Introduce yourself in a few sentences. Who are you, where do you live, and what makes you tick?

My name is Selma and I currently live in Amsterdam with my boyfriend and cat. I am Swedish but moved abroad at 8 to live in Shanghai and then Singapore. I'm headstrong and I don't like being on someone else's timeline but my own. I'm driven by creating experiences for people that they'll remember and that make them feel special; it sounds so cliche but I just want to spread love and joy through art, design, culture, and candy.

What are you working on this year?

I started my own company this year. Last year ended with a burnout and over the Christmas holidays I thought about what my childhood self loved the most, what traditions and rituals have been a common thread in my life. In Sweden, we have a tradition of eating lördagsgodis (Saturday pick and mix candy) since the 1950s, once a week, and this ritual was such a moment of connection with friends and family. Pure nostalgia. I tested the concept of a Swedish candy company with a pop up in early April and it did so well that I now opened up my own permanent store! I'll be working on building a space people love, establishing my brand, putting fun events together, and sharing the love of Swedish candy with Amsterdam this year. I can't wait!

What’s inspiring you right now?

Others embracing a non-linear career path or leaning into their side hustles. That is so inspiring to me- people who crave more and go for it, no matter how random it may seem to others. I think this notion of a perfect career climb is so outdated.

What city has influenced you the most? Why?

I moved to Shanghai from Sweden as a very shy 8 year old and the speed and chaos and beauty of Shanghai became my greatest propeller. It shaped me to step out of my comfort zone, learn new languages, connect with friends from all corners of the world. The opportunities and connections and that global family is still so prevalent in my life, this is what I'm most grateful for every day.

What does living a good life mean to you?

Getting to dream up my life with my partner, who's the love of my life, and spending it with those I love the most; those that bring me peace and laughter. Being around children and animals and nature, and getting to make a small positive influence on those what walk into my candy store. Sharing the best parts of Sweden and the nostalgia of our rituals.

What’s something you wish you’d known 5 years ago?

I wish I'd have known to trust myself more. To trust in my creativity and people sense and to not care so much what others think. But also, I'm grateful for those lessons learned.

What’s your idea of the perfect Saturday?

Go to an early hot yoga class, bike to the Noordermaarkt with my friends, indulge in Turkish food and a pistachio cruffin from St Jean, go to the Westerpark or The Movies depending on the weather, go home and paint and cuddle with my cat, and end the night at Kikkie's with my boyfriend.

What brands are you loving right now?

Vetro DK, Ragbag, Mode Mischief, With Jean, Enso Vintage, and my friend's community brands: Dreamarobe and Haus of Terzetto

Finally, give us a hotspot in your city, or a city you love!

May be well known by now, but Gifu ramen bar on the Elandsgracht is amazing!