Can you tell us something about yourself and your passions?
I love life so much, I enjoy the things I do and when I choose something, I go for it completely. I live with my partner and our 2 kids. Together with Saskia I am co-owner of Salon B, a fantastic place, where love for hair and people come together and so much more. My heart beats faster from creating beautiful things together and both in hair and in working with people.

How did you get to where you are now in your career/life?
I have been in the hairdressing business for over 20 years, and I have experienced so many things in my career. By following my heart and not giving up. Falling, getting up and continuing. Making mistakes was always the hardest thing for me when I was younger. I was a go-getter and strove for perfection. And now…. I can let go of that and embrace mistakes enormously. I can get through it with confidence. Things are not always fun or easy, that is also life. I give things time and know that everything always ends up on its feet.

What are some challenges you've faced along the way and how did you overcome them?
That not everything always goes as you might hope or expect. And that when I adjust my expectations, things always turn out better than expected. There are just events in life that you have no influence on. One of my life lessons that still helps me when I encounter challenges; talking to people who have experienced similar things and who understand the subject... I don't find it very useful to be led by people who don't know what they're talking about. I'd rather surround myself with people I can learn from.

How do you use your platform/(work) environment/influence to make a difference?
At Salon B, we create an inspiring and entrepreneurial workplace for ZZP hairstylists, where they are given the freedom and opportunities to grow, both creatively and financially. Our salons not only offer a full schedule and high-quality color, care and styling products, but also an environment where talent is valued and performance is rewarded.

With this unique approach, we help stylists to be successful together, develop a solid clientele and truly earn what they are worth. In addition, we stimulate a strong community, in which knowledge sharing, collaboration and personal development are central.

I get so much energy from working with our stylists, each and every one of them talented and inspiring personalities. Together we build success—not just for our salons, but especially for themselves. That is the impact I want to make with Salon B.
What achievement are you most proud of and why?

That Saskia and I took over the salon completely 3 years ago and continue to build our concept together every day. We never sit still. We dare to invest and take risks. All of that with confidence, I am really VERY proud of that.

How do you integrate The Insiders into your daily routine or work?
I am one of the biggest fans I think, haha! Super happy and proud of our collaboration, and that we are a partner salon. When I work in the salon, fine products are indispensable and I really like to advise my clients to get their hair in good shape at home together with the right care.

Who or what inspires you the most?
I get a lot of inspiration from other entrepreneurs around me, but also on IG, and on the street I am regularly surprised. I can also get inspired by beautiful life lessons and quotes from others.

What's the best advice you've ever received?
Hehe… well there have been many in my life, but I think the advice: that everything is exactly as it should be and that I always find the answer within myself. Listen to the whisper of your body, so it doesn’t have to scream..

Do you have any tips or advice for women who want to follow your path?
Don’t back down when things get tough. Ask for help and don’t be afraid of what might happen. Step into it with confidence and don’t get distracted. Hold on to what you believe in… I believe that you are responsible for creating and shaping your own life.

What are your plans or goals for the future?
We just renovated our beautiful Studio behind the salon and it is completely ready for rent, so I am really looking forward to that! Furthermore, we are happily continuing to build on our concept and we expect to further supplement our team with great hair stylists… Who knows what the future will bring? There are always dreams…. I will gladly tell you about them personally!

Check www.salonb.nl or @salonbnl if you want to know more about Ilona and the concept of Salon B.