NEW KID ON THE BLOCK: LYNNDELL MELLES

The average age of starting entrepreneurs is falling. Yet it takes considerable courage to launch your own business young. This week, we meet 25-year-old Lynndell Melles.

The average age of starting entrepreneurs is decreasing. However, you need to have a lot of courage if you decide to start your own business at a young age. Where did these get new kids where their inspiration comes from and what could the older generation of entrepreneurs learn from them? This week the 25-year-old Lynndell Melles, founder of the company MELLES PEOPLE. Text: Fleur de Jong
Image: MELLES PEOPLELynndell discovered her passion for hospitality at a young age. The company she founded at the age of 21 has everything to do with this. A high-end hospitality employment agency for hostesses, hosts, drivers, sales and service employees. But if you work hard, the basics must be good, according to Lynndell, so she likes to delve into healthy food and fitness is one of her outlets. Her other outlet is rally driving in sports cars, this young entrepreneur is not afraid to get her hands dirty. 

What is your personal USP?

''I am positive, creative, enthusiastic and full of energy, while at the same time I have a great drive with extreme perseverance. I am also on 24/7, because after all I chose to be an entrepreneur. But it is important to rest at the right times. ”

What can the older generation of entrepreneurs learn from you?

''First of all I would like to start with the fact that I obviously learn a lot from this older generation. They always say: 'We have already made so many mistakes, let's share them with you so that you don't have to make those mistakes again.' I do think I can teach the older generation to be less worried. As a young entrepreneur you often dare to take steps because you simply do not consider all the 'negative' points. I have the feeling that the older you get, the more careful people are in making certain choices. This is of course logical, but I would like to say: continue to bring out that young, carefree entrepreneurship in yourself. Keep thinking out of the box, make a nice investment and don't become an entrenched CEO, director or owner. Stagnation means decline. In addition, it pays to keep innovating, especially in these times. 'The spice of life is variety.' Good tips are also: stay active on all social media channels and gather the right people around you! It is not without reason that it is said: 'You are the average of the top 5 people you spend time with'. "

Who is your teacher or source of inspiration in the field of entrepreneurship?

''I don't have one specific teacher or one source of inspiration. I try to gather as much knowledge as possible from all kinds of different people and gain as much information as possible from different angles. I notice that I get a lot of practical tips from seminars, but nowadays also webinars, knowledge tables and management books, such as Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. What gives me a lot of energy is sparring with various entrepreneurs such as Laurens Simonse, Robert de Boer and An Nguyen. Naturally, I have a lot of admiration for Jitse Groen and Pieter van der Does. They put Dutch entrepreneurship on the map with their fantastic companies. In addition, it is motivating to see that you can conquer the world from our small country." 

What is your motto or quote?

''Work until you no longer need to introduce yourself. Your dream won't suddenly become reality by magic, but it will take sweat, determination and a lot of hard work. I am convinced of dreaming big. If you actually believe that you will succeed, then you will succeed. Dream big, know what you want, why you want it and what you are going to do to achieve it, and everything will work out!''

What is the biggest entrepreneurial risk you have taken so far?

''The biggest risk I have taken is to invest in software and personnel at this time. We have moved internally to many new, larger systems within the company. This way we can grow optimally and quality remains at the top. In addition, during corona I built a whole new office team around me and invested in good, new people, despite these uncertain times."

Where will you be in 3 years?

''In three years I will be 28 and still the owner of MELLES PEOPLE. I am increasingly asked to speak at major events, for example for the Chamber of Commerce. I hope that in 3 years' time I will have been able to inspire many people and help them get started creatively! From a business perspective, I obviously hope that MELLES PEOPLE will be the first choice for everyone in the Netherlands who is looking for high-quality, trained, hardworking staff who also look tip top.”Do you know or are you a successful, young entrepreneur who also deserves a place in the spotlight? Please email Fleur de Jong ([email protected]).Click here before and after,  new kid Alexander Wijninga from the Watermelon company