It’s All About Balance!
Guess who’s back!! I am honestly both relieved and proud to say I have managed to survive the past 2 months! It’s been so busy and hectic, I was extremely stressed out, and at the same time so excited and grateful for all the business growth and great things happening.
As I mentioned in my last post, we had the opportunity to move into a beautiful office and showroom for Wulterkens. So the month February was full of painting, cleaning, interior-design shopping, designing and furnishing the showroom and moving the office.
At the same time, daily work kept calling, so for me there weren’t enough hours in a day. After officially moving, we were so relieved, but then we had to catch up on a lot of work we left hanging during the preparations for the office.
Simultaneously, we were putting a last hand on our new and 5th collection for Wulterkens, which took a lot of time, because obviously we wanted everything to be perfect.
Luckily we had an amazing team from RB-Media Internet Solutions behind us who designed a beautiful new website for us. Take a look at their website, they really are the best.
We’ve been inspired (during interior-design shopping!) to bring back a few of the amazing icons back in the day, vintage style! I’m talking about the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren. They’re already bestsellers for both him & her! I am wearing my favorite of the series, Brigitte Bardot in the pictures.
Wulterkens became famous for the Babe Collections, so in the line of spring we brought into life the colorful and sexy Japanese Yakuza Babes. And as always, we wanted real statement-setting t-shirts, so we created the ‘’Lead by Example’’ series with the powerful messages of 3 world leaders.
Ever since we moved into our new office and launched the new colIections, things like a nice weekend off or getting home from work before 10 p.m. seem like something from a fairytale.
I am seriously considering hiring a personal assistant, because I’ve been struggling to balance everything out. Yup, it turns out I’m not superwoman (even though sometimes, I think I am). The funny thing is…this is just the beginning. I am starting to realize that as my brand is growing, so will the load of work and the responsibility.
I’ve learned from the great Anthony Robbins, that one of the keys to success is to mirror the acts of those who are already successful. So, how does Olcay Gulsen from Supertrash do it, or Michael Kors? They don’t have any more hours in a day…However, I’m sure they have a maid who does the cleaning at home, PA’s and a big staff to assist them. So I guess it’s time to work towards getting some help to deal with the growth, which is exciting, yet nerve wrecking when you’re a little bit (just a little bit, really) of a control freak.
So that’s what I am slowly, but surely working on…finding the balance, the moments of peace in between the chaos. Not getting stressed out when things get busy, because it’s always going to be busy. As they say, when you come out of a storm, you will never be the same person as before. That’s the life of a successful entrepreneur, that’s the life I chose and despite everything…the life I love.
Sending you all lots of love!
Nadira
Oufit details: T-Shirt: Wulterkens Brigitte ; Skirt: Kardashian Kollection Leather Pencil Skirt
Blazer: Zara (previous collections) ; Shoes: Zara (previous collections) ; Bracelet: Hermes Collier de Chien Cuff
“My point is, life is about balance. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The pina and the colada.” – Ellen Degeneres
“Your hand opens and closes, opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralysed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as birds’ wings.” – Rumi
“Feeling at peace, however fragilely, made it easy to slip into the visionary end of the dark-sight. The rose shadows said that they loved the sun, but that they also loved the dark, where their roots grew through the lightless mystery of the earth. The roses said: You do not have to choose. ” – Robin Mckinley
“What is joy without sorrow? what is success without failure? what is a win without a loss? what is health without illness? you have to experience each if you are to appreciate the other. there is always going to be suffering. it’s how you look at your suffering, how you deal with it, that will define you.” – Mark Twain
Woman In The Mirror
Michael Jackson, one of my idols sings: ‘’If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change!’’
I want to make a change, I want to leave a legacy and I am working hard every day to realize this goal. The reality is, we live in a world with too many inequalities. There are so many charities, because there is so much pain, sickness, poverty, hunger, theft, cruelty, destruction. It breaks my heart.
One of the most recent occurrences that has really got me thinking about the world we live in, is the horrifying way the angora rabbits are stripped from their wool. The problem is, that the companies that sell this angora wool or clothing made from angora wool, are very aware of the process of acquiring this wool. Despite knowing, they sell it, because for them all that matters is their profits.
Since recently there has been going around a video where you can see the rabbits getting stripped from their wool ALIVE!! It’s gone viral through social media and gotten a lot of media attention to it and suddenly, you have these big clothing chains claiming that they never knew that this was the way the wool was acquired. Of course, it is against their company policy and ethics.
Read the previous line as sarcastically as you can, because it is all bullshit, believe me! They knew exactly what was going on, but only until their customers found out, they decided to save the company’s face/reputation and take back their clothing.
There are so many examples of big company’s conducting unethical business. I took this example, because, as a fashion designer of my own brand, I can’t take this hypocrisy.
We know exactly where Wulterkens products are made, what kinds of fabrics are used and under which conditions everything is produced. We make sure that we use environmentally friendly products, made in labor/worker friendly environments and we don’t use or abuse animals in the process. This is also one of the big points where we distinct our brand from our competitors, and we’re proud of that. Our products are pricey, but you get real value and at the same time you contribute to a better environment and economy.
Either way, it is up to you, the customer, the people. Please be conscious about what you buy, inform yourselves (we live in the age of information), so you don’t end up fueling these businesses! And please don’t believe everything you hear from conventional media, because it’s all government regulated and guess what, they don’t want us to know everything, because they know the people have power (and they also know their slate is not clean). I’ll get into this in another post.
This all also goes for food, know what you put into your body. Always eat all you have on your plate, because others don’t have the privilege. Keep your environment clean, save on water, be aware of your pollution etc etc.
In the end we are all responsible for the pain, suffering (of both animals and humans) and inequalities in this world. And NO, one person might not be able to change the world, but if you decide to just make that change for yourself, you are already contributing to a better environment. And in the process you might inspire others to do so as well. Call me naive, but I believe in the power of the people.
There are enough resources in this world to let everyone live a good life, including animals that might not have to go extinct if we would get our priorities straight.
I really hope you all think about it, and make that change, for yourself, your (Future) children, grandchildren and a better world overall! Every little effort matters, even if it might not seem so.
Love,
Nadira
Outfit Details: Wulterkens Signature Studded Sweater (made from Fairtrade Organic cotton):
My faux fur vest: Saboskirt (and it’s very faux, as in FAKE). Leggings: ZARA. Shoes: Collin Stuart.
‘’Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has’’ – Margaret Maed
‘’Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world’’- Joel A. Barker
‘’It’s a philosophy of life. A practice. If you do this, something will change, what will change is that you will change, your life will change, and if you can change you, you can perhaps change the world’’.- Vivienne Westwood
”You may not realize this, but people have the power to change the world”. – Steven Morrissey
”Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes.The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do”. – Apple Inc.
- Published in Business & Entrepreneurship, Written Archives 2013-2018
Always A Lady
In my opinion, what makes a lady are two things: Elegance and Class. The funny thing is, with both, you either have it or you don’t.
I had a hard time trying to find my own definitions of elegance and class, because what makes both has to do with a certain subtleness that can best be experienced.
I found a few quotes from amazing ladies that capture my thoughts in the best words.
‘’Class’’ by Ann Landers
”Class never runs scared.
It is sure-footed and confident.
It can handle anything that comes along.
Class has a sense of humor.
It knows a good laugh is the best lubricant for oiling the machinery of human relations.
Class never makes excuses.
It takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes.
Class knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of small, inconsequential sacrifices.
Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money.
Some wealthy “blue bloods” have no class, while individuals who are struggling to make ends meet are loaded with it.
Class is real. It can’t be faked.
Class never tried to build itself by tearing others down.
Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.
Class can “walk with kings and keep it’s virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch.” Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because that person is comfortable with himself.
If you have class, you’ve got it made.
If you don’t have class, no matter what else you have, it doesn’t make any difference.”
I’ve always been inspired by the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn and I love her definition of Elegance:
‘’Elegance is the only Beauty that never fades’’
I immediately think of my mom. I’m so lucky that I have a very elegant and classy mom, who taught me most of these things. She always taught me that less is more and the older I get, the more I experiment with fashion, I believe that, what matches my personality and looks the best is in the simplicity. And apparently, Coco Chanel agrees: ‘’Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance’’.
Unfortunately the ‘’role models’’ now a days, don’t show much class or elegance. With all due respect, because they are all great in what they do. I think they are so focused on leaving their mark, that they feel they have to behave in an eccentric/‘’loud’’ manner to stand out. They have a unique style, but it’s not very classy. I just hope that all the younger girls who admire them know the difference.
Don’t get me wrong, you can wear something sporty or sexy and still look classy and elegant, it’s really more a matter of charisma, grace, confidence and poise. It’s in the way you ‘’walk’’ and ‘’talk’’. Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I believe class and elegance really make a Woman.
Stay classy ladies!
Love,
Nadira
Outfit details:
Wulterkens Airborne Studded Sweater; Skirt: Nastygal; Boots: Colin Stuart
“Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It’s the sure-footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life. ” – Ann Landers
‘’Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’’ – Leonardo Da Vinci
“Elegance is a glowing inner peace. Grace is an ability to give as well as to receive and be thankful. Mystery is a hidden laugh always ready to surface! Glamour only radiates if there is a sublime courage & bravery within: glamour is like the moon; it only shines because the sun is there.”
― C. Joybell C.
‘’Nothing makes a women more beautiful than the belief she is beautiful’’ – Sophia Loren
- 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
A Smooth Sea Never Made a Skilled Sailor
Wave after wave, it’s all coming at us, the good (sometimes even great) and the less good. For a control freak like me (and a perfectionist, yes I’m the perfect disastrous combo), it can be very frustrating at times. One thing I constantly have to remind myself of is to accept all of the things I cannot change and focus my energy on those that I can change.
Looking back, starting our own clothing brand (from scratch, no investors), while the world economy is in a crisis was quite a courageous thing to do…And it hasn’t been easy, we’ve been fighting through every step. However, a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. The fighting is resulting in winning, slowly but surely we are putting our brand Wulterkens on the world map.
I embrace all of the ‘’mistakes’’ we’ve made and the lessons learned from them, I feel I have grown so much as a person within the last 1,5 year. If you don’t fail, you don’t learn. Keep in mind, failure is relative, for instance, it might be just not making the sale you really wanted, not the end of the world.
For everyone following our growth, it seems to go really fast. And perhaps, it is, but in our eyes, because we know how much time and effort we put in and we know our goals, it’s not going fast enough. I see this as positive though, because it keeps us hungry and striving for more, thereby constantly improving and producing a better product.
The fact that it’s not easy is why it’s not for everyone. And the win, will be of so much more value after knowing you have acquired it by giving your all compared to if someone would just give it to you. I think at some point we all realize that it really is about the journey, not so much the destination. Still, the destination is key to keep you on point during the journey.
In the end there is a lot of sacrifice, there will be rejections and you will have to get over your fears (believe in yourself). If you can dream it you can do it. Just have the courage and persistence to follow through. Stay positive, be critical to yourself. Try to be the best version of yourself, constantly striving to be better than the last version of you. Don’t compete with others, you don’t know their story. Create your own opportunities, if they are not presenting themselves.
Most importantly, know you are not alone: 85 % of today’s millionaires started from scratch. A famous Michael Jordan quote: ‘’I’ve failed over and over again and that is why I succeed’’. The famous stories about Walt Disney, J.K. Rowling, Steve Jobs and many others being rejected numerous times before reaching their success, are inspiring to never give up and keep going, keep believing in yourself and your product.
This is really successful business 101 in the tiniest nutshell (I’m sure I also left a lot of important things out, but will cover specific topics in the future). While I’m sharing my lessons learned with you, it is at the same time a note to myself, because for me also, it’s a constant battle. One thing I know for sure: I Can and I Will accomplish anything I set my mind to, I have always before, and I always will. I wish the same for all of you.
Love,
Nadira