Our first Pop-up Shop – July 2016 at Pixie Nails, Zwijnaarde - Laudeen

Our first Pop-up Shop – July 2016 at Pixie Nails, Zwijnaarde

Written by: Claudia Schoutteeten

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Time to read 4 min

📅 When?  July 10, 2016
📍 Where? Zwijnaarde, Belgium

A pop-up shop to remember

After months of careful planning and behind-the-scenes work, I was beyond excited to finally announce my business launch to the public! This had been such a personal journey for me, filled with moments of growth, challenges, and pure joy, and I was thrilled to share it with all of you. 


To kick things off in style, I decided to host my very first pop-up shop in 2016, which turned out to be an unforgettable event. Of course, no launch party would have been complete without a little extra sparkle, and I couldn’t think of a better person to collaborate with than my amazing friend, Sophie Mortier.

We had been inseparable since we were 16, and our friendship had only grown stronger over the years. 


At the time, Sophie was also opening her nail salon, Pixie Nails, at a new location making it a first for both of us. Her salon was a vibrant space filled with creativity and positive energy, so when she offered to open her house and studio for this special occasion, I was over the moon. 


It was the perfect setting for a blend of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle—a true reflection of everything my business stood for.

What's in a name?

We decided to name the pop-up shop event “Nails & Bling”—a playful nod to both Sophie’s nail art expertise and the unique pieces I offered in my collection. From the moment we brainstormed the idea, we knew it was going to be something special. 


The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as friends, family, and supporters gathered to celebrate with us, at our very first pop-up shop. It was more than just a launch—it was a celebration of friendship, creativity, and the start of an exciting new chapter for both of our ventures.


Here’s a picture of Sophie and me together, capturing one of the many moments we shared on that incredible journey. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner for that event or a better friend to have by my side throughout this adventure!


Picture of Claudia Schoutteeten and Sophie Mortier at pop-up shop
Photographer: Inne Impens

"Thank you, Sophie, for always being a true friend, for all the times you made me laugh, for all the moments I needed a shoulder to cry on. Thank you for being you and doing it so amazingly! I’m grateful for our mutual journey as entrepreneurs, navigating the ups and downs together, cheering each other on, and celebrating every milestone. Your support has been invaluable, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner on this adventure! The pop-up shop was amazing"

Claudia Schoutteeten

Finger food at pop-up shop by Chef Maria Lucia De Jesus
Photographer: Inne Impens
Pink goodiebags at pop-up shop
Photographer: Inne Impens

This pop-up shop turned out to be a true success!

We were blessed with a wonderful turnout, as all our friends and family took the time to swing by on what happened to be the hottest summer day of 2016. It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces gathered together, celebrating this milestone with us. I’m incredibly grateful for all the love and support that poured in from everyone who attended.


Our pop-up shop guests were treated to an array of culinary delights, featuring exquisite finger food prepared by a talented female chef. Each bite was a testament to her artistry, adding a touch of sophistication to the pop-up shop event. To keep everyone refreshed and in high spirits, we served a selection of cool drinks and bubbly champagne, which flowed freely throughout the afternoon. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the joyful chatter of friends reconnecting.

As a token of our appreciation, we prepared special pop-up shop goodie bags for each guest, packed with thoughtful gifts that reflected our gratitude for their support. Inside, they found beautiful jewelry pieces that showcased local artisans, luxurious handcare products to pamper themselves, and enticing coupons for future purchases. It was our way of saying thank you for being part of this special day, and I loved seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as they discovered their treats.


Overall, it was a day filled with joy, connection, and a shared excitement for new beginnings. The positive energy and camaraderie among our guests made it a memorable occasion, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate this significant chapter in my entrepreneurial journey. The first pop-up shop event was a fact! 

Highlights from the 2016 "Nails & Bling" Pop-Up Shop

Take a look at these memorable moments from our 2016 Nails & Bling pop-up shop. This event was a fantastic celebration of beauty, creativity, and community, showcasing local talent and innovative designs. The images below capture the vibrant atmosphere.


We have selected a small number of pictures to highlight the essence of the day, but these snapshots reflect the energy and excitement that filled the space. All pictures have been taken by photographer Inne Impens, whose talent beautifully captures the spirit of the event. Enjoy!

Picture at pop-up shop 2016
Customers browsing clothing rack at pop-up shop
Customers at pop-up shop
Woman trying on earrings at pop-up shop
Sophie Mortier holding kitten at pop-up shop
Interior nail salon
Interior nail salon

Meet the pop-up shop team

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible team of individuals who helped make the Nails & Bling pop-up shop a success. Your dedication, hard work, and creativity were instrumental in bringing this event to life. From setup to execution, each of you played a vital role in creating a memorable experience for everyone involved. Thank you for your support and teamwork!

Portret of Claudia Schoutteeten

CLAUDIA SCHOUTTEETEN

LAUDEEN


Fueled by my passion, I began with 'Styling by Claudia' and have since evolved into 'Laudeen,' a leading European e-commerce brand specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and beauty.


         

Portret of Sophie Mortier

SOPHIE MORTIER

PIXIE NAILS


Today, years later, Pixie Nails has evolved into a comprehensive platform, offering expert nail education, a thriving webshop, and a community for nail enthusiasts and professionals alike.


            

Portret of Inne Impens

INNE IMPENS

PHOTOGRAPHY


Inne continues to excel at what she does best and has chosen to specialize in wedding photography.


          

Let’s collaborate on a Pop-Up Shop

Are you in the fashion, lifestyle, or beauty industry? I’d love to explore the opportunity to collaborate with you on a pop-up shop. Together, we can create an engaging space to showcase our brands and connect with the community. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, please click the button below and send a message on WhatsApp. I look forward to the possibility of working together on another amazing pop-up shop event!