Hello, dear friends and book lovers!
Wow, what a spectacular opening day we had at FRIDA on May 11, 2024! I am absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible turnout. Seeing so many of you come out to support our new book cafe was a dream come true. A special shout out to everyone who patiently waited in line for up to 30 minutes to get their hands on our carefully curated selection of books – your enthusiasm means the world to us!
The day was filled with excitement and memorable moments. We kicked things off with an inspiring speech by Alderman Arjan Kampman, whose words set the perfect tone for our mission here at FRIDA. Then, we had the pleasure of hearing an insightful interview conducted by the talented writer Dorothee Loorbach. She spoke with me, Gemma – the proud founder of FRIDA – and the amazing queer artist Viktoria Gudnadottir. We delved into the importance of books and creating a safe space for the diverse community of Twente. It was a conversation that truly highlighted what FRIDA is all about.
To add a touch of elegance to our celebration, young piano prodigy Valerie Brorens graced us with a stunning performance that left everyone in awe. And who could forget the free ice cream? It was a hit with all our new customers – because who doesn’t love a sweet treat while browsing through books?
We also launched our first art exhibit featuring the incredible works of local artist Debbie Voerman. Her pieces brought our walls to life and perfectly complemented the cozy, welcoming atmosphere we aim to create at FRIDA.
As Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint flowers so they will not die.” This quote resonates deeply with us as we strive to cultivate a space where creativity and inspiration bloom endlessly. At FRIDA, which stands for Food, Reading, Inspiration, Diversity, and Art, we’re committed to nurturing a vibrant community.
Our doors were open from 11:00 to 17:00, and let me tell you, we sold so many books that we had a few empty shelves the following days! It was a fantastic start, but we’re just getting warmed up. To keep the momentum going, we need your continued support.
Here’s how you can help:
1. **Come back and visit us again** – Bring your friends and family along!
2. **Spread the word** – Tell everyone you know about our cozy book cafe.
3. **Shop online** – Visit our website for books, gifts, and more.
At FRIDA, we offer more than just books. Our cafe is the perfect spot to unwind with a perfect cappuccino and a delicious cookie or cake. Whether you're here for a quick visit or a leisurely afternoon, we promise you a delightful experience.
Thank you once again for making our opening day so special. We can’t wait to see you all again soon. Let's continue to celebrate books, art, and community together!
With heartfelt thanks,
Gemma
Founder of FRIDA
PS: Check this link to see more photo's by my dear friend and top photographer Indra Simons of ISI Fotografie