ABOUT ME
I've never been one to follow the beaten path. As a lifelong entrepreneur, I've built my skills and expertise by living and working on both sides of the Atlantic, immersing myself in diverse cultures and ways of doing business. Along the way, I've developed a keen understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that small businesses face.
Having lived in Amsterdam, New York City and Santa Fe, NM, I now find myself at home in Western Massachusetts. I'm fortunate to have experienced all these places, and continue to love and feel at home among the charming canals of Amsterdam, the vibrant and worldly energy of New York City, the enchanting deserts of the Southwest, and the picturesque landscapes of New England.
Still maintaining a strong connection to my European roots, I bring a wealth of insights to every project I take on. Collaborating with entrepreneurs is my passion – there's nothing quite like the thrill of helping them find their ‘a-ha!’ moments, build their confidence, and equip them with the tools they need to achieve their business goals.
I'm happy to work with my clients in whatever way is most convenient for them – whether that means meeting up in person or having virtual meetings online. The best part is that it doesn't matter where either of us is located. Being flexible like this allows us to collaborate effectively, regardless of geographical distance. It's an approach that has consistently led to great results and has proven to be a win-win for everyone involved.
Why I understand small business challenges
My expertise comes from extensive hands-on experience as an entrepreneur who has founded and owned multiple small businesses from the ground up.
As the owner and CEO of a Dutch Design company, I created everything from scratch – we designed the products and set up all manufacturing operations in East Asia, developed international distribution channels for both wholesale and retail markets, built retail partnerships, managed warehousing and fulfillment operations, and directed a virtual team across multiple continents. I secured media placements in outlets like The Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America, and The Wall Street Journal, while negotiating financing and developing the systems that kept everything running smoothly.
Throughout my career, I've also worked as an international business consultant in various settings – both as an employee and running my own consultancy – developing strategies for clients across three continents and managing everything from market research to construction projects in New York City.
I've created online businesses, managed a graphic design studio, and held leadership roles at a renowned Dutch art museum and a Japanese consulting firm, giving me perspective on both cultural nuances and operational excellence.
What sets me apart is that I've walked in your shoes. I understand the late nights spent figuring out cash flow, the excitement of landing that first big client, and the thousand daily decisions that can make or break a small business. I've built the systems, navigated the challenges, and learned what works – and what doesn't.
My strength lies in breaking down complex business problems into clear, actionable solutions. Now I use that real-world experience and analytical approach to help other entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls and achieve their goals.
