Social-emotional development is crucial and should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy.
Ten years ago, this realization inspired me to create iSeekMe. Having experienced the importance of social-emotional growth myself, I knew it was important, yet I saw how it was often expensive and exclusive. I wanted to change that by building a platform that makes these tools accessible to a wider audience.
But on the journey of seeking myself, I started to dig deeper into my roots. Living in the Netherlands, I was well aware of the disadvantages of being Black in Europe. But I began asking myself a different question: What are the benefits of being born in Curaçao?
That question led me to a profound realization: the cultural wisdom of the Caribbean holds something the world desperately needs. In Curaçao and in many Caribbean cultures, we value community, togetherness, belief, connection, and imagination. These are values that are often lost in today’s individualistic world. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are survival tools, and the foundation of resilience and collective growth.
As I prepared to return to Curaçao, I felt that the next phase of my work needed to be rooted in that wisdom. In a time of growing isolation and social tension, it became clear that personal development needed to shift from an individual journey (iSeekMe) to a more collective approach.
I already knew that creating a strong brand was more than just about identity; it also creates a sense of safety and allows a movement to grow. And the wisdom of Curaçao, often overlooked, holds immense value for the world.
Through deep conversations and creative sessions, Levi Silvanie came up with the name: /Gide·nuhs /. It carries the essence of guidance, togetherness, unity, and cultural blending, values that are deeply reflected in the spirit of Curaçao.
The name /Gide-nuhs/ is phonetic, a mix of everything, and for someone like me, who is dyslexic, it just fits.
Gide-nuhs is more than just a brand. We are offering something that’s missing within society: true connection and radical trust. It’s the beginning of a movement that brings people together in a way the world needs now more than ever.
Written by: Steven de Lira
Founder of Gide-nuhs