Doing business with...Kitty van der Sluis

Babor is an internationally leading cosmetics brand and remains a family business to this day. The company is now headed by the third generation. Kitty van der Sluis heads Babor Cosmetics Netherlands and introduces women to a new approach to beauty: one that comes from within.

In 'Pleasant doing business with...' MASTERS talks to a prominent entrepreneur every week. Because, how do you do business pleasantly? BABOR is an internationally leading cosmetics brand and remains a family business to this day. The company is now headed by the third generation. Kitty van der Sluis heads Babor Cosmetics Netherlands and introduces women to a new way of beauty: that from within. Text: Tamara GijrathWhat characterizes an entrepreneur?
"Never give up. Always think of a way to achieve your goal. Keep going."

Where have you ever gotten your best deal?
“Your best deal is always in the future. In other words, your best deal is the one you haven't closed yet. Live contact is essential to close a good deal. The energy, being able to look each other in the eye, the attention for each other; that makes the difference. I am so happy that this is now possible again.”

The perfect business gift?
“Experience. And empathy is important. We sell experiences, women empowerment, radiant skin, a healthy and happy body, everything that can contribute to strengthening that feeling. Our ampoules are ours heroes, they make the difference for your skin and we know that we can make people very happy with that. A gift is so individual. It's about delving into the other person.”Digital. Friend or enemy?
"My friend. Absolute. It is indispensable in my profession. Necessary. Certainly for us, we are one multi-channel company. I also keep everything digitally. Unless I want to remember something during a conversation. Then I have my black notebook at hand, because typing when someone is sitting opposite you is really not possible.”

What do you do on an off-day?
“A good massage helps. Or spending a day strolling through the Bijenkorf, that is the best therapy for me. Just spontaneously decide something on a day off, without having to plan anything in advance, just because it is possible. That's what I like the most.”

How do you drink your coffee?
"Black. With a sweetener. Not healthy, but very tasty.”

Nice place for a good conversation?
“During a good dinner. My favourite? I was recently at restaurant De Lindenhof in Giethoorn. What an experience.”

Watch?
“I don't wear it.”

Automobile?
“A BMW 3 Series”

What is your favorite business suit?
“A beautiful dress with good heels. That's where I feel powerful in. I like shopping on net-a-porter. All brands, all colors, all types. So I can't name a favorite brand.”

What do you always have with you?
“Wait, I'll just look in my bag. My payment cards, yes: I always have them with me. To be able to do or buy whatever I want at any time of the day. It's about freedom.”

What is always on your desk?
“A jug of filtered water.”

Which entrepreneur would you like to have lunch with?
“With Coco Chanel. She had a goal in mind, she followed it and she succeeded. I would ask her how she made her way, especially in a man's world, as a woman at that time. But I would just as soon sit at the table with Tom Ford. What a genius brain, what taste and what creativity this man has. Great to listen to and fun to watch.”

What is your golden entrepreneurial tip?
“I always use the best slogan ever, Nike's: 'just do it'.”