal Branding, is one of the things I’ve been exploring recently, which is basically, profiling yourself to stand out from the mass. It’s about stating who you are, why you are different and it’s all about influencing the way others perceive you as a person.
In today’s ”social media” generation, I believe we all (mostly unintentional) are exerting some form of personal branding, yet there are only few who master it.
I’m not a personal branding coach, so I will not be able to give you all the insights. But a good start would be to start asking yourself these questions:
1. Who am I? / How would I describe myself?
2. What drives me in life (mission)?
3. What gets me out of bed every morning (passion)?
4. What am I good at? (skills)
5. What are my most important values?
6. How do I think others see me?
7. How would I like others to see me? / What would I like to be known for (Vision)?
Take these questions as a guideline, and with the answers you can start with a plan.
As a (almost master) marketeer, I would also like to share with you the 6 P’s of Personal Branding (Source: Business 2 Community):
1. Probe – Determine what exactly your personal brand is. See it as a life-changing exploration of your passion, mission and skills. By doing this, you can discover your personal brand and with this you know exactly how to position yourself.
2. Present – Figure out how you will present yourself. Create a marketing plan.
3. Produce – Original Content. Establish your expertise through content marketing.
4. Promote – Your content, through social media, speaking at events, traditional marketing and so on.
5. Personalize – Make sure to continuously add authenticity to your content and marketing efforts.
6. Perfect – The last, but continuous step of Personal branding. Constantly assess your work, and make adjustments. Learn and grow, make sure that’s visible through your content. Sometimes you will have to take a step back to perfect even more. Be thorough with refining whatever it is that you portray.
There you go, personal branding in a nutshell. If you would like to know more, feel free to comment or contact me through email.
Good Luck & Lead When Others Follow!
Love,
Nadira
As you guys know by now, I love to go on adventures when shooting. We always come across the craziest places. This time we literally broke into the ruins of an old theatre. It was extremely dangerous, because there were sharp things flying around, it was cold and extremely windy, which lead to zero control over my hair, which is pretty clear in all the pictures. However, those who know me, know that I occasionally crave a little bit of danger in life. A little adrenaline rush never hurt anybody right?
As for the look, I wanted something matching with the statement of the Wulterkens’ Hipster collection, so I went with a mixture of funky, sporty and edgy.
I hope you guys enjoy these pictures, for which we’ve risked our lives for taking!
Outfitdetails: Wulterkens Badass Crop Top & Wulterkens Venice Low Cut Top.
Wulterkens Varsity Jacket (Sold out); High Waisted Striped Shorts: Ebay (old), Leather Look Leggings: Zara (Old); Shoes: All Star Sneakers & ZARA Heels. Leather Jacket: Mango (old)
”Life isn’t about finding yourself, but about creating yourself” – George Bernhard Shaw
‘‘Be yourself, everybody else is taken” – Oscar Wilde
“Personal branding is about managing your name — even if you don’t own a business — in a world of misinformation, disinformation, and semi-permanent Google records. Going on a date? Chances are that your “blind” date has Googled your name. Going to a job interview? Ditto.” – Tim Ferriss
2 Minutes Of Fame
I would lie if I said that I don’t like being in the spotlight, especially when it’s a good one. Maybe some of you might recall, last summer, in my post Time, So Precious, So Scarce, I mentioned working on a fun project with an upcoming DJ.
I can finally tell you guys more about the project, which was for DJ Tony Junior and his father, Toni Peroni Senior. DJ Tony Junior is an upcoming Dutch DJ, very well known in the US and other parts of the world; he made his debut at Tomorrowland last summer, with his hit Immortal under the label Spinnin’ Records, which you are surely familiar with from Martin Garrix, Afrojack and lots of others. He also works with Steve Aoki, one of my favorites too. Toni Senior was a rock n roll star/ drummer in a Dutch band in the 80s.
Father & Son, both sweet, genuine and very nice to work with, have become close acquaintances since we approached them about 2 years ago to wear the Wulterkens Casual T-shirt line. It’s never a dull moment with them, always fun and laughs.
When Tony Junior asked us to be involved in creating the first designs for Tony’s t-shirtline IMMRTL, it was an honor and an exciting project to do. At the same time they were filming their own Dutch reality tv show called Toni & Tony: Zo Vader, Zo Zoon. The past week the first episode aired on Dutch national television RTL5, and yup, you guessed it, my partner and I had the privilege of starring in it too, for 2 whole minutes haha!
Not being aware of the voice overs, the master editing of the RTL crew and the opinions of Toni Senior, I’m a bit stuck in the middle on whether I’m happy about my 2 minutes of fame or not. The idea that over 460,000 people and counting have seen this, does make me very self-conscious and a bit shy. Nevertheless it’s been very good promotion for my partner and I as designers, but also lots of brand exposure for Wulterkens, since Toni Senior is/will be rocking our t-shirts throughout the different episodes of the show and in other shows, such as Carlo & Irene that aired today on RTL4, which we are very grateful for.
In case you want to know why we have those looks on our faces, check out our funny 2 minute scene from the first episode, here.
Unfortunately there are no English Subtitles, so I’m very sorry for my non-Dutch readers.
To my Dutch readers, I highly recommend you to watch the full episode , because it’s really awesome to take a look into the rock n roll way of life Toni & Tony, click here.
Pictures are screenshots from the first episode. New episodes of Toni & Tony: Zo Vader, Zo Zoon, will be airing every Tuesday night 21:30 on RTL 5.
Outfitdetails:
More info on my outfit can be found in my post The Cost of Ambition.
The Wulterkens 3D Signature spotted on Toni Senior is available for purchase here.
Love,
Nadira
- Published in Written Archives 2013-2018
Have It All
The transition…From 30 degrees to temperatures around freezing point…From relaxation to kind of (a little bit) of chaos….From zen by the pool and partying to deadlines, obligations and commitments…From home in Suriname to home in the Netherlands…
I feel tired and stressed, but at the same time happy and excited, because despite the big load of work, it’s all lots of new amazing things happening, new opportunities & projects and growth!
Coming up the next few months from Wulterkens is a new sport collection,a new fashion collection, andddd something bigger, that I can’t tell just yet….Oh and at the moment we are swamped with the SALE, be sure to check out the Wulterkens website.
In Suriname, in the beginning I was going crazy, there was so much work that I couldn’t do, and I wasn’t used to not doing very much. I realized how much of a workaholic I’ve become, I literally had to kick off and take satisfaction out of only 2-3 hours of working a day.
I spent the remainder time mostly at my mom’s home during the day, at my dad’s home during the evenings, really enjoyed the quality time with my parents. Some days I enjoyed catching up with old friends and there were lots of fun parties. But apart from that, I also spent a lot of time thinking…thinking back on the previous year, what did we accomplish, what did we do wrong, which of the things could we have done better; What do we want to accomplish in 2015, what do we have to change in our current ways to be able to accomplish these goals….etc etc.
I’ve also thought a lot about myself, the woman I’ve become, the kind of woman I want to be; thought about my relationships with my partner, family, friends: Who do I want to spend more or less energy on. How will I incorporate more balance in my life….Is it even possible to create a balance when there is mostly chaos? I’m at this point in my life where I want so much, and I want it all at the same time…is it crazy to think that I can have it all?
I think a lot of people might think I am being too hard on myself…But if I don’t do it Now, when will I….I am 25, with the entire world at my feet, no better time than now to give my all, right?
It shouldn’t be so hard living a fullfilling, happy, content life by managing a continuously growing Brand/business with the ultimate goal to leave a mark and become financially free, while within the next 1,5 year obtaining my Masters degree in Marketing at the University, while also traveling and still enjoying quality time with my soulmate & partner, a selected group of friends and family (I don’t even dare to call that a social life)…oh and also while getting in the best shape ever….Nah, not that hard! Another 24 hours a day would surely be helpful, but oh well..I’ll manage. Nobody said it was going to be easy, but I know it’s going to be worth it.
Being able to accomplish all of this in these prime years, will make a good story for later when I’m old and wrinkly on my Yacht somewhere in the Caribbean. But also being able to inspire others, to show them that it is possible, as long as you’re willing to work.
I am extremely grateful that I have both the vision and the opportunities to be able to do so and I know that with the right attitude and belief in combination with working hard it should be a possibility…I guess time will tell…What do you guys think? Is it possible to have it all?
“Shoot for the moon, cause even if you miss, you will land among the stars’’
Love,
Nadira
My outfit is one of my favorite I wore in Suriname, it’s sexy, but chique and even a bit sporty; kind of J.LO inspired. I first decided to wear a nude lip with my hair half up, but halfway during the shoot I felt like spicing it up with a bit more color and a little wilder, loose hair. Which look is your fave?
Details: Pants: Missguided ; Top: Missguided ; Shoes: Missguided, older collection ; Purse: Zara, older collection ; Lipsticks: Hug me by MAC & Chili by MAC
”…But one idea described her best: she was unstoppable and she took anything she wanted with a smile”
Brains, Beauty, Booty & Giveaway!
I’ve recently decided to give the ”3B’s” a whole new definition….Brains, Beauty, Booty. I believe it is one of the best compliments you can give a woman, because you reflect on her intelligence, her beauty (which can be inside and out) en booty, which is what I think makes the 3B’s most interesting, especially if you refer to the recent beauty standards set by Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, J.Lo and Nicki Minaj (did I forget someone?). I mean which woman doesn’t want to flaunt a beautiful, round booty? Nobody ever wrote a song about a small booty!
My last post was a review on the No1 Lash Extend Serum by Di Angelo Cosmetics, which I came to love after using it for two months, if you missed it, you can read it here.
But the one before, Pressure Creates Diamonds, was a bit on the dark side, where I decided to be honest about the business not doing so well at the time.
Luckily, and more due to hard work and ceasing some important opportunities, things are going a lot better with Wulterkens. Yep, we’re here to stay and growing! I am extremely grateful, because with everything that happened, I’ve gotten even more confirmation that things do happen for a reason and everything comes across your path at the right time, when you really need it. As I always say, never a failure, always a lesson (in this case a lot of expensive lessons haha, I can laugh about now, but I guess we had to learn some things the hard way).
It’s holiday season and we’re getting closer to 2015, which is always a time of reflection for me. I cannot believe how fast this year flew by and I’m not even sure I’m ready to start the next year, because I constantly have the feeling that I still have so much I want to do in 2014. Fact is, whether I’m ready or not, it’s not like the new year is going to wait for me, so I am working on accepting and looking at the up side that I already have a big to do list for 2015. You know what they say…If you haven’t started working/planning on 2015, you’re running behind.
Because we’ve grown so much this year as a brand, I wanted to show my gratitude to you for supporting Wulterkens and supporting me, in every way, whether it’s following the blog, our social media, liking, sharing, commenting, purchasing, taking awesome selfies in Wulterkens, you name it…We wouldn’t be where we are without you.
So…I am giving away 5 of Wulterkens’ best-selling ”Brains, Beauty, Booty” hoodies.
You can participate by:
1. Following Wulterkens on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Following me on Instagram: @nadirarr
3. Share this post & comment below why you would love to Win a Wulterkens BBB Hoodie.
You can also participate through Facebook & Instagram.
Instructions 1 and 2 stay the same, only 3. will be for Instagram reposting the picture and for Facebook sharing the picture (when reposting/sharing, please add in text why you would love to Win the Wulterkens BBB Hoodie).
I will announce the lucky winners on the 15th of January 2015. We ship worldwide, so you can participate from everywhere in the world!
Good luck to all my smart beauties with a booty!! Oh and, of course, gentlemen can enter for their lady friends as well. I mean, let’s be honest, it makes THE perfect present. Speaking of presents, at the moment we have lots of amazing holiday offers that you can enjoy while stocking up on your hottest sportoutfit to start the new year motivated and in style:
www.wulterkensclothing.com.
Lots of love to all of you! And don’t forget to do your squats for that bootayy!
Nadira
Outfitdetails:
Brains, Beauty, Booty hoodie by Wulterkens, available here. Faux Leather Snake Print Legging by Bebe (old collection).
Boots by Zara (old collection). Bag by Guess (old collection).
”The best thing about the future, is that it comes one day at a time” – Abraham Lincoln
- Published in Written Archives 2013-2018
The Past, The Now, The Future
As Fall arrives in the Netherlands and it’s getting colder, I’m reflecting on our summer. For me and my partner it was a working summer mostly. Despite the fact that we live in a recreation area, by a big beautiful lake and we have a lovely boat, we didn’t even make one boattrip on the lake during the whole summer, which I do regret, to be honest.
At the same time, when I reflect on the growth and progress we’ve made with Wulterkens, I know it was worth it. Building an empire, requires lots of time, work, sacrifices, blood, sweat, tears.
It’s easy to get carried away in your future plans. Basically all we do every day is planting different seeds and watering them in the hope they will sprout in the (near) future. This is a must if you want to live a life on another level, however, constantly focusing on the future might make you miss the Now. The Now is just as important as the future, because it’s the only thing you have with 100% certainty. The future is not certain, you never know if you get another tomorrow.
So as I am writing this, it’s also a reminder to myself to enjoy the Now more. Luckily I am a person who enjoys the little things, and I am grateful for everything in my life now, even if I am not yet where I want to be in life. I know every day I am one step closer, but only because I am healthy Now and constantly developing my skills, intelligence, knowledge, resources etc.
One positive thing in my case is that I do what I love, so I am enjoying my work everyday, but in chaos of the work I sometimes forget to for instance, plan some free time for myself, to be social (with the very few people still around), to plan a date night with my partner etc etc. And just like the summer flew by, the weeks fly by, and life flies by and I don’t want to regret things in life.
So I guess the key word is Balance, finding balance in life to be able to work hard and efficient towards the Future, yet still be able to enjoy the now to the fullest. Still working on this, though, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
As for the past. The past is not something to dwell on yet is full of wise lessons that we can use to make a better Now and a better Future.
If I think back to 5 years ago, I was a student at the Technical University in Eindhoven, living in a small ”box” (student dorm, in the form of a box of 18 m2) on the university campus. I was studying Innovation Sciences, which I didn’t enjoy at all, but I was smart enough so I thought, ok let’s just get through these few years and then we will see. I didn’t have my driver’s license, I wasn’t exercising, eating a lot of unhealthy stuff, not in shape, no work, lots of sleeping, watching tv series, lots of ”empty’ friendships, basically living a typical student life. I had just met my partner, who at the time was managing an Italian restaurant for his friend in a very boring little town, he had a boat, but no car and no driver’s license. We were both not happy with the situations we were in.
Eventually, I decided to stop with Innovation Sciences, because it just wasn’t what I wanted to do and I took half a year off, got myself together, moved to the Hague (and then to Utrecht) and signed up for International Business Administration at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. I got my driver’s license, which gave me so much more freedom. My partner decided to make changes as well, he started his own company/website selling funny, but handy gadgets, he bought a car, also got his driver’s license. This all happened within a year, maybe a year and a half. We both used to live in big buildings that were empty. In the Netherlands we call it ”anti-kraak”, which is basically to prevent people from claiming the buildings. There used to be a Dutch law that stated that if a building was empty for more than 6 months, anyone can claim it and live in it. So to prevent that, they let people (like me and my partner) live in the buildings (for very low rent) and watch over them.
It was a really cool phase in our lives, it was adventurous and in one of the buildings my bedroom only used to be like 100m2, which was very luxurious, but also a pain in the ass to clean.
Two years later, and during the last year of my Bachelor IBA, my partner and I decided to start our own clothing line together (I skipped a few less important parts, because otherwise this post will be way too long). This lead to me having to do an extra year of my Bachelor, because it’s simply not possible to start your own business AND do a full time university study at the same time. We started with some crazy t-shirt designs in 2012, which we launched on a beautiful catwalk with 9 male models in the middle of Amsterdam City Center during the Amsterdam Fashion Week in July 2012, and the rest is history. We also moved into a ”normal” house where we live now for 1,5 years already, with a gorgeous lake view.
So now in 2014, when I think back to our lives and that moment when both my partner and I weren’t happy with the way our life was going, but we didn’t have any idea what we wanted to do; and to see where we are Now, in the Wulterkens Office, with a beautiful showroom, It’s just amazing what can happen in 4-5 years. I could never have thought that I would be having my own fashion brand, let a lone in sportswear, while I was developing a particle accelerator for particles with a certain density (yes I used to be a big nerd). Let alone a bachelor degree in International Business, being highly active in Fitness, and doing a part-time Master study in Marketing.
I am so excited, when I think of where we will be in the next 4-5 years. When the seeds we are planting now will be trees, growing taller and taller. Anything can be done. You just have to be brave to make certain decisions and take steps towards changing your life, even if they are small steps at a time. Eventually all things will fall into place and you just have to follow your path to live your dream.
I am so lucky and grateful to have met my partner. I don’t believe in coincidence, I truly believe we are meant to be, and Wulterkens, as a brand, is meant to be. From the beginning we supported each other, we literally inspired each other and lifted each other up to become more, to become better, to grow. Without him, I wouldn’t be co-owner of Wulterkens and without me I’m not sure he would have taken the steps to create ”Wulterkens”, which is his last name, as a brand.
I will be doing another reflection in 2016 and 2018, I think it will be nice to look back again to today. There is so much that can happen in 2 years. Life is constant growth, and constant change; it’s up to you to steer it in the direction you want to grow/change in. Make the most out of the now, make every day, every hour, count, and it will pay off in the future. Remember every Pro was once an amateur and every expert was once a beginner. Dream big, start now, make it happen.
Love,
Nadira
Outfitdetails:
Top: BBarbarella, my favorite boutique in Hilversum City (The Netherlands)
Jeans: Nastygal
Sandals: Zara
Hat: Don’t really remember!
Earrings: Gift from a lovely friend
- Published in Self-Discovery & Growth, Written Archives 2013-2018
A Ship In A Harbor Is Safe…But That’s Not What A Ship Is Built For!
They say that the magic is happening at a place way out of your comfort zone. If you want to be part of that magic, you got to grab your guts and move out of it.
This is so easily said (and written), I know. It’s been almost a month since my last blog post and also my first one this year. I spent the holidays with my loved ones in my hometown Paramaribo, capital of Suriname, located in South America, right above Brazil.
It was 2,5 weeks of getting my mind off work and enjoying being home, spending time with my loving parents and friends. At the same time, I realized that with a new year, comes new things, new opportunities, challenges and lots of growth. While I think constant growth and improvement are one of the most important things, it’s still a fact that with growth come more responsibilities.
It’s scary, yes, very scary. I think my fellow entrepreneurs will understand. Along with that excitement and all those opportunities that you are pursuing is that little voice that makes you doubt everything, including yourself and your abilities.
But as the title of this blog post says…You can play it safe, but then you will never leave the harbor and you will never grow. And one my biggest fears is to stand still. I always need a new challenge, even if it scares the hell out of me.
So this year started out amazing, super busy with our fitness line and sale, but the great news is: We found a beautiful venue to finally create an official showroom for our fashion brand Wulterkens. We’ve been working from our home office ever since we started 1,5 years ago and we’ve been wanting to take it to the next level for months, but somehow it didn’t work out. Do you believe in coincidences? I don’t. I think we weren’t ready. And now we are. We looked around, saw 3 different places and then this one and the moment we saw it we knew it was perfect….pricey, but perfect.
Again with the risks, in this case a financial one, but my intuition is screaming that we have to do this in order to grow to the next level, put our brand in the market on a different scale. If you do something, no matter what it is, do it at the best of your abilities. So we’re doing it and I’m super excited!!
Another thing to be excited about (yes you too, in this case), the new collection of tshirts will be launched beginning of March! New exclusive tshirt designs and also new fitness wear, this time more for the gentlemen as well!
This February is going to be super hectic with moving the office, designing the showroom, new collections, refreshing new look of the website etc., so I probably will not be able to write as much as I would like to. I promise I’ll make it up in March!
Bottom line…don’t be afraid to take (calculated) risks, challenge yourself! I like the way Peter Drucker formulated it: ‘’People who don’t take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year. People who do take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year’’. You will not die from a mistake, you can only learn and when you learn, you grow. Never a failure, always a lesson.
I think this entrepreneurial, risk-taking, adventurer, go-getter, goal-digger – side of me is growing, I am starting to like the ‘’rush’’ and I am very grateful for these scary beautiful opportunities coming towards us!
Lastly, ask yourself this: When we become comfortable, do you know what happens around us?
Answer: Absolutely nothing. Each day becomes just like the one before. We do what we have always done, therefore we get what we have always gotten.
That’s definitely not who I am, and what I want for myself…How about you?
Love,
Nadira
P.S. It’s winter, and although it’s not as cold as it usually is around this time a year it’s still hard to do nice posts in the cold, did my best with this one, hope you like it, the location is my beautiful garden/back yard!
Outfit details: Leather skirt: H&M, Boots: ZARA, Blazer: MANGO, Tanktop: Wulterkens (Basic collection, will return soon!) for more check out the SALE on www.wulterkensclothing.com. I don’t remember where I got my hat, I think it’s from one of the local department stores in the Netherlands.
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life ~ Muhammad Ali
If you take no risks, you will suffer no defeats. But if you take no risks, you win no victories ~ Richard M. Nixon
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone ~ Neale Donald Walsch
We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are ~ Max DePree
Courage is about doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you’re scared ~Eddie Rickenbacker
I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough ~Marissa Mayer
- Published in Business & Entrepreneurship, Written Archives 2013-2018
Work Like You Don’t Need The Money, Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, Dance Like No One Is Watching
Gratitude
Reflecting on 2013, the first thing that comes to mind is how extremely thankful and blessed I am.
For the first half of the year I struggled to manage my business and finish my Bachelor degree at the university. While most people see that as an accomplishment, I was actually just happy to be done with it. What I did learn during that period was the value of time. This might sound cliché, but since I finished my Bachelors, I really valued my time a lot more and spent it as wisely as I could. I’ve learned to choose for myself, investing time in my business, myself and my personal growth has become a priority and it’s done me very good.
Personal Growth
2013 for me has been full of personal growth. Mostly in the second half of 2013, I’ve learned so much, not only business wise, but about myself as a person. I completely pushed my boundaries to another level, broadened my horizons in several ways. I constantly pushed myself, physically, but mostly mentally. And today I feel like I can handle anything. In life, you have to be prepared, to fight the hardest battles and challenges, and seize the best opportunities.
The thing about personal growth is that it is endless, there is no limit to where you can grow and the growth itself can bring you everything you want in life.
So my goal in 2014 is to become smarter, stronger, better than the Nadira in 2013. Grow more, learn more, fight more, Win more.
On the note of Gratitude,
My love, my soulmate, best friend, business partner, Fitness partner, pretty much my everything….Edwin Wulterkens…I can’t really describe in words what it is that I feel for you other than that I love you to death and I am so thankful that you came into my life. 2014 is a big year for us and Wulterkens and I am excited to share this year of growth with you.
To my loving mom and dad, Thank you for believing in me (and Edwin) and giving me/us all the support I/we need to build my/our business and life. Without you I wouldn’t be who I am today and well, I think the word grateful just doesn’t cut it, but you get the point. Love you more than anything!! Ish, my LITTLE brother, same goes for you, I don’t get to see you often due to both our busy schedules, but I’m very proud of you thankful that you always have my back.
To all friends, family (in my case some friends are more family to me than family), you know who you are!! One of the things that I really want to do in 2014 is tell you all how much I love and appreciate you more often. I know I’m busy, and it’s going to get even busier, but I will take every chance I have to spend quality loving time with you, because I do miss you. Thank you all for your loving support.
With regards to Wulterkens, I want to thank all of our customers, fans, supporters from all over the Globe who all contributed to our growth in 2013. Thank you for wearing Wulterkens, for flaunting it proudly, for sharing with your friends. We cannot describe how much it means to us.
As entrepreneurs, we strive for perfection, and are constantly thinking of ways to make things even better. So we will continue in 2014 to make you the best we can!! We will work hard to bring you more amazing designs that will distinct you from the mass, make you Lead when others follow!
Remember people, your life is your message to the world, make sure it is inspiring. Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others (cause ain’t nobody got time for that haha). Be tough, choose your passion, set your goals and be focused on reaching them. Keep your eyes on the prize and work!!!
One of the key messages that I’ve learned also is to accept the things I cannot change. Focus my energy on changing the things I can (think in opportunities, not in obstacles), and in 2014 I aim to master the difference in knowing the things I can change or not. Focus your energy on building the new, instead of fighting the old. Always follow your intuition and heart. And don’t forget to stop and smell the roses, enjoy a beautiful sunset, and LOVE more!!
There will be a lot of challenges for me in 2014. Next to making and market the best collections of Wulterkens you guys have seen yet and expand internationally, I will start with my Part time Master in Marketing Management. Moreover, I have my personal goals and fitness goals, so let’s just say, I won’t be bored. I’m very excited and I’m ready!! Wulterkens is ready!! Are you?
Sending you all my love, blessings and the best wishes for 2014!! Let’s make it an outstanding, amazingly productive, healthy, happy and successful year.
Nadira
P.S. I am writing this in a hurry, without reviewing it, so don’t mind any spelling mistakes!
- Published in Self-Discovery & Growth, Written Archives 2013-2018
And Though She Be But Little, She Is Fierce!
Yeah baby!! Props to William Shakespeare for the title (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream), which I can totally relate to. The thing is, I get underestimated so often!!!
I’m quite short at 5 ft 2, tiny body, with big eyes, lips and a lot of hair. I am very much aware that because of my looks, the first impression I make might not exactly be ‘’intelligent’’ or ‘’smart’’. Apparently it’s in the nature of us humans to be distracted by the way people look and judge them based on just that. The truth is, I’m a nerd, professional business woman and quite a tough cookie, which can be confirmed by the people who know me closely.
In addition, I have recently discovered I am a ‘’beast’’ at the gym! I’ve really come to get to know a different side of myself. Check out my previous post ‘’That Power I Got’’ where I really go into details about this.
I used to hate it when people underestimated me, I felt like I came short. Now I’ve learned that being underestimated is actually a good thing. It gives you an advantage. I call it the element of surprise. There is no better feeling than surprising those who underestimate you. Especially in business and sports, it’s a huge advantage, but I think in life in general also.
My advice: never underestimate, especially not if that person is in some way your opponent. Never judge, especially not based on looks. Always encourage others. No matter who you are or what you do, you have the ability to inspire someone in your surroundings.
On a last note, which I think is most important: NEVER EVER underestimate yourself. You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. You will have to work hard and fight for it. But remember: All limitations are self-imposed!!
Stay fierce ladies, no matter how ‘’little’’ you are!
Love,
Nadira
”Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us” – Wilma Rudolph
”I love when people underestimate me and then become pleasantly surprised” – Kim Kardashian
”If a man achieves victory over this body, who in the world can exercise power over him? He who rules himself rules over the whole world” – Vinoba Bhave
”Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live” – Jim Rohn
”Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity” – John F. Kennedy
”Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power” – Lao Tzu
- Published in Self-Discovery & Growth, Written Archives 2013-2018
Don’t Be Like The Rest Of Them, Darling
I’ve always been different compared to the people in my surroundings, and I have this feeling I always will. Not because I desperately want to be different, but just because I am the way I am.
From the age of 6, I was bullied (not in a severe way though), called teacher’s pet, made fun of etc. In my teenage years, I wasn’t bullied, but I think very misunderstood. I wasn’t a typical teenage girl. I’ve always been more mature for my age.
I used to feel awkward and out of place, though I had many friends. I was the kid with all the different groups of friends. In high school I was friends with the nerds, but also with the beauty queens, the punkers and the rockers, and also with the basketball team. It was because these ‘’groups’’, all had something that I had within me, they all represented a certain side of me.
I remember at my 16th birthday party, I invited all the groups, and I was running around from group to group to give them my attention, because, they didn’t seem to get along as one. It was a great party though, I think it was called the party of the year at school. I come from Paramaribo, Suriname in South America, with only 500,000 people, so it’s small community where news travels fast.
My closest relationships are with people older than me and my boyfriends always have been a lot older than me as well. Somehow, I seem to be able to communicate and connect with them better on a certain level. No, I’m not superior to anyone else of my age, I’m just different. Some people say I have an old soul. All I know is, my focus, attention and priorities have always been more serious/mature, ambitious and there was a lot less playing around, ever since I can remember really. I’ve always been searching for more real, deeper connections.
Although I remember my mom telling me to be myself and that I didn’t have to act a certain way, because the rest was acting that way, I always thought there was something wrong with me. And I’ve really hated it, until the past few years.
Even today, I’m in a place in my life at age of 24, being an entrepreneur, owner of my own successful brand, while others are still playing around, focusing on completely different things.
For the first time in my life, I am at a point where I am embracing this ‘’being different’’. I see it as a gift. Coco Chanel said ‘’In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different’’ and I completely agree with her. Nobody can be Nadira, the way I walk, talk, think, smile, my energy, my vibe, my grace. Same goes for you. There is a lot that can be copied, but if it’s not genuine, it will never leave an impression.
I believe everyone is unique, but not everyone is or wants to be aware of it, they rather hide behind others and blend in the mass. In my opinion this is fine too, because it automatically gives the spotlight to those who dare to be and express themselves in whatever way that may be. I think it’s the most beautiful thing, to embrace your unique self and share it proudly with the world.
I am ready, to take over the world with Wulterkens, that is shaped by me and my partner’s unique selves, beliefs and visions, with which we want to inspire others to share theirs. When we had to come up with a slogan for our brand, we started with what Wulterkens stands for. We wanted to create clothing for those who really want to set a statement, distinct themselves from the grey mass and were tired of the mass clothing that was available in all the stores. We came up with the slogan ’’Lead When Others Follow’’.
But what is a leader? The only thing that makes a leader, is the followers. Being a leader has nothing to do with rank, intelligence or superiority. If people are willing to follow you, you are a leader. What is a follower? Someone who chooses to follow you, your style or message. If your style or thoughts happen to be unique, that makes you the leader and everyone else thereafter the follower.
What Wulterkens really praises is the idea of distinction, being different from the mass, being the leader in your own uniqueness, wearing our statement clothing. We do not mean to manipulate you in any ways, we want to inspire you. Inspire you to express yourself and your beliefs through wearing our clothing, making you Lead when others follow.
Don’t bother with all the followers and copycats after, they can never be YOU!
You’re unique, embrace it and LEAD!
Love,
Nadira
Outfit: T-shirt: Wulterkens: www.wulterkensclothing.com ; Pants: Zara, Jacket: Amisu; Shoes: Colin Stuart
- Published in Self-Discovery & Growth, Written Archives 2013-2018
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