Dear FRIDA Friends,
As we approach the end of 2024, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and pride when I reflect on this whirlwind of a year. On May 11, we opened the doors of FRIDA Book Café, and what a journey it’s been since then! Together, we’ve created a space that’s not just about books and coffee but about community, creativity, and connection.
Let’s start with the numbers because they tell a story too. Since May, we’ve sold 1,185 books—thank you, thank you, thank you! With just a little push, we’re hoping to hit 1,250 by year’s end. (So, if you’ve been eyeing that one book, now’s the time!) Interestingly, our real bestseller isn’t a book at all—it’s cappuccinos! Who knew we’d become the unofficial headquarters of frothy, caffeinated goodness? I’m pretty sure some of you come for the cappuccinos first and the books second, but hey, we’re not judging.
One of my favorite things this year has been our book club meetings. They’ve been a HUGE success, turning strangers into friends over spirited debates about plot twists and protagonists. And let’s not forget our amazing collaborations with Muse Mob and Amnesty International! Together, we’ve hosted events that truly mattered, sparking important conversations and new ideas. Then there’s FRIDA Friday Art Nights—where local talent has shone so brightly and our walls have been graced with inspiring creativity.
And let’s talk about you—our wonderful FRIDA community. There are now 1,225 registered FRIDA fans in our client database, which just blows my mind. Your loyalty, enthusiasm, and unwavering support keep us going. A special shoutout to everyone who donated to our crowdfunding campaign—you didn’t just help open FRIDA; you made a dream come true.
But wait, there’s more to come before we say goodbye to 2024! This Christmas, we’ve got the ultimate holiday deal: pick any book from a curated list of 30 titles and pair it with one of 25 amazing gifts—scarves, notebooks, you name it—all for just €25. The perfect combo of thoughtful and budget-friendly!
And to wrap up the year in style, we’re hosting a cozy and festive event on December 29, from 11:00 to 13:00. Let’s talk about our favorite books of the year, share reading goals for 2025, and write wishes for each other. Who knows, maybe the wish tucked into your book will become a little beacon of hope next year?
We do have one small, slightly rusty hiccup—the dishwasher has officially retired. If you can spare a few coins to help us replace it, we’d be forever grateful. Every little bit helps keep FRIDA running smoothly (and keeps our cappuccino cups sparkling clean).
Finally, let’s kick off 2025 with a bang! On January 10 at 19:00, join us for our New Beginnings Celebration. We’ll toast to the new year and unveil a gorgeous new art expo by Maria van der Meer. Dress up, sip on complimentary champagne, and enjoy an evening of snacks, good vibes, and great company. Entry is €12.50, which will go directly to the FRIDA fund to ensure we keep this magical place alive and thriving.
Thank you for making 2024 unforgettable. I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in 2025. Let’s close out the year with warmth, laughter, and maybe a cappuccino or two.
With love and endless gratitude,
Gemma Boon
Founder of FRIDA Book Café