Owners Suzanne and Marleen took the leap into entrepreneurship around the same time. Today, both businesses have grown into successful names within their respective markets. But how did they achieve that success? What challenges did they have to overcome? And what are their plans for the future? Read on to discover their inspiring entrepreneurial stories.

Suzanne - Aímée the Label: A Dream with a Plan

Suzanne is the founder of Aímée the Label, a fashion brand that has become a staple in the Netherlands and several other European countries. The brand is known for its timeless and sophisticated designs, but what truly sets Aímée the Label apart is its focus on celebrating the female body in every collection. The fits are designed to highlight a woman's best features while subtly concealing areas she might be less happy with. The brand also uses as many natural materials as possible. This sustainable production process perfectly aligns with Suzanne's vision of slow fashion, where quality and responsibility are at the core.

When Suzanne decided to start her own label, it was not without careful preparation. She created a list of goals she absolutely wanted to achieve with Aímée the Label. "Top of the list was the perfect collaboration with retailers," says Suzanne. "I’d heard about the frustrations many stores face, like issues with exchanges, reorders, and complaints. My goal was to make Aímée the Label a brand that thinks along with them. We focus on solutions, not problems."

This customer-centric approach has led to strong partnerships with retailers in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, and from Spring 2025, also in Ireland. Suzanne is grateful for this growth and the opportunities her label has received in these diverse markets.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the chance to collaborate with so many amazing places, and for having our items stocked in such wonderful stores.”

Another important aspect of Suzanne's business philosophy is offering healthy margins for retailers. She understands that today’s market is challenging and wants to support her customers as much as possible. By offering attractive payment discounts, she helps retailers maximize their sales. "We always ensure sufficient stock," says Suzanne, even though this can be challenging for a young brand. This proactive mindset has made Aímée the Label a reliable partner for stores looking for fashionable and profitable items.

The future looks bright for Suzanne and her business. Further expansions are planned for 2025, with a focus on Scandinavian countries. Additionally, she is growing her team by hiring another employee, alongside freelancers, to handle the increasing demand and continue the brand's growth in the coming years.

Marleen - Wellmark: Sustainability and Social Impact Go Hand in Hand

In 2017, Marleen founded her company Wellmark with a vision to create luxurious body and home products that not only use carefully chosen ingredients but also make a positive social contribution. What started with the sale of her first Wellmark product in a small concept store has now grown into a brand with over 500 retailers in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Japan, and many more.

What makes Wellmark special is not just the range of products like hand soap, dishwashing liquid, and scented candles, but also the way these products are made. All Wellmark products are produced in social workshops, where people with limited access to the labor market are employed. These workshops focus on the social aspect of work, providing many people with structure and purpose in their lives.

Marleen also enjoys the collaborations with various retailers. "It’s great to see what actually sells," she says. These partnerships allow her to get a good sense of market needs with relatively low risk. "Our products fit well in many different types of stores," she adds. Whether it’s concept stores, perfumeries, or department stores, Wellmark’s versatile range finds its place, contributing to the brand’s success and growth.

"At Wellmark, it’s not just about the products and retailer collaborations; sustainability is also a key focus. We want to contribute to a better world, both for people and the planet," Marleen explains. "Our reusable glass bottles are made from recycled glass, look beautiful in your home, and feature inspiring quotes that always bring a smile. And with our refill packages, we make it easy for our customers to reduce waste while continuing to enjoy their luxury products."

The future of Wellmark looks promising. Marleen and her team are building on the growth of recent years. They are actively expanding the current collection, developing new products with active ingredients, and creating beautiful gift sets.

“We continue to expand and innovate, always with the same core values: sustainability, social responsibility, and quality. This is what drives us and forms the foundation for our growth.”

Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds for Suzanne and Marleen

Both entrepreneurs look to the future with ambition and confidence. For Suzanne, the goal is to continue expanding Aímée the Label and enter new markets while supporting retailers with high-quality products and flexible partnerships. For Marleen, the focus is on growing Wellmark, reaching more retailers, and continuing to fulfill her mission of sustainability and social impact.

Although their paths are different, these women share a common passion: running their businesses with vision and a heart for both their products and the world around them. Their success stories are an inspiration for anyone who wants to pursue entrepreneurship with ambition and passion.