Starter Story
Intuitively knowing what someone wants
As a driven twenty-something, Wendie Gerrits (44) leaves Leidschendam in South Holland for Stein in Limburg. She hits a dead end in her teaching job, resulting in burnout and a disability benefit (WIA). She wants to do something that truly makes her happy and reinvents herself as a chef. What starts as a hobby and a search for connection turns into a nourishing business: Lekker van Wendie.
During the corona period, she sticks a note on her window offering to prepare food for other people. “I was looking for connection by cooking deliciously for neighbors. Soon I wondered, 'whether I could turn that into my job?'.”
At the beginning of 2023, her entrepreneurial journey begins; in Maastricht, she attends the seminar Starten als ZZP’er at business advisor Marcel van Kasteren. "Here I sniffed for the first time at the idea of starting something for myself." It turns out it is still too early to take action. Wendie continues to work on her recovery, stays employed for a while longer, and puts the idea of going into business aside for six months.
In September 2023, she feels strong enough. Her self-confidence has been regained, and she walks into the office of business advisor Anita Lussenburg in Heerlen. Wendie speaks very highly of Anita. “She guided me with angelic patience and showed me the ropes in the wonderful world of entrepreneurship. Once, I came in with a crate full of receipts, brochures, and invoices. Anita pulled a binder out of the cupboard and showed me what I needed to do with my administration.”
Wendie now has a thriving business: Lekker van Wendie. Cooking and pampering people with food is her passion. “With my work, I want to make the world a little better and happier. I believe that my genuine service and human contact create real connection. I see endless opportunities to grow and contribute to a better world. That is why I go to work every day with so much joy.”
Every week she comes up with a weekly menu, so you can pick up a different delicious meal every day. She prepares it at home, in the large cozy living kitchen of her house, which is located near the Mariakapel in Stein. But just as easily, she is a 'chef at home' and provides the most delicious dishes at jou home. “I am good at intuitively knowing what someone wants.” She also has no trouble conducting workshops. Her great example is Yotam Ottolenghi, and if she has to choose between meat, fish, or vegetables, then vegetables are her preference.
Her entrepreneurial journey involves ups and downs. “In the beginning, I set my prices too low, so I couldn’t cover my costs. I had also hired an accountant who was far too expensive. And sometimes I didn’t want to disappoint a client, which left me dealing with the consequences. It doesn’t make me any less happy. I have a satisfied regular client base, engage in creative collaborations, have a head full of ideas, and live my dream.” To other starters, she laughingly advises: “Start, just do it, but first, make sure to visit the StartersCentrum Limburg!”
Wendie loves local and appreciates a personal touch. “Just after I had registered with the Chamber of Commerce, I received a phone call from MAKRO to come by for a visit. I was personally introduced at every department. How nice is that?! So I still do my shopping there regularly, you understand.” Her absolute favorite is to buy locally, such as at Groentegroothandel Smets & Zn. in Geleen or at van Vleesch tot Worst in Urmond. The latter is an entrepreneur with passion, just like her.
Wendie is guided by business advisor Anita Lussenburg, interviewed by Marion Schepers
and photos are from Danique Otten.
