POV: you're chasing silver linings
This month we are ice-skating, puffer jacket-baiting and still hung on Forever Yung.
Welcome to the November edition of POV, where Lena Sommerdijk (Founder & CEO) kicks off and reflects on believing in the better.
With the elections in our rearview mirrors, this month’s POV is all about holding on to optimism. Amidst the right-wing narratives highlighting hate, division and despair, we’re choosing to focus on hope.
Because what if we intentionally shift our attention toward the people who unite instead of divide? Toward those who still manage to find a silver lining, even when the sky feels heavy? I’ve always believed that keeping your glass half full is essential - when leading a team, being part of a friendship, navigating motherhood - in both the calm and the chaos. Optimism drives me to jump into new adventures and reminds me of the good that quietly persists in people.
And yes, it’s a privilege to say so when you’re healthy, supported, and surrounded by your village. But I also see every day that optimism is a lifeline. My close friend Kim van Noord, for example, who has been battling Long Covid for over three years, still manages to live in the moment. She celebrates tiny wins and notices beauty in the ordinary. That, to me, is courage.
Because in the end, optimism isn’t naïve. It’s brave. It keeps you going, fuels your voice and allows you to imagine something better - even when reality hasn’t caught up yet.
So let’s conquer the chaos and cut to the chase, here is a list of tips from our team to yours…
What are we doing?
Bringing coziness into our homes without any harm done, thanks to our BeterBoompje Christmas trees.
Finding the coolest contemporary (and one-of-a-kind) imagery for our pitch decks on Connected Archives: a platform where upcoming talents and award-winning artists alike offer their (un)published works for commercial use. Licensing never looked so good.
Where are we going?
Vondelgym boxing classes are reminding us how strong and protected we can feel in our own bodies.
The Jaap Eden or Museumplein ice rinks for a fun-twist on working out, these days a much cheaper alternative to your weekly pilates classes (ClassPass shade intended).
What are we shopping?
We’re on our yearly hunt for The Perfect Puffer Jacket, and we currently have our eye on this KASSL Editions x TRETORN one.
POV-proof looks for our upcoming agency dinner, this year’s theme: For the sake of good taste.
What are we listening to?
Yung Lean, in reminiscence of the Forever Yung show at 013 last week.
We’re diving headfirst into our annual lineup of festive favourites.
What are we reading?
Our Nicole Huisman - a vision of optimism - has written a touching ode to her daughter Ola in the newest issue of ELLE Magazine.
Sophie Benson’s article for Vogue Business, in which she unites the seemingly juxtaposed worlds of Black Friday and sustainable fashion.
What are we working on?
Producing the Cinéart FilmClub editions for their latest releases, ‘DIE MY LOVE’ and ‘It Was Just An Accident’. Together with a select group of ambassadors we’re adding depth and context to each release, bringing audiences closer to the story and the experience of cinema itself.
Preparing the festive gifts for our beloved partners that have made 2025 a year to remember. This one’s for tastemakers only.
What are we eating?
Making the most of the hours we’re spending inside with a stay-at-home meal, a classic Stamppotje.
Dinner at The Land Canteen: a three-course, farm-sourced menu that supports local producers and embraces inclusivity through a sliding income scale.
What are we drinking?
We’re opting for cocktails at Nikotin for our end-of-year drinks.
It’s Beaujolais Nouveau season, which means that we’re picking up the bottles of surprise red to serve during our festive dinners at home.
What are we noticing?
Amidst the grey days, we’re letting colours light up our moods. But we’ve also seen major trends focused on it-colours these past seasons: from our stainless steel interiors to ruby red fashion choices, it comes as no surprise that colours forecast product success. To make more intentional buying decisions amidst the most commercial time of the year, we’re reflecting on what shades we tend to lean toward in our wardrobe (and why).
And while we’re on the topic of letting your environment heal your winter blues, Ommetje met Tom is encouraging us to look around and appreciate the fairytale our city becomes thanks to all the festive lights.
Love