When you step into Hart en Ziel, a brand new concept store tucked away in Antwerp’s most diverse neighborhood Borgerhout, you can’t help but smile at the abundance of green and beautiful objects. And then you haven’t met the lovely owner Gitte Van Tilborg yet, who’ll surely bring a smile to your face. After 15 years, she decided to follow her dream and open a concept store, filled with heart-warming and often handmade objects. The result is appropriately called Hart en Ziel – that’s dutch for heart and soul – and offers all kinds of cute plants, greeting cards, naturally tanned sheep skins, home accessories and soon also flowers and furniture. Hart en Ziel has something for everyone, for every budget and always with a story. It’s still a work in progress, but after only two weeks, it is already the go-to place for neighbors who need a gift for a loved one or who want to treat themselves.
But Gitte has bigger dreams than merely selling pretty things. In the future, you’ll be able to follow workshops about drawing, knitting, mindfulness and anything that’s good for the heart and soul. Moreover, artists will be able to display their work, use the back of the store as an atelier and meet their potential customers at the same time.
During my visit to Hart en Ziel, I’ve fallen in love with this beautiful new addition to the neighborhood, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. If you’re as excited as I am about this hidden gem in Antwerp, I’ve got good news for you! We’ve decided to treat one lucky reader to the plant hanger (including plants!) at the bottom of this post. Keep an eye on my instagram today to find out how you can win this eye catcher!
Hart en Ziel, Laar 12, 2140 Borgerhout - website - facebook - instagram