Can you tell us something about yourself and your passions?
Definitely! I really enjoy discovering, thinking up and creating new things, and I feel completely in my element among the energy of other people in a place that is buzzing. My greatest passions are enjoying delicious and special food in an atmospheric place where everything is right. I love tasting good wines that perfectly match the dish you are eating, or drinking a Provencal rosé in a lovely sun. The most beautiful
gift in my life is without a doubt having my daughter.

How did you get to where you are now in your career/life?
I started as an apprentice hairdresser and grew to hairdresser, trainer, manager, salon manager and owner of several salons. Eventually my adventure started as a partner at Salon B, where I have been working with great pleasure for 18 years now. Together with Ilona I am the proud owner of Salon B Utrecht, a magical place where something is always happening and where special people and talents come together. It really is a fantastic place to be.

What are some challenges you've faced along the way and how did you overcome them?
Financial challenges, including bankruptcy, have taught me a lot. It’s true what they say: everyone should experience this at least once in their life. The lessons you learn from it are lessons you can’t predict. It makes you stronger, teaches you to put things into perspective, and ultimately you realize that life always goes on… no matter what.

How do you use your platform/(work) environment/influence to make a difference?
We offer a unique working environment for hairdressers who really want something different. With us, everyone works as an independent. This creates a collaboration in which everyone does what he or she is good at. Our salon is beautifully decorated with art, beautiful products and we sell nice gifts in our gift shop. It is the salon of the future where we can give our customers a very good feeling. We actually contribute to the general well-being of our customers. Together with the expertise of our people, we therefore make a difference.

What achievement are you most proud of and why?
I am proud of the choice I made to start Salon B Utrecht as an entrepreneur together with Ilona. Thanks to this decision we have been able to create a successful place with great hairdressers and customers, right in the heart of Utrecht.

How do you integrate The Insiders into your daily routine or work?
We use The Insiders products in everything: my own hair, my daughter's hair, and even my husband uses it. In our salon, it is the most used and sold product line. Our hairdressers even had input into the composition and scents, so we are incredibly proud and happy with it.

Who or what inspires you the most?
I love beautiful quotes, inspiring books with life wisdom, and sayings. Nature, yoga, special places abroad, and of course people of all ages also inspire me.

What's the best advice you've ever received?
If someone asks you something that triggers something in you, always ask for clarification. In 90% of the cases, someone means something different than you think,
and often it is not meant negatively. It is important to let go of your own experiences and be open to what the other person really means.

Do you have any tips or advice for women who want to follow your path?
Don't be led by fear, go for it! In the end everything will be fine, and if not, then still. Listening is often more valuable than talking in important
situations. Most problems we think of never come true. Take care of yourself and know what you need before you take care of others. You don't have to
only to solve your own problems, not those of others. Listening is often enough.

What are your plans or goals for the future?
On a business note, we are also working on a new project: our own studio behind the salon, which can be rented for team meetings, workshops, yoga sessions, and more. We will first enjoy starting up the Studio and then see what else we can add to our concept. We love adding new bits of business, but nothing is mandatory and everything is allowed. Hopefully we stay healthy and can enjoy every day to the fullest!

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