Shop Tales: The Opening!

In one word: wow! The official launch of the shop on the 2nd of May which also happened to be my birthday!  Celebrating an important milestone surrounded by an amazing group of people. Friends, family, business partners, clients...... I was a real cry baby that day. So many emotions.
I thought it would be best to share my friend Elizabeth Kleinveld's speech which she handed to me afterwards, handwritten on the above Picasso card.

"Mariska,

I remember first seeing you at the playground of school and hearing about all of the adventures you'd had at ABN AMRO Bank around the world. Exciting I thought. Who would have known that within 8 years you would have completely changed careers and would establish this beautiful flagship store to launch your make?
And yet if there 's anyone I know who has the determination and drive to achieve their vision, its you. The road here hasn't always been easy I dare say. It will still have its ups and downs. But you are a role model for each and everyone of us who dares to believe in their dreams believe in. And so she has - by opening this boutique Mariska has committed to her dream. Lets toast the birthday girl who surrounds us with her beauty and magic. If only we be so bold! As a famous German philosopher once said:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."

    


What is there to add when somebody says this to you. I felt tiny.....but wow also proud! Here is selection of pictures of the eventful opening of the Mariska Meijers Amsterdam Flagship Store! Thank you friends, family, supportive clients, fans...I could not have done this without you! xox

With friends Tom and Dianne Lugard

With dear friend and author Lise Goeman Borgesius

Champagne and Flowers!

With Jan Willem Loor (Schaap & Citroen Jewellers)

Camera rolling for the mini dock with artists Elizabeth Kleinveld
and E Paul Julien

With actress and director Medina Schuurman & Son

With architect friend Marcia Sookha

Small and big guests arriving by bike!

speechless... listening to speech

Couturier Peter Rommers and partner Hans Hinssen

With museum director Carine de Meyere

My adorable daughter Annemarth as bartender

enjoying a quiet moment with my love Herb Prooy