When life gives you lemons make lemonade!

Lemon and Ikat oil painting (Mariska Meijers)

There is something I would like to share that made my day last week Thursday. I had sold the above painting via my web store and the client had just received it without having it ever seen 'in the flesh'. This is what she wrote....

"Dear Mariska,

The painting was delivered this afternoon. And what else can I say than......I am in love! The colors are 'live' even more beautiful, they radiate so much that they give energy. I haven't thought of a definitive spot for it yet, but as soon as that is the case I will send you a picture of the"end result".

One of my favorite quotes has always been "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". I will always think of that when I look at your happy painting. Mariska as of now you make my day, everyday! 

Again thank you very much! 

With best, Thessa" 

I was in the midst of a production crisis, stressed for time, trying to do too many things at the same time...and when I read my client's thank you mail it made me very very quite. I sat down (yes I was reading the email standing up doing something else at the same time), took a deep breath and smiled. It made me realize AGAIN why I am doing what I am doing and why I continue my bumby road. The ability to touch other people with my paintings and designs is what I love best, it is the essence of my work!
.....and I should not forget to make lemonade from the lemons I stumble over in the process :)

Thank you Thessa for your wonderful upbeat words and permitting me to quote you xox

To view my paintings click here!

The Pursuit of Passion

Bold Cubism tray table in French Blue from
 my latest collection available here

I was soooo tired this weekend.....I do understand why some people consider me naive (including myself) but I just can't help being intensely enthusiastic and dedicated to pursue my dreams. Yes I work hard, it is crazy at times. For over 3 years I have been building my brand, working on collections and attended many trade shows including High Point Market, the New York International Gift Show (NYNow) and MaisonObjet in Paris. Building relationships and trust. Trust that I am a brand that is here to stay and deliver!
It takes time, dedication, a REALLY long long breath and the strongest believe that despite the fact that you have had quite a few failures (yes I have!) all that matters is WHAT YOU ARE DOING RIGHT NOW! This is what I keep telling people who ask me HOW I do it. It is never too late to pursue your passion whether in your professional or personal life. There are NO excuses, there is no hidden secret, JUST DO IT!

Here are a some of my recent high lights. Signs that I am on the right track (but don't forget there have been quite a few failures and there will always be and there still a long road to go!

FEATURED ON VOGUE.COM. Last month my Bold Cubism lamp in Parisian Pink silk fabric was featured as part of Vogues's Fall Culture Preview: The Ten Trends of the Season!

FEATURED ON ABIGAIL AHERN'S BLOG and FORUM
Abigail Ahern 'The woman who is rocking the world of interiors' has started an engaging forum where design lovers can share their living spaces and ideas. It is real and inspiring and you should check it out here!

As seen via Abigail Ahern

SPOTTED ON Holly Becker's DECOR8 BLOG as  "Trends MaisonObjet 2013"

Via Decor8