002 | “Growth, Curiosity, & Stepping In” By Floortje V.D.G.

Welcome to The Chain Effect. We are building a network through empowered stories - a simple conversation that we hope send ripples across a community of Tres J adorenees'. Our goal is to spark connectivity through conversation, invite curiosity and celebrate confidence. We are so delighted to share Floortje's story with you all.

JJJ: Let's start with a little intro Flo.  

Flo: My name is Floortje (FLO). I am from The Netherlands, Amsterdam :)

JJJ: We all have our 9-to-5s. What's your passion project or hobby that keeps you busy?

Flo: Outside my 9-to-5, I love exploring new places - whether that’s a weekend trip, a new running route, or discovering hidden cafés in the city. Movement is a big part of my life; I run, do pilates, I did the New York Marathon in 2024 and now training for the Amsterdam (half) marathon. I also love cooking new recipes and creating. 

JJJ: One of our hopes for Tres J, is for your Tres J piece to help empower you to take on challenges you haven't tried before. What challenge is your Tres J piece empowering you to take on? 

Flo: My Tres J piece reminds me to embrace boldness - to always say “yes” to things that feel a little out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s stepping into a new city, a new role, or running my first marathon, it’s a reminder to lead with confidence and curiosity.

JJJ: Tell us a little more about you. What brings you joy? 

Flo: Joy for me comes from connection - deep conversations with friends, shared meals, early morning runs, and small everyday rituals like making coffee or watching the sunset. I also find joy in growth: learning something new, pushing a little further, or building a life that feels intentional.

JJJ: And what's a piece of advice you might want to give someone who is looking to build new community? 

Flo: Be genuinely curious about people. Ask questions, listen deeply, and show up as yourself. The best communities grow from authenticity - not perfection. Also, don’t be afraid to go first, say hi, start the conversation, invite someone along.

JJJ: What's a surprising skill you have that most people don't know about?

Flo: I'm great at organizing. Whether it's planning a trip, creating a structured training schedule, or turning chaos into a clear plan. I secretly love spreadsheets and strategy just as much as creativity. 

JJJ: Some of our best friendships and relationships are formed through serendipitous moments. How does serendipity play a role in your life? 

Flo: Serendipity has shaped so much of my journey; from the cities I’ve lived in (Amsterdam, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dublin) to the friendships I’ve made along the way. Often, the most meaningful experiences have come from saying yes to the unexpected; a last-minute trip, a spontaneous chat, a random party or opportunity.

JJJ: What is the title of the current chapter you are in? 

Flo: It's a chapter of growth, curiosity, and stepping fully into who I want to be - personally and professionally. It's about creating more ease, purpose, and joy in the everyday. Settling :)  

JJJ: Tell us about a time you wore your Tres J piece to a place or event that you absolutely loved.

Flo: I wore my Tres J piece to a party dinner with friends - the kind of night filled with laughter, good food, and endless conversations. It added that little sparkle that made me feel confident and effortlessly put together. Another fun moment was wearing it while trying on outfits at Zara- it instantly elevated even the most casual fitting-room look, reminding me that the right piece of jewelry can make anything feel special.

JJJ: Name 3 restaurants and books that you are currently loving. 

Flo: Cafés/Restaurants: Café Albi (Lisbon), Café de Tros (Amsterdam), Jondal (Ibiza) Party Scene: The Loft (Amsterdam)

Books: Atomic Habits (James Clear), The Midnight Library (Matt Haig), The Women (Kristin Hannah), Dare to Lead (Brené Brown)

JJJ: If your favorite Tres J piece was a dessert, what would it be and why? 

Flo: Sticky toffee pudding - I chose it because it feels like the dessert version of pearls; timeless, refined, and just the right amount of indulgent. It's a celebration piece, something that makes you feel effortlessly elegant and confident, like the finishing touch to a beautiful evening. 

JJJ: Let's hear your current obsessions. 

Flo: Currently on repeat: "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" by Lauryn Hill 

Beauty product: Laneige Lip Balm 

Dish recipe: Ottolenghi's Roast Chicken with Za'atar and Sumac 

Daily ritual: Morning movement - a run or workout, followed by coffee and journaling. 

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Want to connect with Flo? 

Email us for an intro | Follow Flo @floortjevdg