Ambition and passion as a common denominator: Suzanne and Marleen
Owners Suzanne and Marleen took the plunge into entrepreneurship around the same time. Since then, both companies have grown into successful names in their respective markets. But how did they achieve this success? What were the challenges they had 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 company 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 Aimée the Label apart is that its collections are created with a constant focus on the female body. The fits are designed to emphasize all the beautiful features of a woman. And the areas we might not be so happy with, Aímée the Label conceals. Natural materials are also used as much as possible. This sustainable production process perfectly aligns with Suzanne's vision of slow fashion, which prioritizes quality and responsibility.
When Suzanne decided to launch her own label, it wasn't without preparation. She made a list of goals she absolutely wanted to achieve with Aímée the Label. "Perfect collaboration with retailers was my top priority," says Suzanne. "I've heard about the frustrations many stores experience, such as difficulties with exchanges, reorders, and complaints. My goal was to ensure that Aímée the Label is a brand that thinks along with them. We think in terms of solutions, not problems."
This customer-focused approach has led to close collaborations with retailers in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, and from spring 2025, Ireland as well. Suzanne is grateful for this growth and the opportunities her label has received in these diverse markets.
“We are incredibly grateful that we have the opportunity to collaborate with so many different places and that our items are available in amazing stores.”
Another key aspect of Suzanne's business philosophy is offering healthy margins to retailers. She understands that today's market is challenging, and she wants to support her customers as much as possible. By offering attractive payment discounts, she helps retailers maximize their resale. "We always make sure we have enough inventory," says Suzanne, even though this can sometimes be difficult as a young brand. This proactive approach has made Aímée the Label a reliable partner for stores looking for fashionable and profitable items.
Marleen - Wellmark: sustainability and social impact hand in hand
In 2017, Marleen founded her company, Wellmark , with a vision to create luxurious body and home products where not only the ingredients were carefully selected but also made a social contribution. What began with selling her first Wellmark product in a small concept store has now grown into a brand with over 500 points of sale in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Japan, and many more.
What makes Wellmark special is not only its range of products like hand soap, dish soap, and scented candles, but also the way these products are produced. All Wellmark products are made in sheltered workshops, where people with limited access to the labor market work. These workshops focus on the social aspect of work, which for many people provides structure and purpose in their lives.
Marleen also greatly enjoys collaborating with various retailers. "It's amazing to see what actually sells," she says. These partnerships allow her to gain a good understanding of what the market demands and needs with relatively little risk. "Our products lend themselves to many different types of retail outlets," she adds. Whether it's concept stores, perfumeries, or department stores, Wellmark's diverse range finds its place everywhere, contributing to the brand's success and growth.
"At Wellmark, sustainability is paramount, in addition to our products and partnerships with retailers. We want to contribute to a better world, both for people and the planet," explains Marleen. "Our reusable glass bottles are made from recycled glass, look beautiful in your home, and feature inspiring quotes that always bring a smile to your face. And with our refillable packaging, 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 busy expanding the current collection, developing new products with active ingredients, and creating beautiful gift sets.
We continue to expand and innovate, but always with the same core values: sustainability, social responsibility, and quality. This is what drives us and what we base our growth on.
Future Perspective: What the future holds for Suzanne and Marleen
Both entrepreneurs look to the future with ambition and confidence. Suzanne's goal remains to further expand Aímée the Label and conquer new markets, while continuing to support retailers with high-quality products and flexible partnerships. Marleen's focus is on continuing Wellmark's growth, reaching more points of sale, and simultaneously fulfilling its mission of sustainability and social impact.
Although their paths are different, the women share a passion: entrepreneurs with a vision and a heart for both their products and the world around them. Their success stories are an inspiration to anyone who, with ambition and passion, wants to find their own way in the world of business.
The future looks promising for Suzanne and her company. Further expansion into Scandinavian countries is planned for 2025. She is also expanding her team by hiring an additional employee, alongside freelancers, to handle the increasing workload and continue growth in the coming years.