about Annelie

For over twelve years, I enjoyed working in commercial and private aviation. It was a dynamic job where I provided people with beautiful, luxurious travel. Yet, after a while, something started to bother me. Although I was dedicated to my work, it contributed little to a better world – while at home, we are very consciously committed to sustainability and the environment. That realization made it clear: it was time for a change.

In early 2017, I decided to join Nic&Mic . Together with Nicholas Ninaber van Eijben, I've been building an organization that combines creativity, sustainability, and social impact. At Nic&Mic, I'm responsible for social media, the webshop, and the website, among other things.

At Nic&Mic, we collaborate with local makers—including in Kenya—who transform waste into high-quality art objects. Washed-up flip-flops and other residual materials are given a second life, with respect for craftsmanship and provenance.

In addition to my work for Nic&Mic, I'm a project manager at Race Against Waste , where I develop educational programs for primary schools and, more recently, secondary schools. This educational aspect aligns seamlessly with Nic&Mic's mission: demonstrating that waste isn't an end point, but a beginning.

Running a business independently with Nicholas also fits perfectly with our family life, with two young children. New ideas often arise at the kitchen table, while we work hard behind the scenes to gradually expand Nic&Mic.