Hi you,
I don’t know how it is for you, but for me, 2026 started a little differently than planned.
With snow, skis, a knee that suddenly decided not to cooperate, and a lot of time at home. Not really walking — more like carefully shuffling. Everything moves slowly. Very slowly.
If you follow me on social media, you probably know that I’m currently at home with a knee injury. My ACL is gone, which means I’m now learning to trust my leg again. Step by step. Literally.
What fascinates me about this whole process is what happens in your head along the way. I’ve been reading a lot about how our brain works — about neurons, neural pathways, and the fact that even at 39, you can still create new connections. That nothing is ever completely fixed. That both your body and your mind keep adapting.
And while thinking about that, I realized: this is exactly what I’m focusing on this year with Amsterdam Cupcake Company.
I don’t really believe in “this is just how we do things.”
There’s always room to refine. To sharpen. To improve. Without turning everything upside down.
In 2026, it will become even clearer what we stand for. Everything we create is designed by us — our own designs, imagined and developed in Amsterdam. Handcrafted by us, in small batches, with care.
Our focus is increasingly on couture cupcakes: not overly decorated, not sweet and fussy, but refined. Less is more. With natural elements, texture, and details that feel right.
You can already see this in the moments coming up. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, followed by International Women’s Day. Moments to celebrate love, friendship, and strength. And now that I’m looking at my business from a bit more distance, I’m also seeing space for something extra.
Not just for the big celebrations, but especially for the small ones.
Because it’s Thursday.
Because you started something and have stuck with it for a month.
Because you finished something.
Or simply because you feel something deserves to be celebrated — even if no one else says so.
Meanwhile, the bakery keeps running. With the people who work there every day with so much care and attention. You might spot a new face here and there, as a few extra hands have stepped in. Behind the scenes, a lot is happening as we prepare for what this year will bring.
And then there’s something else that I’m personally very excited about. We’re starting to grow out of our current space just a little — but moving isn’t an option for me. An unexpected opportunity came along that fits surprisingly well. I’ll tell you more about that next time.
As if the universe decided to keep things calm for us, something else happened too. Once we were back in the Netherlands, Maarten slipped on the ice and dislocated his arm. So now we’re both at home: him with one arm (his good one), me with a leg that’s still finding its way. Everything is slow. But there’s also a lot of laughter. And a lot of tea.
Maybe this is a good moment for a slightly late New Year’s wish.
I hope 2026 is filled with moments worth celebrating — big and small. And if I can be part of that with a cake, cupcakes, or something beautiful, I’ll do so with love.
I’m now getting back to the preparations for Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day.
Love,
Faryel
Amsterdam Cupcake Company