People
Meet MASTERS's Models
These six entrepreneurs embody La Belle Époque, the theme of this year's MASTERS EXPO. The beautiful era, full of prosperity, drive and a reviving commercial spirit, framed by veined marble and curling gold leaf decorations. Six entrepreneurs who celebrate successes and life. Meet MASTERS's Models - An Introduction.
These six entrepreneurs give a face to La Belle Époque, the theme of this year's MASTERS EXPO. The beautiful era, full of prosperity, drive and a reviving commercial spirit, framed by veined marble and curling gold leaf decorations. Six entrepreneurs who celebrate successes and life. Meet MASTERS's Models – An Introduction.
Illustrations ©MASTERS Collective | Synthography Jonathan IJzerman
Text Bart-Jan Brouwer
Sofie van der Sterren, model
Since she was discovered, her modeling career has been going like a rocket: international covers, fashion shows in Paris and Milan, the face of major brand campaigns… “My life is like a whirlwind,” she said in an interview with MASTERS Magazine last year (see no. 56). “I move from one show to the next shoot.” But Sofie also looks further, has an entrepreneurial spirit: “The idea is to start my own clothing line that puts sustainability and ethics first. Fashion that is not only beautiful and trendy, but also kind to the earth and to the people who make the clothes. In addition, I have dreamed for years of starting a fashion academy. A place where young aspiring designers can learn, grow and follow their passion, just like I once did. A place where creativity is celebrated, where new ideas are born and where the future of fashion is shaped.”
Donald Ogilvie, investment advisor
When Donald took his first step into green investing, he had no idea how big the impact would be. “I started with a simple idea: sustainability and profit don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, they can reinforce each other. We face enormous challenges: climate change, pollution, the depletion of natural resources. But these challenges are also the biggest opportunities. Instead of fearing what’s coming, I decided to invest in the solutions of tomorrow. Companies that focus on clean energy, circular economies and technologies that reduce carbon emissions. What motivates me is not just the financial gain, but above all the idea that I am contributing to something bigger. That my investments – and those of my clients – are not only securing my future, but also that of generations to come. And the great thing is, green investing is not a fad. The world is changing, and that change is here to stay.”
Kimberley Williams, hospitality manager
When she started in hospitality, she had no idea how big the impact hospitality can have on people. “For me, it was always about more than just a place to sleep, it’s about experience. It’s about creating a feeling, an experience that lingers long after someone has left your hotel. I still remember my first hotel well. It was small, not exactly luxurious, but I put my heart and soul into it. I wanted every guest to feel at home, to experience something special. And that was the moment I realized: hospitality is not about the bricks, it’s about the people. About delivering exceptional service, about the feeling you give someone when they come in and when they leave.” Today, Kimberley runs several boutique hotels in Flanders, and the core of her success has always remained the same: “Take care of the details, listen to your guests, and be flexible. Hospitality is a craft, but above all it is an art. And the most beautiful art? It is when people leave with a smile, but also come back quickly.”
Noor van den Berg, pastry chef
If you had told her back in the day that she would make a living making sweets and special cakes, Noor would probably have laughed at you. “My journey started modestly, with a passion for baking that I learned from my grandmother. She had a magical gift: every cake she made told a story. It was that idea, that cakes can be more than just a dessert, that inspired me to start my own business. Every cake I make is unique, whether it’s a simple chocolate cake or an intricate work of art for a wedding. I want people to experience more than just taste it. For every bite to become a memory. It wasn’t always easy, mind you. The competition is fierce, tastes are constantly changing, and perfectionism can be your worst enemy. But I believe that passion and attention to detail are key. People want to be surprised, not only in terms of taste, but also in terms of presentation. Today, I create cakes that are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat. And nothing makes me happier than seeing my creations put a smile on someone’s face.”
August van Dintheren, antique dealer
His passion for antiques began when he was a child, walking around flea markets with his grandfather. “My grandfather was always fascinated by old things,” August recalls. “He taught me that every object has a story, a history waiting to be told. What may seem like old junk to one person, is a valuable piece full of meaning and emotion to another. When I opened my first antique shop, I didn’t have a lot of capital, just that passion and a keen eye for special finds. My success didn’t start right away. I had to learn how the market worked, how to recognize authentic pieces and how to attract the right customers. Along the way, I discovered that buying and selling antiques is more than just trading: it’s connecting people with history. What I do is not just selling objects, but helping people find something unique that touches them. Every piece I put in my shop has a soul – a past that I carefully select and maintain. The beauty of antiques is not just in their value or rarity, but in the stories they carry. And I bring those stories back to life with love.”
Naomi Martina, beauty entrepreneur
When she decided to become an entrepreneur in the beauty industry, Naomi knew she wanted to do something different. “For a long time, the traditional beauty industry has focused too much on superficial beauty, without considering the impact on our planet. For me, it was about finding a way to combine beauty and sustainability. It wasn’t easy to find my place in this saturated market, but I believed in my vision from day one: sustainable beauty products that are natural, ethically produced and effective. I started small, with a few handmade products, making sure every ingredient was responsibly sourced and every product was biodegradable. My success is not only due to the quality of the products, but also to the values my company embodies. Consumers are more aware than ever and want to know where their products come from and what the impact is. Today, I see my products in the hands of people all over the world. And what fulfills me most is the realization that we are not only spreading beauty, but also contributing to a greener and fairer world.”
MASTERS #59
Success stories dominate the new edition of MASTERS. Take Bill Gates: he worked his way up to become the world's richest man and now sees it as his noble duty to give his wealth back to the world. Joe Ravitch, who made a splash as the man behind the sale of Manchester United and Chelsea, links the value of these clubs partly to their reach. "Companies are looking for access to gigantic fan bases. In this way, new economies can be created." Also - exclusively in MASTERS - an interview with Marcus Breitschwerdt, executive vice president of Mercedes-Benz Group, through whose efforts Mercedes-Benz Heritage has evolved into an independently operating company with a turnover of hundreds of millions. And 'Mr Dam Square' Won Yip, whose Heineken Hoek – Hotel The Diamond opens this autumn, shares his vision of entrepreneurship, karma and hard work. Our annual business fair MASTERS EXPO (12 to 16 December, RAI Amsterdam) is like a three-dimensional bundle of inspiring success stories. In this edition a tantalizing preview of the business event of the year. MASTERS 59: your guide to greatness!
