What drives you? - A conversation with Nina
March brings gentle changes: warmer light, the first buds, a hint of new beginnings. At this time of year, we ask ourselves: What carries us through transitions? What gives us shape when we shed layers? What supports us as we realign ourselves?
This month, I’ve been asking this question again and again among my friends and colleagues and within my team: “What keeps you going?” We’ve also invited you, as a community, to reflect on this.
Today, I’m consciously taking the time to answer this question for myself. Not out of a need to provide a ready-made answer, but out of a desire to reflect honestly and create space for genuine connection.
As you read this, you might ask yourself: What’s keeping you going right now? I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments.
What does “What Carries You” mean to you in everyday life—what gives you a sense of stability when everything is changing?
Nina: What carries me are the small, reliable things: a morning with coffee and music, a lovely conversation with a good friend, half an hour on the yoga mat. When a lot is changing, I hold on to these moments. They remind me of who I am, even when everything around me is in flux. For me, stability rarely comes from big decisions, but from tiny anchor moments in everyday life.
March is all about gentle changes and letting go of layers. Are there routines, people, or decisions that help you navigate these transitions?
Nina: For me, transitions are always a mix of excitement and uncertainty. During those times, I need people who know me but still ask how I’m really doing. My routines help me, too: exercise, daylight, and creative moments just for myself.
“When the heavy layers come off, spring begins for me.” - Nina
If you could symbolically associate spring with something—whether it’s a feeling, a piece of clothing, or a value—what would it be and why?
Nina: Lightness. Not in the sense of carefree, but that feeling when the heavy layers fall away. The thick coat, the long nights, the heaviness of winter. Spring reminds me that things can resolve themselves if you give them space—and when the low-lying fog finally gives way to the sun :).
All MARAI belts are unique, but what they have in common is their minimalist design. How do the belts fit into your daily outfits, and how do you feel when you wear one?
Nina: Sometimes the belt is the only eye-catcher in my outfit; other times, it quite practically saves a jacket whose buttons I lost ages ago. :) And it still looks pretty good doing it. I love accessories that can do both: serve a practical purpose and still make a statement.
“What sustains me are the quiet, reassuring moments—little anchors in the river of change.” - Nina
A single accessory can transform your silhouette and accentuate your posture. What moments or looks do you particularly love when you wear a belt?
Nina: I love wearing it over a loose-fitting coat or a long shirt. When something flowing suddenly becomes a silhouette. Or, quite practically: to hold a jacket together that wouldn’t stay closed without it. I often wear our waist belt over outfits when they’re missing that final touch—especially when I’m heading out. It completes the look in a subtle way, without drawing attention to itself. It’s those moments when a single detail carries the entire look. Calm, yet precise.
The finishing touch: our waist belt, which subtly completes the look.