There I was. In my attic room, with a suitcase full of hair tools, zero experience in running a business, but a head full of ideas.

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My name is Lonneke von Söhsten, and what once started as “just giving it a try” grew, in four years’ time, into a fully-fledged salon with clients from all over the Netherlands. Not because I was the best hairdresser, though my clientele would say otherwise 😉 but because I always spotted opportunities and went after them. I was creative, yes. But it was my entrepreneurial spirit that made the real difference.

When I expanded the salon from that attic room to a commercial space, the real game began. I came up with a smart chair rental concept and started outsourcing work, which freed up my time to work on my business instead of only in it. Marketing, strategy, branding, growth. I discovered a new passion for building a business and a brand. Google Sheets, funnels, and growth hacks—but above all, solid strategies and well-structured plans. And guess what? By taking risks, sticking to my plan (sometimes against all odds), and refusing to fear failure, I’ve achieved nearly everything I envisioned—both professionally and personally.

Since 2023, I’ve been back on Curaçao, where, alongside my work in the Hair & Beauty industry (which I just can’t let go of) I also help other entrepreneurs find their direction in their own journey. With Start Kompas, I provide strategy, focus, and guidance to anyone who wants more than just to dream. The name says it all: all you have to do is start, and I’ll help steer where needed. Because there’s one thing all entrepreneurs have in common: the “I’m my own boss” syndrome.

I’m not here to coach you or tell you what to do. I give you direction, support, and practical, experience-based tips you can actually use.

Curious to hear more about my journey and those of other inspiring entrepreneurs? Then join me at my business event The New Episode, June 2026 in Curaçao. Staying or living in the Netherlands? Listen to my podcast Krul & Karakter, where I bring it all together: experiences, the raw emotions of entrepreneurship, personal growth, mistakes, but also many moments of joy.

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Entrepreneurship always starts with courage and action.

Are you ready to take your next step? Then I’m here, compass in hand.