Marie-Nanette Schaepman is the founder of JAN magazine and is now focusing her efforts on an online adventure. Shotofjoy is a new video magazine that creates small moments of happiness by sending a cheerful, touching, or inspiring video every morning. If anyone knows what makes a woman happy, it's Marie. Today she shares her tips.

Maybe an open door, but what was your moment of happiness today?

“It is a great joy to create something you believe in. And to spend time, love, and attention on it. With a team of people who want to make a difference. That is the most fun there is!”

You are the woman of fine, creative ideas. JAN, Park, ShotOfJoy all come from your mind. What is the best way to let creativity thrive?

‘The period after Park turned out to be a very creative time. I was working on commission for the first time and had to come up with something completely new each time. The idea for Shot of Joy came during a pitch. The idea for that pitch became more fun by the day. When I was working late on the presentation one evening, I realized: ‘This is too fun to give away. I need to continue with this myself.’ That was just over a year ago.’

The Keizersgracht is where your company Bloom resides. A good workplace is vital in our profession. What are your basic essentials around you?

“Nice people! We are here with stylists, editors, creative directors, designers, and producers. We have our own projects, but we also collaborate a lot. And the whole office is filled with stacks of magazines and books. Print remains a great love and our biggest source of inspiration.”

Where do you have a good lunch, coffee, and drinks in the Keizersgracht area?

“We are diagonally opposite café Brandon. As soon as the sun shines a little, the whole corner is full. Very festive. We often sit there with our former colleagues from JAN, we are neighbors. But even when it's cold, it's great there. Dutch music at 10, a tap against the lamp, and people even climb on the bar regularly. Sometimes you've only been there for an hour and feel like you've spent a whole evening there.

And for lunch, Spanjer and van Twist. You sit beautifully by the water of the Leliegracht and it has the sweetest owner I know. When we were down about Park, he sensed it without us saying anything. He brought mint tea from the house to comfort us.”

What do you read, watch, and listen to in order to stay inspired?

“I read a lot of magazines. From Dutch to international. And newspapers, we have three at home. Still very addicted to print. Nothing beats the Saturday morning newspaper. But that also presents the challenge for online. I am entering into a collaboration with Wayne Parker Kent for Shot of Joy, 4 enthusiastic internet entrepreneurs who are incredibly successful online. That energy is very contagious. Everything can be tried out, there is still a world open to us. A breath of fresh air.”

There must be a city that always delivers when it comes to relaxation and coming up with new ideas. Which one is that and where do you hang out?

“I lived in Rome for two years and that remains a second home. In Rome, it can't really go wrong. You instantly become happy from the light and colors. A little wandering around, you naturally come across that one little place you fall in love with and keep coming back to. For example, pizzeria Leoncino on via del Leone, near the Spanish steps. I was back there recently after a long time. The owner took my hand with tears in his eyes. It turned out not to be about me, but about Gullit (Koeliet), who had eaten there.”

Is there a Marie-Nanette look and are there Marie-Nanette labels?

“Ha, yes, there certainly is. I only wear black. It's a shame, I know. I get very happy from the creations of my colleagues. But for some reason, only black looks good on me in the mirror. Luckily, it never gets boring with Patrizia Pepe, Helmut Lang, Vanessa Bruno, and heels from Maison Margièla.”

Which restaurant do you go to when you want to be sure of good food and a fun evening?

 “To feel a little bit in Italy, that would be good old Toscanini. It's always delicious there and there is a super good atmosphere. For a slightly more intimate evening, the packed Italian restaurant de Koevoet around the corner is also a recommendation.”

What’s in your glass this summer?

“Definitely a Vermouth. Preferably a French one. Lillet Blanc or Dubonnet. The Aperol or the trendy Hugo, however nice in the glass, I will pass on for now.”

What is typically you?

“I am quite cheerful. I received a gilded acorn on a chain from a colleague. A happy acorn indeed.”

What should people do more?

“I really love the lightness in life. Even in tougher times, that is the only way to stay afloat.”

Finally, how do we get that daily shot of happiness?

“Shot of joy wants to be the very best start to the day, with a video every day that touches, cheers, or inspires, plus a matching article. Starting May 15, every day on shotofjoy.nl! If you take a subscription, you will receive it in your email or on your phone and can save and retrieve everything.‘