...she co-founded with her trusty sidekick Caroline, they shut down in pursuit of their new adventures. In a plot twist worthy of a screenplay, she found herself working for the visionary Nicolas Winding Refn and helming the creative agency By NWR. Oh, and let's not forget the curveball of breast cancer thrown into the mix. With little time left for socializing, any spare moments have been diligently earmarked for writing, her partner-in-crime Henrik, their superstar offspring Charlie, and their dog-like cat, Heino. And now, on this momentous "10Q release day," Mie unveils her debut literary gem in Danish, “Lystprincippet.” Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the one and only Author Mie Albæk Nielsen!
Name: Mie Albæk Nielsen
City: Copenhagen
Occupation: Creative director and writer
What do you do for recreation?
I wish I had a fancy hobby to impress you with - like Zen gardening or archery - but the truth is, all I do is dream about recreation.
If you were to do something other than what you do for a living today, what would that be?
Over the past few years, I’ve been quietly inching toward that “other thing.” After a full career in fashion and design, I’ve shifted into the cultural intersection where design and storytelling meet. I study screenwriting at University of Southern Denmark on the weekends, and in whatever spare moments I could find, I’ve been writing my first novel - which has just been published. So in a parallel world I’m a full-time writer and it feels like the walls between those two worlds are slowly thinning.
What was the last gift you got for yourself?
I was just in Tokyo and found myself in stationery heaven at Itoya - a multi-floor wonderland of writing tools. I picked up refills for my Ohto ceramic rollerball pen. It’s not fancy or expensive, but it makes writing by hand such a pleasure. And there it is: turns out I collect pens... for recreation.
What was the last gift somebody gave you?
My partner bought me theater tickets. It’s such a great gift. It always feels like a much bigger gift than the pricetag. We saw ‘Noter om Blanche’ at Husets Teater. Which was inspired by the character Blanche DuBois from ’A streetcar called desire’ by Tennessee Williams.
One actor, Cecilie Nanna Bang, on stage. Just one monologue. Everyone should buy each other more theater tickets. And books.
Photo: Claus Troelsgaard
What is your biggest vice, and how do you deal with it?
My need to control things. It can be super annoying to other people, but quite practical in a lot of situations. Being a control freak often means having a plan for everything before everyone else. That said, I’m working on letting go more. Sometimes, you have to just let things crash and burn - and be okay with that.
How do you navigate through difficult situations?
I face them head-on. I’ve learned that the sooner you confront something tricky, the sooner it stops taking up space in your life. So I push through with fierce determination - and, occasionally, I cry in the shower from exhaustion.
Name one of your favourite people in the world and why this person is one of them?
My partner, Henrik. He’s a lecturer and teaches young adults. He is really passionate about encouraging them and being that educator who made a difference for them. I have been lucky myself to meet outstanding teachers along the way - people who pushed me and lifted me up. So to me, teaching is one of the finest callings there is.
Henrik also has the darkest sense of humour and the absolute best taste in music. It a winning combination in a relationship. Now, you might be thinking, “No, I know someone fun with great music taste ” but I have to tell you… No, It’s Henrik. He is the GOAT. End of discussion.
What do you do to stay/get in shape?
Staying in shape feels like cleaning - something I prefer to spend the least possible amount of time on. I’d much rather exercise my mind with quality conversation with my friends over wine. But I’ve also reached an age where the machinery will break down if it’s not properly maintained. So now, I try to do Pilates twice a week.
Photo: Claus Troelsgaard
What was your proudest moment and why?
Getting my book contract with People’s was a big deal for me. I’ve worked on high-stakes projects before - but this felt different. More personal. More terrifying.
It’s nerve-wrecking to show your writing to someone for the first time. What if it’s terrible? Or banal? Or pretencious?
But writing also feels like the perfect craft for me - something you can do without help, money, or permission. It’s just grows from your mind, and that makes it magic. I can’t wait to do it more..
Which city is cooking you the best meal and where?
I have to say San Sebastián. As an overall food destination, it’s extraordinary. Tokyo comes in as a very close second - with a food culture that’s in every corner of the city. But the best meal I’ve ever had was at the father-daughter–run restaurant Arzak in San Sebastián.
