Maha Amsterdam Meets Ginney Noa

25.03.2025

Maha Amsterdam Meets Ginney Noa

In the heart of Amsterdam, where life moves at full speed, finding moments of calm can feel like a challenge. But for Ginney, a creator known for her honest approach to self-love and mindfulness, balance is all about small rituals, movement, and staying true to yourself. As we celebrate the launch of the New Balance 471, a shoe designed for both movement and stillness, we sat down with Ginney to talk about her favourite ways to slow down, how she stays grounded amidst the noise, and the role of comfort, both physically and mentally – in her everyday life. This conversation is a reminder that balance isn’t about doing more, but about making space for what truly matters.

'When was the last time you really sat down and listened to what your surroundings had to say? The wind through the trees, someone hanging out fresh laundry, cats climbing trees, birds creating a nest. There is so much beauty in front of us if we would just look up and observe.'

In a city as lively as Amsterdam, do you have any favourite quiet spots or hidden places where you like to slow down – somewhere that helps you feel at ease or sparks inspiration when you need a breather from the noise?
When it gets busy, I love to visit my parents. They live in a small village surrounded by nature and grass fields. In Amsterdam, I just love to stay in my own safe space.

When things get busy or overwhelming, are there any small rituals or daily practices that help you reconnect with yourself and find a moment of calm?
I wear headphones a lot and earplugs in public. They help me navigate through the noise. I also do a lot of breathing and meditation exercises when I get home and journal almost every day.

With the launch of the New Balance 471, we’re thinking a lot about movement – not just physically, but mentally too. What role does movement play in helping you stay balanced and grounded in a fast-paced city like Amsterdam?

I work from home mostly, so my home is my workspace but also my resting spot. If work feels overwhelming, I can take a nap – haha. In my opinion, that’s the perfect balance. And when I feel lazy, I just pull out my yoga mat for some movement.

You share so much around self-love and mindfulness, which really resonates with people. With everything that comes with being online and in the spotlight, how do you keep yourself grounded and stay connected to what really matters to you?
With the job I have, it’s important to set boundaries. I would never do a big campaign if I didn’t have the mental capacity for it. Saying no and living authentically is my number one priority when it comes to self-love. Social media can be very overwhelming, so I need my days off as well.

Your style feels so effortless and true to you. Do you think the way you dress – like choosing the right sneaker or a cosy fit – can shape your mindset or bring a sense of ease to your day?
I think so. I mean, I feel better when I’m dressed up in a good outfit, but I also remind myself that if I don’t feel like dressing up, that should be fine as well. You can feel a bit off and still wear cool sneakers – I think it depends on how I feel when I wake up.

A tea ceremony invites stillness and presence – how does being part of something like this connect with your personal approach to slowing down and staying connected to yourself amidst the pace of daily life?
If you go outside, you will see many people on their phones; many don’t look up to see what’s in front of them. I think we need moments of stillness to enjoy our surroundings. When was the last time you really sat down and listened to what your surroundings had to say? The wind through the trees, someone hanging out fresh laundry, cats climbing trees, birds creating a nest. There is so much beauty in front of us if we would just look up and observe.

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Talent: Ginney van Eijkelenburg