27
I can’t believe it, because most of time I feel like I’m still that little girl discovering the big fascinating world around her…but yes, as of today (2nd of June 2016)…I’m officially 27!
One of the things I repeatedly hear is ”Your life is perfect”. Believe me, my friends, it’s not. I have my fair share of struggles, however, I choose to share the positive with you.
I prefer to count my blessings instead of my troubles.
You know you’re blessed when you are genuinely loved, appreciated and valued; when you have a healthy body, an intelligent mind, a roof over your head, good food on the table, millions of opportunities to make your dreams and goals come true, but also enough challenges to make you stronger and keep growing. You know you’re blessed when you can enjoy beautiful sunsets, and all the other little things you tend to take for granted. When you can breathe in clean air and feel safe. You know you’re blessed when if people ask you what you want for your birthday, you can’t come up with anything, because you already have everything. I honestly couldn’t be more grateful, so I’m celebrating life, in its perfect imperfection!
27 & The best is yet to come!
Love,
Nadira
P.S.Scroll down for more pictures, outfit details and direct shopping links.
*Update, June 3, 2016: You know you’re blessed when you’ve received almost 1000 of the sweetest birthday messages!
I’m overwhelmed, thank you from the bottom of my heart!!*
Outfitdetails: Dress & Shoes – Missguided.
Lipstick: Candy K by Kylie mixed with Sierra NYX Cosmetics.
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- Published in Self-Discovery & Growth, Written Archives 2013-2018
When Things Don’t Go Your Way
For quite a while I’ve been struggling. Some of you who know me a little bit by now know that I am someone who wants a lot of things, and usually it’s all at the same time. I aspire to do/achieve a lot, which leads to disappointment when things for whatever reason don’t go as planned in my head.
I think we’ve all been there, it can be something such as not getting to where you want to be in a certain amount of time that you’ve planned, or investing a lot into a project that fails. This, depending on how important it is in your life, can really keep you up at night. Many of us, especially those who are dedicated or emotionally involved tend to hang on and persevere, in the hope/belief that it is what’s good for them, and they have to have it no matter what it takes or how long. While I’m all for perseverance, and never giving up…there is a point where you have to take a step back, and evaluate your situation.
While doing so myself…suddenly, it hit me…and man-oh-man am I grateful for the extent of which my eyes have opened for certain things not going my way. I believe everything happens for a reason, and after evaluating several similar situations in my life where I felt that I had to have something, which eventually didn’t go my way…I found that I was better off each and every time.
There is that saying ‘’when one door closes, another one opens’’, and I found it to be very true. Recently, I found myself saying to my partner about a project that fell through that we were bummed about, that ”if it weren’t for that, we wouldn’t be able to take on another one”, which ended up being much more lucrative. While this is in business, I strongly believe the same goes for everything else in life. When you let go of what you ‘’think’’ you want, that is the moment you allow what you truly deserve to enter into your life.
Focus on what happiness, love, and peace feels like, but don’t focus too hard on trying to work out how exactly you will get there. Sometimes we can become so blinded by what is in front of us that it prevents us from seeing what can become FOR us.
There is much more for you to see, experience, and learn. Who you feel you need to be with may not be best for you. The job you feel you just have to have, may not give you that joy and security that you truly want.
Do you want to have a life that is full of joy and peace, or do you want to encounter a string of events that completely turns out the way you wish? Sometimes they go hand in hand, but other times you must sacrifice one for another.
A close friend of mine recently told me: ‘’Don’t be afraid to let go because of the fear that you will never experience something so special again’’. Because one way or the other you will, it just might come in a different shape than you expect.
There is a difference between visualizing your ideal reality and visualizing your heart’s’ desire. In an ideal reality you may marry that celebrity crush but feel unloved. Move into that great big house, yet feel empty. Our acquisitions feed off visualization and focus, our spiritual growth, however, feeds on positive emotion.
What are you still holding onto today that you feel you cannot live without or let go? Life is constantly changing, we are constantly changing, so sometimes it’s better to let go and embrace new possibilities and opportunities. Do not forget that all that you need is within you…and while I type this, it’s a big note to myself, because I honestly tend to forget that sometimes.
When a door closes knock on it a few times. But if it still doesn’t open, let it stay close. In career, in love, in life. When you see the period at the end of the sentence, don’t try to turn it into a comma. Know when something is over, and move on to whatever better is waiting.
Love,
Nadira
Outfitdetails: Dress, Coat & Shoes: Missguided. Lipcolor: Candy K by Kyliecosmetics.
- Published in Self-Discovery & Growth, Written Archives 2013-2018
12 Ways To Feel GREAT In Today’s Pressure Society.
Something we all want, to feel good…to feel great! If you are reading this, the chance is you are in possession of a computer, smartphone or tablet, you have a roof above your head and food on your plate. Hopefully you are healthy and that would mean you have everything you need to feel great, because your are blessed.
Yet in this society we keep on being pushed and pulled to have the need for more in order to feel great. We think we need to have more, do better, work harder, look better. We are never really content. It’s a giant form of peer pressure, that I am experiencing as well, to look a certain way and accomplish certain things, because it is expected. I do realize, that usually I’m my worst critic, so I’m the one putting pressure on myself. And I find myself in this rush and extreme need of being better (inside, outside, you name it, just better).
As much as this can be a good thing, because it keeps you sharp, and keeps you evolving and growing as a person, it can make you feel really insecure and just not great in general. Why? Because you are not ‘’there’’ yet. And in your mind, where you are now, isn’t good enough.
I’ve thought about this a lot, to find a way to deal with it and came up with 12 ways to feel great, while in the constant process of evolving.
- Remember you will always be a ‘’Work in Progress’’
We will always be a work in progress. We will never be ‘’there’’, we will never be perfect, because even if we would be, our head would be telling us that we still need this, and that to be perfect. (Let’s assume for this statement that perfection is even possible). A recent example: When I started with Fitness I had this picture in my mind of how I wanted to look. This mental picture kept me going, yet when I reached it, I didn’t even realize it. In my head this picture had gradually evolved, making me think that I wasn’t there yet. Most of the time, we are our own worst critics. When you accept that even when you’re old and wrinkly, you will still have so many things you would want to do better; you will feel so much more relaxed and confident about the progress you make, because it’s not something finite, there is no end to it, and anything is possible. - Find balance between working on yourself and loving the way you are now
Change is great, growth is essential. Yet we have to stop thinking ‘’when I look like that, I will be happy’’ or ‘’only when I achieve that, I will be worthy’’.
Start loving yourself for the person you are now, even if you’re not the person you want to be yet. Identify the wonderful things about yourself, certain traits, abilities, achievements, things you love about the way you look . Despite the fact that you would want to improve, you are still a lovely, beautiful person with qualities. So embrace that, and keep on reminding yourself of these things while you are working on yourself.
- Stop Comparing
In today’s society, we get overrun by success stories, pictures and videos of others around the world. It’s not only the celebrities and magazine covers anymore, but technology has made it possible to follow the lives of many others. This makes it even easier to constantly compare yourself to others. You think you know their life, and you would love to have what they have; to do what they do.
First, let me tell you, everyone only shows off the great things in their lives, not their struggles along the way. Second, STOP, just stop! It’s good to look up to people and try to find out the strategies they use to get where they are. But everything beyond that is not healthy. You only have part of the story, and most of the time, thing just aren’t what they seem.
An example: Instagram is being taken over by the fitness hype, which is great because it encourages a lot of people to work out. But I see too many ladies around me obsessing with having abs, booties and muscles and having/wanting to look a certain way, that is in some cases not even possible to achieve naturally and they starve themselves for it, because they just don’t know the right way to achieve this. I will write more about this soon, but the message is to just stop comparing, because it does more harm than good. Count your blessings and focus on yourself, your own progress. The more energy you put into yourself, the more you will get out of it, and the greater you will feel. - Do more YOU
Invest in yourself, whether it is by taking some me-time and just take a long bath, or a vacation. There are endless possibilities for this, depending on your personality. You can go from reading a book, taking up a certain hobby or activity, to taking an extra course or workshop in the area you want to excel in. As long as you do something for you, that you enjoy and know is good for you.
- Don’t wait for other’s approval/applause
This one is a hard one, for me at least. You know those people who always say, I don’t care what anyone thinks? Well I am one of them. Only I do care (to certain extent). I’m still working on finding out why approval of others is so important to most of us, even if we might not want to admit it. But when we accomplish something cool, we do like it when people around us acknowledge this. If you ask me, that’s the basic foundation of social media. Sharing the good things, the accomplishments, all in exchange for a ‘’like’’.
I cannot tell you how to get rid of this need for approval, because I am still working on it myself. I can, however, tell you how I deal with it. I’ve decided to value my own approval more than that of others. In the end we know ourselves better than anyone else does. We can be the best judge of ourselves, and we know how we’ve struggled and when we’ve stepped out of our comfort zone to achieve something. Therefore, applaud yourself, when you’ve achieved whatever it is you wanted to. If others do so as well, it’s a nice extra, but having that inner approval is so much more valuable and should be the most important. - Celebrate victories, even the smallest ones!
Since we are talking about victories, I have found that celebrating them, no matter how small, really feels great. Even though it might be just a small step, it is a step in the right direction that you haven’t made before, and it might have required some to a lot of effort, so it is worth celebrating. It’s also motivating to get to the next step, and the next, and so on.
- Know your strengths and develop them
We are all good at something, some of us have excellent communication skills, others can persuade very well and others can juggle or draw or dance really well. Whatever it is, it is likely that you enjoy doing these things, because you have a talent for it, and it feels rewarding. Even if you might not be able to make a living out of everything, I would encourage you to invest time into these strengths. It will make you feel great about yourself, because you’re great at it and you will get better and better. - Set Goals and most important Stick to them
Setting goals is easy. Sticking to them, well that’s another story. It’s not always easy, especially if the goal requires controversial change in your daily life or just lots of effort and time. Yet there is no worse feeling than regret of not having pursued the steps to achieve your goals. You’re always going to be busy, it will never be a perfect time, but just do it. Focus and go. You will feel great by putting it in the works, sticking to the plan, because the closer you get, the better the feeling. I personally love the feeling of checking that box next to the task on my to do list.
- Do good (for others).
Last Sunday, we had the privilege to receive a special 9 year old boy with severe diabetes at the Wulterkens Clothing office. In collaboration with the Make A Wish Foundation, we made it a really special day for him. He arrived in style, in a beautiful white limo, and got to create his very own design sport t-shirts with us. There were balloons, cake, and we had his family come along with him. Afterwards he went to the Ajax Stadium in Amsterdam to watch a soccer game and he got to stand on the side lines and see everything up close. There was no better feeling and I am extremely grateful for this experience. Just to see the smile on his face. Anyway, do good, because it feels great to give. Even if it’s just something small, as long as you give back. - Realize that everyone else around you has Insecurities.
For some reason, when we know that others share the same struggle, we find some sort of peace with it. There is something in the collective that soothes us, as long as we are not the only one, right? Well in this case, this might make you feel better. Remember that all of us, even the greatest, have insecurities, struggles, pain, issues etc. That’s life, and we’re only human. So whenever you feel insecure, just know that you are not the only one and it doesn’t have to be a limitation, unless you make it one.
I don’t know if this is a direct incentive to feel great, but it does put things in perspective and makes you embrace life, the way it is, even if it’s not easy. If you think about the fact that even Beyonce has her insecurities, yet she is the amazing artist that she is, you know that you can be that amazing version of yourself as well, despite your insecurities.
- The power of thought
As I’ve mentioned before, we are our own worst critics. Try to understand and remind yourself that you and the way you decide to see and think about things create your reality. If you’re being too hard on yourself, you are the one making it difficult and making yourself unhappy. If you hold yourself to unrealistic standards, it’s you and your thoughts that make you feel insecure (not anyone else).
At the same time, you have the power to create another reality, one that makes you happier, more motivated, more positively driven and more acknowledged of the small steps of progress you make. Remember all limitations are self-imposed, by thoughts and fears that are created in our own mind and we choose to listen to them or not. - Count your blessings, Be Grateful & Smile.
It’s cliché, but do it. Every day, when you wake up, count your blessings, thank for them & smile. It’s going to be a good day. There is always something to be thankful for, and acknowledging this can make you feel great. Life is all about the little things anyway. Learn to appreciate them. No matter where you are, it can always be worse. And if you hit rock bottom, you can only go up. Be grateful for the fact that you are alive and able to pursue your dreams. An attitude of gratitude will get you far.
Be great, feel great. Remember: Happiness is not a destination, it’s the journey.
Love,
Nadira
Outfitdetails:
Boots: Zara || Dress, Hat & Coat: Missguided || Bag: River Island || Bracelet: Hermes Collier de Chien.
Change
Change…As inevitable as it is, some fear it, some love it. I prefer to embrace it, because change is given.
Nothing in this world is free from change, everything is subject to a form of change or at the least a perception of change.
Change for me often comes with novelty and freshness, in the form of new beginnings and challenges. Even when I was younger, I would, at least twice a year, change the interior of my room. I would move the bed to another wall, and my desk to the other, facing a different angle. I would stay up all night cleaning out my closets, and organizing documents, books etc. Feeling new, fresh and relaxed afterwards. I’ve always had this longing for change after a certain period of time.
At the moment everything is changing, luckily for the better. I can finally announce that we are moving to a new, much bigger office for both of our companies. A separate Showroom for our Sports & Casual Brand Wulterkens & special Production area for Customized Wear.
At the same time, we are working on the launch of part 1 of the new Wulterkens’ fashionable sports collection. To say that it’s a crazy busy time is an understatement, but we are starting a new chapter. A new beginning where our businesses are taken to a higher level, something we’ve been working on for a long time now. I am super happy, grateful and excited!
One thing I have clearly noticed is: A change in Focus = A change in lifestyle. You get what you focus on, so the smart thing would be to focus on what you want. If you want things to change for the better, you have to do and be everything that will make it better. In line with the law of attraction, I’ve experienced that what you focus your energy on, you will attract and create as a reality, whether it’s doing something physical or just a thought.
From this perspective, change is beautiful and infinite. I just love something about the fact that at any point in life, we can choose to change ourselves and our situation; the fact that we always have the choice to start fresh and create, whatever comes after, to our ‘’ideal’’. It does however, require balls (courage), a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance, since change usually doesn’t come overnight. It often requires breaking out of your comfort zone and doing less fun things. Fact is, if we really want it, we can change ourselves…our mindset, our actions, our bodies etc.
Of course we cannot always change anything and everything. One thing a lot of people do is to try to change others, which is something that rarely happens unless that significant person wants to change themselves. Sometimes you cannot change a certain complex situation. One of my favorite quotes from my Mom in this case is: ‘’If you can change it, then do so. If you can’t change it, then accept it and change your perception of it’’. Pretty similar to Maya Angelou’s quote: ‘’If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change your attitude’’. Relativity is key here; always choose to look on the bright side of things, which helps focus more positive energy on to your goals.
From this perspective, change = growth and taking control/responsibility/action. Not leaving your life to what may or will be, but actively contributing in creating a life you want. Just like Steve Maraboli’s advice: ‘’Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” or like Rumi’s advice: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
And one of my absolute favorites, which has become sort of a motto to me: ‘’Edit your life, frequently and ruthlessly, it’s your Masterpiece, after all’’.
Love,
Nadira
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama
Outfitdetails: Dress: Missguided. Shoes: Aerosol. Sunglasses: Nastygal. Bracelet: Hermes Collier de Chien.
P.S.
these pictures are taken at a remarkable, historical location in my hometown Paramaribo, Suriname: Fort Zeelandia. Now partly a Museum, it has actually marked certain points of change in Surinamese history several times. Dark pages of history, unfortunately, from which too little people have learned. Those that know the history will know what I mean, but I will not elaborate on the subject. Despite the fact that I have very clear opinions regarding Politics, I’ve decided not to disclose on them in my blogs, keep it light.
P.S. 2
A few of my lovely readers asked me where I find the time in between the chaos to write. Well, most of the time I write concepts, when ideas come to my mind or before I go to sleep in bed. That way, all I have to do is structure it, check on spelling errors, add a few things and voila! Most of this post was written over the past 3 months.
My pictures are usually taken on the go to somewhere, so it’s little extra effort and can be planned in between my usual to do’s. Sometimes it’s hard to find a nice location though, so this does require a little bit of planning if you want to give your outfit a little more edge by matching it into an appropriate surrounding.
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”
24 Things 2014 Has Taught Me
The sound of birds tjirping as if they wouldn’t have a voice tomorrow, a dog occasionally barking, a light breeze of wind through the many plants and trees….I look outside and I see the sun and I can feel the wind on my skin…yes, I’m home! Checking in from Paramaribo, Suriname, South America, where I was born and raised until 18.
As much as I am enjoying it now, this was the first time in my life that I actually dreaded going home. Since I’ve been living in the Netherlands, I’ve been going home for Christmas and New Year’s every year, because my parents still live in Suriname and it’s always nice to be together during the Holidays. Every year when I had to go back to the Netherlands in January, I couldn’t wait until it was December again so I could go back home.
But this year, it was different. I think I’ve finally reached a point where I am content with the life I am living. I finally don’t have the need to “escape” to home. I didn’t want to go, because I didn’t want to leave my business to my partner alone. And I didn’t want to leave my partner, who is my partner in business, but also in life. Last year he came along with me, but this year things are too hectic, which is a good thing of course, it means things are going very well…But I was so sad to go.
Now I’m here and I am happy to be home. I am enjoying the little things mostly, like the weather and just being home, catching up with my mom and dad and some friends who live here. Oh and the food, can’t forget the food! Especially the fruits and veggies, everything is so fresh and natural.
More than anything, I’ve learned this year that you have to find your happiness in the little things.
As I’ve mentioned in my latest post, we’ve learned a lot this year, it’s been full of great things and lots of growth, but we also made some less smart decisions that became wise lessons for us, business wise, but also in general. I’ve decided to put the things I’ve learned this year in this last blog for 2014, mostly for myself, but maybe it’s a little help to you as well, a source of inspiration, to start the new year fresh and motivated. Some of them might be very obvious, but in practice they are often forgotten.
So here we go…
1. There is always, always, always something to be thankful for. Count your blessings, not your problems. Attitude of gratitude = the best attitude!
2. Always trust your intuition/gut feeling, it’s always right!
3. Business wise: Impulsive decisions can be good in the short term, but hurt you just as much in the long term.
4. If you already work 14 hours a day, 7 days a week like me, it’s not about working harder anymore, but about working more efficiently.
5. Believe more in yourself….You can do/be so much more than you think…All Limits are self-imposed!
6. Everybody pretends to be doing better than they actually are. The grass is always greener on the other side, don’t let this distract you from your goal. Focus on yourself.
7. Clear Communication & Good planning = More efficiency.
8. You’re only as important as your network.
9. Visualize, Visualize, Visualize! If you can dream it, you can do it!
10. Invest in yourself, whether it is by working/studying /exercising. Each minute that you invest in your own physical or mental well-being is a valuable investment that will definitely pay off. Try to learn something every day.
11. Love! Sometimes it’s easy to get carried away in your business or whatever it is that you are focused on. Don’t forget to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones (those that actually love and appreciate you).
12. Time is our most precious asset! Only invest your time in those that are worth it. Otherwise you lose, big time.
13. Walk your Talk, otherwise don’t talk at all.
14. Balance. Now this one is something I’m still not getting the hang of, but I really do hope to master in 2015. Balance is everything, if you are able to do it well; life becomes a lot easier and much more pleasant.
15. Set goals, but also lay out the steps to achieve them. A lot of people set goals, but have no idea on how to actually make them reality. It’s a step by step process.
16. Every time you were convinced you couldn’t go on, you did….The universe has a funny way of operating, but all you need to believe in, is that everything is going to be alright. So when things get tough, just hang on, keep going, keep fighting and don’t worry, everything is going to be amazing!
17. Trust the timing of your life. Everything happens for a reason. Accept, learn and go on.
18. No guts, no glory. Great things never come from comfort zones.
19. Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you’ve ever been to stand up taller than you ever where (Never a failure, always a lesson).
20. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity, find it!
21. To be able, at any moment sacrifice what you are, for what you will become.
22. It’s always impossible, until it’s done.
23. You’ve got to create your own luck.
24. She/He who dares, WINS.
Of course there is a lot more, but I consider these the most basic, fundamental and important. The rest is mostly in the same line of the above. Plus, we don’t have all day right!
Just like last year, my resolution is to keep on growing mentally, physically, spiritually…Just in every sense. Become smarter, better, stronger than I am now. And I want to love more, and give back more! What are your resolutions?
2013 was practice, 2014 was a warm-up, 2015 is Game time!
Thank you so much for following my life and experiences, I hope they have been and will continue to be an inspiration to your journey. Wishing you all the best in 2015!
Lots of love & Blessings,
Nadira
Outfitdetails: Heels & Co-oordinate (So in love with this color!): Missguided ; Clutch: Zara; Earrings: Swarovski.
*Pictures are taken in my beautiful garden in Suriname by my lovely Mom*
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
The Cost Of Ambition
First there is an idea, a certain concept, that develops into a vision/ a dream. Then, you start making it more realistic and it becomes a goal. A goal you can accomplish by getting through a certain number of steps.
When you have broken down the goal into a number of steps, then you have each step on its own, that comes with its own challenges and opportunities. And basically the entire process of getting to the next step involves a lot of sacrifice, hard work and capability of dealing with certain set backs that make the way to the next step longer.
Robert Kyosaki says ”The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire, the size of your dream and how you handle dissapointment along the way”.
How you handle dissapointments, hurdles, setbacks, whatever you want to call them, will decide ultimately whether you get through to the next step and eventually to reaching your goal successfully.
The entire path to success is beautiful also, full of learning, growth, changes, sometimes you end up taking other routes that you would never thought you would take the moment you started. It’s an adventure, a roller-coaster. The process itself is very rewarding, if you have the habit of being thankful for each little step towards the right direction.
I believe that it’s not about the destination, which is the ultimate goal you set, but about enjoying and appreciating each step of the journey.
I also believe we constantly re-shape our goals, as soon as we’ve achieved a big part of it, it is very likely that our focus starts to differ, because more things start to become possible than we’ve anticipated on before, so we start moving the boundaries we set in the beginning, and the goal becomes bigger/different along the way, which is a beautiful thing.
However, devoting your life to achieving certain goals, in order to be able to live a certain lifestyle comes with a great cost. It’s simple: You focus on what you want, and you get what you focus on. But with that focus being on a certain goal, you really don’t have time for other things. I’s a cost that not many are willing to pay. See also my previous post on the Value of Time.
The cost I’m talking about:
– Late nights, early mornings (chronic exhaustion)
– Lots of Associates/Business contacts, very few (real) friends (close to no social life).
– You will be misunderstood (including by your family).
– You will be single unless you’re lucky enough to find someone who understands your lifestyle
– People want you to do good but never better than them
All these points basically lead to you doing everything alone.
”’It’s lonely at the top”, a very well known phrase. However, it already starts on the way to the top. You start living a live that people around you don’t understand and at the same time, when they see your success ,they want it too, but have no idea what it takes or they are not willing to work for it/ give up the many things like you are. This is applicable to many things, it doesn’t neccesarily have to be related to business.
The people around you not understanding and not wanting you to do better than them has become very obvious to me multiple times already. For instance on social media, when I post something insignificant, yet recognizable for everyone, I get a lot of likes and response. Yet, when I post something significant, a highlight/milestone for our business, something really cool, the number of likes/comments is 1/4 or half of what I usually get when posting something.
I’m still working on a hypothesis to why that is exactly. Is it too far from their beds, that they can’t relate and therefore don’t give it attention or is it that I’m really surrounded by lots of haters (including family and so called friends) who don’t like to see me doing/achieving big things?
People I’m not acquainted with seem to be happier and more likely to press the Like button.
I don’t tend to give it a lot of attention, because I’m not the kind of person who likes to focus on negativity, but sometimes it is dissapointing. At the same time, it gives me a lot more energy because I love to be able to show (off) that it is possible and I made it happen, when others thought of it to be impossible. Moreover, I do it all for myself, not for anyone else, so I don’t need anyone’s approval or applause. However, I more would like to inspire people to do the same than to have them just hating and not making anything out of their life.
The whole ”not having a social life” part of entrepreneurship is already something I’ve gotten used to. I am very grateful to have my partner in life who is also my partner in Business by my side, which means I am lucky to have someone on the journey to the top, someone who understands everything. I am also very grateful that I have 2 amazing parents and a brother who understand and support me all the way. And apart from a handful of friends, this is where it stops. Which is fine, because I don’t have the time anyway and I don’t do drama, I do Business.
Two big highlights from Wulterkens have been the new Sports-collection that is online now. We have expanded from only Fitness to Running, Bootcamp, Crossfit, Boxing and other similar activities/sports and we are managing to differentiate the brand with statement items in funky colors and with motivating quotes. We are growing very fast, every day more people know the brand and love it, so that’s of course a big deal for us.
We also have a really fun giveaway with stunning Dutch top model Kim Feenstra, who proudly wears our clothing. You can Win her Wulterkens outfit. Only 1 day left to participate in the competition, click here. The complimentary comments about Wulterkens Clothing of all the lovely people that are participating in this giveaway are overwhelming!
So these are 2 big things that bring our brand to yet another (higher) level and another step closer to our goal. I’m extremely proud, because there were many sleepless nights and it is yet a confirmation to us that it is worth it. Hard work pays off, and you don’t just get lucky, you have to create your own luck. I am very grateful for those who recognize the passion and love to work with us.
I wonder if any of you have similar experiences, so feel free to comment and share yours.
Stay Focused, Positive & Passionate.
Love,
Nadira
Outfitdetails
Wulterkens Let’s get Physical Tee
Supertrash Severine Skirt
ZARA Mesh heels (Old collection)
Guess Bag (Old collection)
Time…So Precious, So Scarce
“Imagine there is a bank account that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course? Each of us has such a bank. Its name is time. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to a good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no over draft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There is no drawing against “tomorrow”. You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success. The clock is running. Make the most of today.”
Time…the most scarce and precious asset we own, and most of us don’t even realize and appreciate it. I don’t know who wrote the above, but I think it’s a beautiful way of making you realise the value of time.
My goal was to write a new post at least once a week. For now, I’ve failed at doing so, because of the simple concept of not having enough time in a day (or having slightly more important things to do that I had to prioritize).
Last night I said to my partner before I fell a sleep ”I wish I could have a little bit of time that so many people are wasting everyday; the things I would be able to do”.
With all the (great) things that have been happening the past few weeks, I’ve become increasingly more conscious and I’ve been wishing for more time every day.
I still cannot tell you guys about most of the projects we’ve been working on, until they are final. But I can give you guys some hints.
– First big thing and it’s no secret: the new Wulterkens Fall/Winter sportscollection is coming very soon! (Most items will be available for pre-ordering next week already). Still a photo and video shoot in the planning, so still lots to do before. You can shop our summer collection on Sale now: www.wulterkensclothing.com (Stock is low, so hurry!)
– We have a new member in the Wulterkens team who advices us on our production & marketing, which is great, because 3 minds always achieve more than 2 and he is a major asset to us with his brilliant mind and experience.
– We are currently designing a seperate sports collection for a big chain of stores (So excited!)
– We are working on a project with an upcoming DJ, which also involves us into some lights, camera and action. Unfortunately I cannot tell you guys any more than this yet.
– One of the Netherlands’ topmodels will be spotted in Wulterkens sportswear, more info soon!
– IFBB Pro Athlete Ramona Valerie from Germany is rocking our Sportswear, introducing us into the German market, which we are very grateful for.
So yes a lot of exciting and big (international) projects/opportunities! I am also starting with a part-time Master program in Marketing at the VU University in Amsterdam! Not because I have so much time on my hands (as is pretty clear), but because I believe you always have to keep on learning, keep on growing as a person.
By now I don’t have any social life. I barely see my own brother, let alone friends or other family. I am so happy when I get home before 10 p.m., because that means I can get a good nights’ sleep (we usually leave home at 8 a.m. and come home at 11-12 p.m., making 14-16 hour workdays). However I am not complaining at all! I might be tired and not have a social life, but we are getting so much back in return. The growth of our brand is becoming exponential, which is our dream and life, so it is worth it. It’s an investment in our future, in the life that not everybody gets to live (because they are not willing to give up the things that we are giving up). People always tend to see the success and the growth, but not the sleepless nights and countless hours, blood, sweat and tears we’ve put in.
I think you guys understand now why I’ve become very conscious of my time. It is so extremely precious to me. I don’t intend on wasting it anymore on anything that doesn’t make me grow into a better version of myself, or anybody who isn’t worth it. It may sound selfish and rude, but it’s what I choose, because I know that life is exactly what you make of it. What you spend your time on now, will result in what your life will look like tomorrow. Nobody will do it for you. So start planting those seeds and water them everyday, work hard, believe in yourself, never give up! Your hard work will be rewarded.
“You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” Charles Buxton was right about this. Everybody is complaining about not having enough time, but be honest with yourself. We all waste so much time watching television, series, playing videogames, on our phones on social media etc. It’s fine, but make sure you prioritize, because tomorrow, your time can be up. Make sure that whatever you spend your time on, you are enjoying it. If you choose to sleep, spend it with a loved one, invest in yourself (work, study, exercise), party…whatever it is you do, make sure that when your clock has run out, you can say you’ve lived and enjoyed it to the fullest. Don’t be a slave to the system, or to others. Stay away from all the drama that lots of people put themselves in and waste their time on. Choose to do whatever it is you love to do, everyday. Try to spend it with whoever you love. You always have a choice. Choose wisely.
And to the people who know me personally…If I give you my time, I give you a piece of me/my life I will never get back, I can never spend it in any other way. I am very conscious of this, so if I give you my time, I value you a lot.
Love,
Nadira
Outfitdetails: Mixing lace with leather for a lunch date.
Skirt from H&M (old collection). Shoes from Colin Stuart (Old). Top (Basic) from Zara. Lace Cardigan from a boutique in Rome, Italy. Bracelet from Hermes (Collier de Chien). Clutch from New Look.
It Ain’t Over Until I Win
Courage and Persistence. When I think of these 2 words, I think of my dad, my role model and inspiration. A long time ago, he had the courage to leave his job with the government to start up his own consultancy company (Proplan Consultancy, located in Paramaribo, Suriname), because at that time he knew he wouldn’t be able to give his family what he wanted to give them on the salary he was earning.
Because of his decision, I had a careless youth with everything I needed and wanted, but at the same time I wasn’t a spoiled brat. My dad always taught me and my brother to earn what we wanted, whether that was with performing well in school or work (washing the cars, helping around the house or ironing his shirts for 50 cts per shirt hahaha). Things weren’t given to us ‘’just because’’ and I remember finding it frustrating sometimes when a lot of my girlfriends really just got everything they wanted without having to do anything for it.
Today, I am so thankful, because it made me value whatever I got so much more and looking back, I think it was the basis that I needed to go the extra mile today with my business.
The lesson is simple, if you want something, you have to go and get it. In most cases it means that you have to work your ass off to get what you want and most importantly never give up. Success takes time, it has to grow, in the mean time you will probably go through a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but the key is to stay focused on that goal.
To all the young entrepreneurs out there I want to say:
1. It’s not going to be easy, you will fall/fail many/some times, but as Mr. Les Brown says ‘’if you can look up, you can get up’’ and if you get back up again you can learn from it, and give it another go (even if it’s another 1000 go’s). Eventually you will succeed. People might tell you your product is not good enough, especially with clothing, it really depends on taste. But never doubt your product, just take it all in as feedback (there is always some room for improvement).
2. You will meet a lot of people, some of them are genuine, they actually care and want to help you grow. These few are precious, hold on to them and don’t let go.
On the contrary, most of the people you meet will be what we call ‘’Cowboys’’. They shoot a lot of bullets recklessly around them, but none of them are aimed at a specific target. Meaning: they talk a lot, know a little and will not add any value to you or your business. A waste of precious time. Try to develop the skills and intuition to recognize these cowboys to avoid time (and money) wasting.
3. Unfortunately a lot of people, for some reason will want to see you fail and some will even make an effort to make you fail. Why? Well, it still baffles me and I don’t think I will ever completely understand it. In some cases these people might even be close to you (friends/family, which makes it even more disappointing). ‘’People wish you all the success in the world, until you get it’’. The only thing that seems logical is that when you start growing and becoming more and more successful, they want what you have, but at the same time they are not willing to work for it or they might not even realize what you have sacrificed to earn it. “Haters are a leading indicator of Success’’. Don’t let them distract you, it’s not worth the energy, keep your energy focused on your goal.
4. You probably will not have much of a social life, the way to the top is lonely. You will most likely grow apart from the friends you thought were your friends for life. Mainly because you have other priorities and your way of living eventually differs way to much from theirs. Only surround yourself with ‘’quality’’ people, people that support and understand you, and people that can help you get where you want. No need for negative people that don’t understand your journey and don’t make any effort to change their own lives. Let go, or be dragged down.
So yes, there is a lot of sacrifice, a lot of roughness to get through. You have to be strong as a rock. You have to be willing to do the things, others won’t, so you can live a life that others only dream about. You have to be willing to go that extra mile. It’s never crowded going that extra mile, because there are only few who keep it up. But reaching your goals, making those dreams come true…it’s all worth it. Keep your eyes on the prize, work your passion and the people who truly love you will stand by you and cheer for you.
If you want it, fight for it, with all your mind, body & soul. Nothing can keep you from it. It’s not over until you win.
Love,
Nadira
Outfit details: Wulterkens Zee Me T-Shirt (Release the Beast series)
Pants & Blazer: ZARA. Shoes: Colin Stuart.
‘’How you do anything, is how you do everything; Always go full out’’ – Les Brown
‘’It always seems impossible, until it’s done’’ – Nelson Mandela
‘’Most people fail in life because they aim to LOW and hit, instead of aiming to HIGH and lift’’ – Les Brown
‘’It doesn’t matter if it’s a right or wrong decision; It’s about making the decision RIGHT’’ – Richard Tan
‘’There is no passion to be found in playing small – In settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living’’ – Nelson Mandela