Ten years ago, Marije took over the existing store when the previous owner had to close. “My husband said: we’re going to do this. Now, we’ve expanded to three locations and are four times the size,” she explains. Yet Vivaz remains a single store: “I believe that one store, where you are personally very present, earns the most goodwill. People get to know you, and that’s why they return.”

For Marije, entrepreneurship is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle. “You’re always thinking about the store. Even at a party, I wear something from the shop, because if someone says, ‘Nice outfit,’ I can immediately refer them.” She sees this involvement as key to her success.

Marije runs Vivaz intuitively. Her entrepreneurial drive emerged early, spanning a background in construction and a flower shop before she arrived in fashion retail. “Regret is pointless. Sometimes you fail spectacularly, sometimes you succeed beyond expectations. You have to spot opportunities—and dare to seize them.” A crucial factor in her success is her team. Marije works closely with three other women and invests heavily in employee engagement. “They enjoy a lot of freedom, and I like to reward them. For our ten-year anniversary, we went to Paris for two days with the whole team.” The investment pays off: turnover is low, and customers appreciate the familiar faces.

Vivaz offers a broad range of products: women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, bags, and gift items. “We like to do things a little differently, with unique details. But since I now purchase with a team, the range has become more diverse, including more basics.” Gift items serve as supplementary sales and help make the store accessible. Customer connection is in her DNA. She regularly organizes events and celebrated the anniversary on a grand scale. “I thought, if I sell 100 tickets, that would be nice. In the end, we sold 225, and people came from all over the country. That’s what I love most: the connection and the fun atmosphere. Of course, revenue matters, but the experience the store provides is equally valuable.”

Her entrepreneurial motto sums it up: “I did it my way. First act, then think. And always keep trying.” With that courage and passion, Marije looks to the future of Vivaz with confidence—whatever it may bring.


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Source: Textilia