My 2020

I realized that in my previous blog I didn't write anything about the Corona crisis. Maybe it was because I thought everything would be over by summer. But now that we are about five months later we are at the beginning of a new part of lockdown, I wanted to kind of record my own Corona timeline in this blog post.en.

How I have experienced the struggle with Corona in my own way, without having been ill.

Hate love

In recent months, my feelings for Corona have been tossed between hate and love and peace and turmoil. Corona brought an early and one of the sunniest springs I can remember. From the first moment that Corona emerged here, the sun continued to shine. That made it not look so gloomy in spite of everything and that it was a little easier to deal with the situation.

I will never forget that on one of the first mornings of the lockdown I was sitting in the sun on my roof terrace and enjoyed hearing the birds chirping for the first time. But that in a previously so lively street in the middle of the city  you could almost hear a pin drop in the street, it was also very sad at the same time.

What I will never forget is that I walked past the Holland Spoor train station on King's Day and that there was really no one there; abandoned dead-silent platforms on what is normally one of the busiest days of the year. That was so bizarre and unreal! The photos I took there could go straight into the history books..

Hamsters

Shopping will never be the same again. Where AH previously encouraged to come and hoard, that was now really out of the question! The happy family of hamsters was nowhere to be seen, but despite that, there was a good chance that if you were waiting outside in the queue for the supermarket, you would eventually find empty shelves inside.

Conceived in the past I always thought about what I wanted to eat on the day itself, now I had to think further ahead. My kitchen cupboards were stocked with a small supply for the first time since I lived in town. In March we even reached the low point that you were lucky if you just managed to get a pack of Euroshopper macaroni or a pack of toilet rolls.

Who could have ever imagined that here in the Netherlands? 

Silence before the storm

At one point, the first major retail chains such as H & amp; M and de Bijenkorf decided to temporarily close their doors. Slowly the rest followed and with this intelligent lockdown the city was suddenly completely locked.t. There were notes everywhere on shop doors and shop windows bearing the same message; stay home, stay safe. Even now, thinking about it like this, I can barely imagine those empty shopping streets and terraces. 

That ominous silence was also noticeable in the digital shopping streets. Not only the cities were locked, people also kept their wallets really closed at first. I talked about it with other online entrepreneurs and got some consolation that I was not the only one where orders were temporarily off. At that moment I was also extra grateful for the income from my side job, not only because I was not eligible for any subsidy from the government, but also because my side job is in the cultural sector and everything there was virtually flat.

In the meantime, I worked silently behind the scenes on my new website and corporate identity. With in the back of my mind that there would come a time when people would want to spend money again on other things than just groceries and DIY materials. And when that moment came, at least I was completely ready for it.

Hague mat

I remember that Rutte announced during a new press conference on May 6 that the hairdressers and beauticians could open again from 11 May. Rutte was not the only one who could use a good haircut by now, the rest of The Hague also seemed to have grown a large mat in The Hague. Because the waiting list at my hairdresser for a simple haircut was longer than a month. Until then, I fully embraced my just got out of bed haircut.g.

Cheers

On June 1 the time had finally come, albeit with many cumbersome and often unclear protocols; but the catering industry was allowed to open again! That seemed so nice, but it was also very complicated, especially at the beginning. All spontaneity was immediately gone; because you had to book in advance for a spot on the terrace, how are they going to spend food and drinks at a distance of one and a half meters Can you join friends if you see them further away and how long can you stay seated at all? 

Waiting in line for the terrace, I realized that what I was hoping to find back there on the Grote Markt was really not going to find anymore. Those carefree long summer days with endless GM bakeries where everyone sat down during the day are over for the time being. Our bench was also gone after all, it should have made way for a one and a half meter wide walkway.oppad.

Recharge

Some things took some getting used to over time, new habits that are actually not common at all. But what still hasn't gotten used to after all these months is the complete lockdown of music events and nightlife. Besides the fact that this is hitting my friend hard, because most of his activities have come to a standstill. Our nightly adventures in a foreign city, our shared love for the music, the artists and everything around it, are also a great loss. And although I managed to win a few times during a game night in recent weekends, that feeling of happiness is not quite the same 

Because for me there is nothing comparable to the pure ecstasy I get when I feel the bass of the music deep into every cell of my body during a DJ set. It isthat outlet to really go completely empty so that I can fully recharge and recharge myself!

Just

Of course I know that there are much worse things than not being able to have drinks with as many friends as you want, not being able to go to parties or not be able / to dance anymore and to cheer with enthusiasm.. 

I am grateful that I and the people around me are healthy. And of course I think it's bad that there are people who do get sick from the virus.

But I really can't wait for the day when the masks have disappeared from the street scene and you can just smile at people again; spontaneously and out loud. That the one and a half meter distance is a thing of the past and you can just give your family and friends a big hug again without being asked.

Simply because it is possible and because it is normal.

Love,

Melina

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Cotton Candies quits

This year Cotton Candies has been around for exactly 10 years and how special is it that I write exactly in Blog # 10 that I am going to stop with Cotton Candies. Yes the word is out, I can't go back now!

And how I came to this decision I'll tell you:

Logic

The idea had been in my head for a while, but to actually make the move, I had to gather the courage for it. It is not nothing to let go of what you have been building for so long. A company name that has become known to quite a few people in 10 years and one that Google now recognizes immediately as my label and website.

In addition, I recently invested in a brand new website and complete branding pack, this did not really make this decision any easier or logical.

Cotton candies

“Cotton Candies are here, I wrote in 2010 in the pink press releases that I sent to various magazines.. I wanted a funny catchy name and since I loved pink and cotton candy and it also described exactly what my t-shirts with self-designed prints were cotton candy, it was the perfect name.m.

Whats in a namee

Over the years, the prints have disappeared from the range and I am regularly asked how I actually got my company name and what this has to do with goldsmiths.

And frankly; Cotton Candies doesn't really fit with who I am now. I don't feel the magic anymore, we have outgrown each other after such a long time I guess. So after a lot of reflection I decided to let go of the old known and make a new fresh start.

Authentic

But ... I keep doing what I've been doing with a lot of love for the past few years; making one of a kind jewelry with a personal twist. Only from next May I will continue under a brand new company name. A name that suits me like no other; pure and close to myself. 

I myself am already a bit used to using the new name. I have already spoken it out aloud to a number of people and that felt and sounded very good. 

Right now I'm busy behind the scenes with all the things that need to be addressed. For example, the current website and branding unfortunately also have to believe in it. And I also have a long list of administrative to-dos that have to be completed before everything is officially arranged..

For now I will keep everything secret for a while, but in May I will share everything with you!

Love,

Melina

Bye bye!

It sounds cheesy, but it really is; the year has flown by really bizarrely! I wrote my previous blog at the fresh start of spring 2019, so now I am sitting with a blanket on the sofa with a cup of tea and a pack of leftover Ikea Christmas cookies next to me. My planning to regularly write a new blog post did not work out completely unfortunately.

Paper influencers

With 2020 so close now, I am also closing my first Cotton Candies decade. A brief review of the past 10 years cannot be ignored, of course. I remember yesterday when I sent out my first press releases in large pink envelopes in January 2010 to introduce the magazines to Cotton Candies. In a time when we had never heard of Instagram or Pinterest, magazines were the influencers of today. So to see yourself in those same popular magazines a few weeks later was really an honor and so unreal!

10K

In 2010 only about 10,000 Dutch web stores were active, I felt like a kind of pioneer to be part of that. I now feel like an old hand, who has seen many web shops come and go. Although social media was not very big yet, I actually had the feeling that I was close to my customers and I didn't have to make a lot of effort to be visible than I have now. Because 10 years later, as web entrepreneurs, we can communicate and show ourselves through many different social media channels, but the number of web shops has now also increased almost tenfold.gd.

From E- to M-Commerce

Looking back, Cotton Candies has seen quite a few different corporate identities and logos in the past 10 years.. Most logos were own design and change with my personal taste and the requirements and wishes that a modern webshop layout had to meet. At the time, who could have imagined that most online purchases are now made on a mobile device, instead of behind a desktop computer. My first webshop was a free Wordpress page where you could only order by mail. In 2019 world I am the proud owner of a mobile compatible web store with a brand new and externally designed corporate identity and logo. logo.

Best Seller

The item with which CC suddenly went through sound 9 years ago was the customizable text bracelet. Then I had to gamble all my material and tools from America, none of this was for sale in the Netherlands yet. And what started as a kind of trial and error meant that in 2013 I could completely quit my office job. Thousands of text bracelets and years later, they are still regularly ordered by you. They will always hold a special place in my heart.

Full time

These were hectic years, most weekends were filled with participation in markets and fairs. I struggled with decorations and displays for my market stalls, complete sweet shops it seemed. I traveled all over the Randstad for home shopping parties and workshops. And I met so many nice, dear customers and inspiring fellow entrepreneurs. It took years to enjoy my success quietly, but the energy I got from everything seemed inexhaustible! 60-hour working weeks were no exception, it never felt like working, not as it feels when you work for an employer anyway..

Privately

Besides CC, all kinds of things happened in my private life, of course. I lost my sweet French Bulldog Charley, the greatest loss I have ever experienced. My Facebook status changed from Married to Single and from Single to Relationship with. And my LinkedIn status went from self-employed to self-employed with an office side job. I exchanged my owner-occupied home in a suburb in The Hague for a mini apartment right in the center. I thoroughly enjoyed the free life in the city and the nightlife and privileges of having a relationship with Fabian who is a Producer / DJ. And what once seemed so far away and very much; the transition from 30s to 40s this year was painless and silent. I am no longer afraid to make choices and follow my feelings. And now I am much more aware of who I am and what I do and do not want.t wil.

Whislist

For the next decade I have of course a number of things on my wishlist, including at least 1 dog: In addition, I naturally hope that it will be another 10 years of enjoyment, love, inspiration, growth, special discoveries and new creations. And of course I wish you all the best that I wish myself!!

I'm excited; bring it on !!

Love, Melina

Reset

After years of freedom, I still have to get used to the steady rhythm that comes with a paid job after a month and a half.t.

Where at first it didn't matter in which state I started my working day, now it is only taken for granted that I appear on the work floor with combed hair and brushed teeth.

I have now almost figured out what the perfect timing of to-dos in the morning is between the alarm clock ringing and the moment I close the front door behind me with breakfast.ek.

To be fair, I have been so lucky with my new workplace; not only is it only a 5-minute walk, stress does not seem to be part of my job description. I have my own room, so does the director. I worked for years at companies where everyone worked in the same room, that is a world of difference I can tell you ... Yes, in that respect I landed wonderfully warm and soft from that high CC hermit tower in The Hague office life.en. 

Refocus

There are still enough days and evenings in the week left for CC. But recently I really couldn't get the focus back on CC. My InstaStories remained empty, Facebook sent me reminders that people hadn't heard anything for a while and I also found no inspiration and no desire to sit at my work table. 

I have to find my way back for myself in how to divide my attention and time. Because if I turn off the office computer at four o'clock, there should still be enough day for CC right 

Restart

April therefore also seems like the perfect time to get started with CC again with a fresh perspective. Fortunately, spring is already in the air, so that will probably be fine. Although I have not yet found the perfect balance on how exactly I am going to approach, I know one thing for sure; I want to keep doing what makes not only my heart but yours glowing.

And that is making one of a kind jewelry with a personal story. Your story!

Love, Melina

Party

I only realized this week that my 5-year self-employed anniversary has completely passed me through all the busy December. And that while so much has happened in the past 5 years and is so much beautiful to be grateful for! The aluminum text bracelets were once my specialty and my biggest source of income, now I also make 14 carat gold wedding rings. How special is that?

Lonely

I never missed the pressure of a hectic office job where I had colleagues around me all day. I love to get into my sweatpants and messy bun on my head in the morning behind my work table. And to be able to make the most beautiful creations for you in peace or with a nice music of my own choice.en. 

Besides this wonderful peace of working from home, there were plenty of moments where I met new people; in the early years I took part in a creative market in different cities almost every weekend. Later on came Collectiv. Concept store in The Hague where I also worked in the store. And also during the CC workshops it was full of all kinds of nice and interesting people. No, lonely I have never felt happy and in this way I had found the perfect balance for myself.

City life

A lot has also changed in the private field in the past five years. When I had to look for my own living space eighteen months ago, it was still quite a challenge to be able to rent something normal as a self-employed person. After a long search, my current apartment came as a gift from heaven. 

But living right in the center of The Hague is not cheap and it now turns out that as a single earner with a varying income I sometimes experience exciting times.

Mission

This year I made the choice to give myself a little more breathing space and peace of mind. I want to enjoy CC more and get rid of the high performance pressure that I started to feel more and more. This blocked my creative energy, which in turn led to frustration.

My mission for January is therefore to find a nice part-time job that will give me a completely different energy. A new beginning, but not quite!

Love, Melina

Consciously

Living more consciously and really taking good care of my body have been on my to-do list for a while. But earlier than the beginning of this year it didn't seem to happen.

Due to circumstances I temporarily stopped eating all animal products. And what at first seemed like a daunting task has now become a good habit that I would like to keep.n.

I feel good with a plant-based diet and it also helps that there is an Ekoplaza around the corner where I can buy fine products to make a tasty vegan meal.n.

Of course I sometimes have those craving moments when I intensely long for a boiled egg, hot chocolate with whipped cream or fresh sashimi. But I know that afterwards I feel better when I have chosen an alternative and have not given in to the moment.

Paraffin junkie

Besides eating consciously, I also took a closer look at my beauty stash. I barely used make-up, but my collection of body products and creams had to pay for it. The fact that I couldn't even pronounce most of the ingredients, I had no idea what it all was, were reason enough for me to throw away all Unilever products.

Now with the winter cold coming, we all have to deal with dry and chapped lips. Until recently I always had a small jar of Vaseline with me, who did not grow up with me Until I recently discovered that this is a waste product from the petroleum industry, does not belong in the skin care products at all and you can even get a paraffin addiction ..

Kiss Me!

But how am I going to get through this winter without the skins hanging from my chapped lips? Because most lip balms from famous brands are also packed with chemicals. I decided to get started myself and started looking for the best nourishing and natural ingredients with which I could make my own lip balm..

No mineral raw materials, no chemicals or artificial fragrances and dyes. But carefully selected natural ingredients such as mango butter, shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E. Combined with a dose of pure love, these are the basic ingredients of the CC Kiss Me! Lip Balms.

And yay good news! Do you, like me, also give yourself a really nourishing lip balm this winter. I have now temporarily put them in the web store, you can find them in the December gift shop. There you will also find the list with all ingredients used, which can all be pronounced ....

Love, Melina

Pssst, soon there will be a nice promotion with the CC Kiss Me! Lip Balms. You can read more about this in the upcoming newsletter.

Are you not yet a CC member; sign up now!

PTD

I couldn't have chosen a better day for writing a new blog post than today. Instagram reminded me this morning that today is Positive Thinking Day. And Google not only taught me today that Positive Thinking Day PTD has been around since 2003, but I also get tips on how to celebrate this day easily. Everything is possible and everything is allowed, as long as it is positive. Does the fact that I opened my laptop on a sun-drenched patio to write this post also countsok?

Daily Routine

Positive, of course I want to be; every day, overloaded with new energy, jumping out of bed before the alarm clock, speaking positive affirmations to myself in the mirror for half an hour and then enjoying all the beauty around me radiant and carefree all day long; living the Instagram Life!

But the truth is that unfortunately this is not yet my daily routine. Sometimes there are days in a row when I allow myself to be swallowed up by all the uncertainties that being self-employed entails. I can sometimes feel so incredibly vulnerable, without a safety net it is sometimes scary to fly alone and take choices and risks in order to stay afloat..

Unique Selling points

The contrasts are sometimes so great; what actually pluses and my unique selling points are, I experience at the same time as minuses, weakness and uncertainties. Would it make a difference if I was not a creative but a different kind of entrepreneur and would not be dependent on turnover through my own creations Or would you have to deal with completely different uncertainties and this is just part of the entrepreneurship Am I the only entrepreneur who has these struggles regularlyeft? 

Being your own boss is freedom and a privilege, why can't I sell myself that so badly?

Love, Melina

Summertime

The summer of 2018 is in full swing, the Instagram thermometer at my Instastories has been indicating 25 degrees for weeks..

For me as a stay-at-home this is really the perfect summer. Because I have the luxury of organizing my own working time, there are days when I can be found on the beach from sunrise and after sunset again with my fan in my mini studio. The days run together wonderfully, it is that on Tuesday the garbage has to be taken out and I know again which day it is again…

In terms of crowds, it is good to notice that most of you are enjoying a well-deserved vacation, in that respect it is really the annual cucumber time again.

Behind the scenes

So now is the time to get going behind the scenes. We are still working very hard on the new CC Brandingpack and the new web store. I can't wait for the big launch and I can finally share it with you guys, I'm so happy with my new logo!

And another super nice news: from September I will be teaching the CC Creative Classes at a new location. Due to some internal changes within Collectiv. Concept store, the workshops have been on hold for a while. But from September, theagenda refilled and moved to a new location; breakfast / lunchroom Op zn Kop The Hague in the Prinsestraat..

Floral crockery

When Marcel opened the doors of his wonderfully over-the-top floral flea market this month, I immediately stood in front of him to take a look at him. The cozy brocante interior, the home-made cakes and the hysterically flowered crockery; I was amazed, what a great store he has managed to create. And now it is also possible to book an extensive high tea after the workshop, how nice!

The rest of August I work out new ideas, I work ahead in terms of stock and I also try to grab a nice beach party here and there ... If you read this from your holiday address; enjoy all the beauty there! And hopefully see you soon in the new CC web store or during one of thee CC Creative Classes :)

 Love, Melina

Influenced

Trends, hypes, fashion, hyped trends that are in fashion; I always find them a bit tricky! Everyone always calls out very hard to be unique and not want to go with the crowd. And yet there are now quite a few influencers who earn a good living by inspiring a dizzying number of followers….

I also follow a number of influencers myself, I like to see what they do and which designer items are really a big loss in my wardrobe. But as soon as there is a kind of run on things, I always have the urge to run very fast the other way! Take, for example, the hype of the, especially red/white and black/white, Aztec dresses. Young and old girls all pose   #instaproof   in front of the camera in the short swirling dresses. A must-have item that will go with many in the holiday suitcase!

Roarrrr

But sometimes things go wrong with me, for example, I also resisted the leopard print for a while. I felt comfy in good black and white basics with a bit of old pink every now and then. And yet the day came when I went for gauze; a well-cut leopard print jacket (which I had indeed seen on such a beautiful babe's Instagram account) was my first purchase.

Two pairs of shoes with a hairy leopard print followed, but that's it now. After all, Overkill is lurking like a hungry leopard ... Because you only have to walk into town and you instantly get it   #urbanjunglegevoel;   leopard leggings, dresses, pants, jumpsuits, shoes, wrap skirts; Roarrr, the beast has gone wild!

#onpoint

In my case, what is the difference between the Aztec dress and the leopard print? The Aztec dress is such a stand-alone item, I wouldn't really be able to do my own thing with it anymore.
If I put the dress on, I would look the same as   #devotiondress , #aztecdress   and the 50-year-old Boho neighbor.

No, I prefer to stick to a number of loose trend items such as the leopard jacket and shoes. This allows me to combine with basic items from my wardrobe so that I can make it my own.

So with that in mind I also design all CC jewelery; a little bit #instaproof but especially good to mix with your own existing jewelry for one   #onpoint   #ootd

And the   customizable jewelry   with your own chosen texts, ensure a unique and personal style;   #loveit

Love, Melina

Ps   #aztecdress