Money
In conversation with Merel Braber: character, appearance and the right welcome
"Hospitality is inherent to commerce." This is the conviction on which ModelBusiness B.V. has built for twelve years now. Founder Merel Braber's agency provides a representative and professional presence at a wide range of events. No standard hosts and hostesses, but carefully selected personalities who understand hospitality and contribute to the organization's success. Because […]
"Hospitality is inherent to commerce." This is the belief on which ModelBusiness BV has been built for twelve years now. Founder Merel Braber's agency provides a representative and professional presence at a wide range of events. No standard hosts and hostesses, but carefully selected personalities who understand hospitality and contribute to the organization's success. Because behind a friendly welcome, there's often more than just a good first impression.
Merel started working in the hospitality and nightlife industry at a young age. "My first job was as a waitress at Van der Valk Rotterdam-Hillegersberg. When I was almost eighteen, I was asked to do a photoshoot at the Hollywood Music Hall in Rotterdam. After the photoshoot, I was asked to work there. That's where I learned everything about hospitality, promotion, and catering."
Her years of practical experience laid the foundation for her entrepreneurship. "Looking back, my working years between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five were preparation for starting my own company, ModelBusiness BV."
At 25, she founded ModelBusiness. "At 23, I applied to a then-high-end hospitality agency to be hired as a hostess and wasn't accepted. Looking back, that rejection hit me hard, because a year and a half later, ModelBusiness was born, and I took matters into my own hands."
A few years later, the confirmation came. "I still remember well that a pitch was underway, and I arrived on-site to deliver it, only to see the then-owner of the agency leave. For me, that was confirmation that I was on the right track."
The first years
The launch of ModelBusiness was intense. "From the very beginning, I had at least one assignment a week. I lived from assignment to assignment, networked extensively, and in every conversation, after introducing myself, I immediately brought ModelBusiness up."
When the company was two and a half years old, doubts arose. “Being an entrepreneur was very difficult. Questions arose: was it worth the time and energy compared to the growth we were achieving? I was also approached by a company to work for them, but they didn't accept me. I saw that as confirmation that I had to keep fighting for ModelBusiness.”
"My own experience on the work floor has taught me what our clients' needs are."
The power of the team
Merel believes the agency's success lies in its people. "My own experience in the workplace has taught me what our clients need and which men and women are the perfect fit for the diverse range of assignments. This is how we achieve a perfect match."
What makes someone a good fit? "People with a distinctive personality who prioritize service. 'No' is not an answer. This person goes above and beyond to greet a guest, visitor, or customer with a smile and to assist them with any questions or comments."
Invisibly important
The role of hosts and hostesses is often underestimated. "Energy and a warm welcome determine how welcome someone feels. A friendly lady or gentleman at the entrance lowers the threshold. People often share how their trip went and can briefly vent before continuing on their way."
Keep building
Twelve years after its inception, the ambition remains. "We've celebrated some fantastic milestones, but we've also learned some hard lessons. Being an entrepreneur is a journey to find yourself. Combined with motherhood, that has only become clearer."
"MASTERS EXPO has been on our list for a long time. We're staying the course and focusing on what we're good at and what makes us happy. As a result, the right fit for us will naturally come our way."
