Richtsje de Boer

That NHL Stenden gives students with an entrepreneurial spirit every opportunity was one of the reasons Richtsje de Boer decided to take the associate degree Creative Media Professional. In the first year of her studies, she worked on the plan for her own cosmetics company. Step by step, her start-up took shape. And being able to do her internship for her  own company is a huge plus. 
 

“When I started the two-year AD programme Creative Media Professional, I already knew I wanted to have my own business. It was only had a rough plan in my head but I wanted to make my own natural cosmetic products. I’m pretty fussy about what I put on my face. I want products that are 100% natural and that work just as well as ‘normal’ cosmetics. And because I couldn’t find those products, I decided to make them myself.” 
 

From idea to plan 

“Although I had a clear picture of what my business would be like, I had absolutely no idea what steps I needed to take to get there. In the first week of my studies, I saw a flyer on a table about the Hayo Apotheker Incentive Fund, a competition in which you can win €2,500 for your business idea. I scanned the QR code and discovered the Center for Entrepreneurship. From the moment I stepped into the CfE, I knew this was where I’d be able to turn my idea into a real business.” 
 

A bit of reassurance  

“To my huge surprise, I won third prize in the Hayo Apotheker Incentive Fund. A great starting amount for my company but most especially the reassurance I needed that I was on the right track. With CfE’s help, I was able to look at each step I needed to get my own business up and running. From writing a business plan to designing a logo: I could ask CfE any question I had.” 
 

Studying and investing 

“My company Adriana is now a reality. I’ve initially chosen three products to launch: a soap, a body cream and a hand cream. They’re all 100% natural and made by me. I have class three days a week and my studies revolve completely around having my own business. Nearly all my assignments can be linked to my company, which means my studies are a direct investment.”  
 

One-on-one contact 

“There’s still plenty to be done but I’m really proud I’ve taken the first step. There’s a lot to take in when you start a business. I often drop into CfE for a cup of coffee. The atmosphere is friendly and open and I can always share my questions and worries. That one-on-one contact is really valuable to me.”  
 

Ready for the adventure 

“The cherry on the cake was winning the Enterprize at the end of my first year. It’s a prize for the best business idea and part of the Frisian Student Start-up competition. I won 5,000 euro for Adriana. It was a huge boost and I now know for sure that I’m ready for this adventure. The CfE was the springboard that helped me dive into the deep end.” 
 

Find out more about studying and running your own business. Check out the Center for Entrepreneurship page.