Daily Inspiration: Meet Wiebe Lourens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wiebe Lourens.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After my sports career in tennis, I decided to continue my career in sports by building a sports store in my native country The Netherlands. One year after the first store was born, I started a second store and soon after the second store, I set up a wholesale company in Licensed sportswear for the Netherlands and later the Benelux. Several years passed and when the market was right, I decided to sell the entire business and move to America.

After becoming a U.S citizen and being a tennis coach at a high-end tennis academy in the United States, I made the switch from sports to fashion. Because of my sports background, I know the importance of excellent footwear that can help you perform on the highest level. Before I started designing shoes, I did a lot of research and several tests with several shoe factories that perform at the highest level in Europe and England in order to create the best possible fit and shape. Once the shape and last were determined, I shopped around for the best leather products in Europe.

Once we had our first perfect shoe, a start was made to design traditional as well as contemporary styles and models. We only work with the best shoe factories that deliver the best craftsmanship on the highest level. In the meantime, we got our first prestigious fashion award. Our products are available on the European as well as the American market.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Various struggles and obstacles. From technical issues to commercial and logistic problems. But never forget: Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Never give up. Make your dream your vision and your vision your reality. Hard work and determination will always prevail.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Mainly we focus on the men’s market. However, we are in the process of developing outdoor and sneaker lines for both, men and women. We are in the high-end market with the best possible qualities on our products. As far as the creativity, I believe that every person is unique and has his or her own talents, therefore it is hard and not smart to copy others. Never look over your shoulders at what somebody else does. What can set you apart from the rest is the determination and hard work. You have to put the effort in everything you do to become the best. I learned that in my tennis career. Talent is just not enough but it helps. However, the big part comes from hard work and a positive mindset.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
For me, personal but also for the company, it was a time of self-reflection and reset in many ways. It may sound strange but we used this period of time as a much-needed sabbatical from continuous work and travel. When Europe faced its first lockdown in February 2020, I was in Europe. Traveling from one country to another was almost impossible.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vannoordland.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vannoordland/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanNoordland/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vnoordland?lang=en
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/0ew6DLnfNHw
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/vannoordland/van-noordland/