SUITSUIT celebrates | Wrapping up 2023
As the champagne glasses clink at the stroke of midnight, we pause to reflect on the new year ahead. Beginning with our resolutions. Resolutions crafted from what inspired us the most in the past year. For SUITSUIT, it's the remarkable women who have crossed our paths. In this blog, we reflect on their stories, journeys, goals and successes for 2024.
How do you look back on the past year?
"It was a year in which dreams were manifested and came to life"
Rosa Bertram, Author and Freelance Writer
Rosa reflects on an eventful year as a nomad, saying, "So much has happened and changed this year, while at the same time, I've found more peace." She reflects, "It has been a year in which dreams were manifested and came to life." Despite it all, Rosa reminds herself, "I just need to remind myself to zoom out sometimes and enjoy everything that is."
"We tackled everything that came our way, and what didn't come our way, we created ourselves"
Maud & Pauline, Owners of Ostras y Burbujas
Reflecting on Maud & Pauline's second year with Ostras y Burbujas: "Without a doubt, the first word that immediately springs to mind for both of us is 'proud'." But their year was not without challenges: "However, there are two sides to every coin, and our season was somewhat different than hoped." Yet, that didn't stop them, "Why proud then? Because we persisted! We tackled everything that came our way, and what didn't come our way, we created ourselves." They consider 2023 a "beautiful but tremendously educational year" and emphasise how this experience has shaped the company, themselves as individuals and their friendship.
Maud & Pauline
Have you achieved any goals or encountered any surprises on your journey?
"It's a bold statement, but I'm grateful for every event and experience"
Lauren Fajardo, Co-founder & Creative Director of DADOR
"Yes, a lot! When I least expected them. Both personally and professionally", was Lauren's answer to this question. She emphasises that these events, both pleasant and unpleasant, make her grateful: "It's a bold statement, but I'm grateful for every event and experience."
"In the summer, my book De Magie van Reizen — pretty much my life's work and philosophy — was published with the second printing coming out within two months"
Rosa Bertram, Author and Freelance Writer
For Rosa, 2023 was a year full of milestones: "In the summer, my book De Magie van Reizen — pretty much my life's work and philosophy — was published with the second printing coming out within two months." Additionally, her own piece of land in Portugal became a reality, with the added commitment of the addition of a dog.
The skate community in Portugal, which Rosa started this year, now even has its own skateboards, "These are made by someone I met at the beginning of the year in South Africa — and now I'm learning to become a farmer, which is quite a challenge!"
How do you celebrate the holidays in December?
"We find it very important to be surrounded by our small circle during these cosy holidays, especially since we rarely see them in the other months of the year"
Maud & Pauline, Owners of Ostras y Burbujas
For Maud & Pauline, the holidays revolve around being together with loved ones: "We think it's important to be surrounded by our personal circle during the holidays, especially since we rarely see these people in the other months of the year." The duo returns to the Netherlands every year, "We're quite traditional types; for us, Christmas means being together with family by the fireplace, with the scent of pine needles and turkey, enjoying a good glass of red wine after a brisk walk on Scheveningen beach."
"I'll be busy, but at the same time, it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the hard work we've put into building the brand"
Lauren Fajardo, Co-founder & Creative Director of DADOR
During the month of December, Lauren celebrates the anniversary of her clothing brand DADOR: "In December, we're turning five, and we're celebrating with a new collection." Amidst the busyness, she sees it as a moment of acknowledgment: "I'll be busy, but at the same time, it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the hard work we've put into building the brand."
Lauren Fajardo
What are your goals and expectations for 2024?
"Not knowing is what makes it so exciting"
Rosa Bertram, Author and Freelance Writer
"Plans for the year ahead have never been my thing; I prefer to live in periods rather than years", Rosa says. "However, I would like to enjoy the seeds that have been sown and can now be harvested in the coming period." This is reflected in her vision for the future: "Working in the garden, enjoying my freedom, being outdoors, working on myself, and above all, working on the land." Rosa embraces the uncertainty of the future: "I'm curious to see what projects will come my way and what new directions my life will take. Not knowing is what makes it so exciting."
"The island has its own way of doing things"
Maud & Pauline, Owners of Ostras y Burbujas
Maud & Pauline find it challenging to set expectations, as each season so far has been so different: "The island has its own way of doing things." But the unpredictability of the island doesn't stop them from setting goals: "In any case, we aim for an even better season than 2022 and 2023." They hope to participate in even larger events such as weddings and birthdays. Moreover, they want to give more visibility to their unique oyster workshop: "It would be so much fun to convey more knowledge but, above all, the warmth and interaction that comes with it gives us a lot of energy!"
Rosa Bertram
What advice do you have for other women in 2024?
"Follow your intuition and go for what you truly want"
Rosa Bertram, Author and Freelance Writer
"It sounds so clichéd," Rosa begins, "but follow your intuition and go for what you truly want." She emphasises the importance of daring to pursue your own dreams: "Assuming we only have one life and it's actually quite short, it's a shame to live by the standards of others." Finally, Rosa advises that nothing is impossible: "Anything is possible, enjoy!"
"Keep believing that everything happens for a reason, however unimaginable it seems at times. You have a choice every day."
Maud & Pauline, Owners of Ostras y Burbujas
According to Maud & Pauline, life is about trial and error: "When you think giving up is the only option, push through because new doors will open!" They elaborate: "Keep believing that everything happens for a reason, however unimaginable it seems at times. You have a choice every day." Finally, Maud & Pauline advise enjoying the journey: "Enjoy the journey and don't just have tunnel vision on the destination, because the road there is just as valuable".
"Self-love begins with self-respect"
Lauren Fajardo, Co-founder & Creative Director of DADOR
Lauren is happy to conclude with a short but important message: "Respect. Self-love begins with self-respect. Above all, have respect and love for yourself." Something to carry with you wherever the year takes you.