Pleasure doing business with...Kitty van der Sluis

In "Pleasant Business with..." MASTERS will talk to a prominent entrepreneur each week. Because, how do you do pleasant business? BABOR is a leading international cosmetics brand and to this day a family business. At the head of the company is now 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 GijrathWhattypifies an entrepreneur?
"Never giving up. Always think of a way to still reach your goal. Keep going."

Where did you ever get your best deal?
"Your best deal is always in the future. In other words, your best deal is the deal you haven't closed yet. Live contact is indispensable to closing a good deal. The energy, being able to look each other in the eye, the attention to each other; that makes all the difference. I'm so glad that's now possible again."

The perfect corporate gift?
"Experience. And empathy is key to that. We sell experiences, women empowerment, glowing skin, a healthy and happy body, anything that can contribute to enhance that feeling. Our ampoules are our heroes, they make a difference for your skin and we know we can make people very happy with that. A gift is so individual. It's about delving into the other person. "Digital. Friend or foe?
"My friend. Absolutely. It is indispensable in my profession. Necessary. Especially for us, we are a multi-channel company. I myself also keep everything digital. Except when I want to remember something during a conversation. Then I have my black notebook handy, because typing when someone is sitting across from you really can't be done."

What do you do on an off-day?
"A good massage helps. Or a day strolling through the Bijenkorf, that's the best therapy for me. Just spontaneously deciding something on a day off, not having to plan anything in advance, just because you can. That's what I love the most."

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

Fine place for good conversation?
"Over a good dinner. My favorite? I was recently at restaurant De Lindenhof in Giethoorn. What an experience."

Watch?
"Don't wear one."

Car?
"A BMW 3 Series."

What is your favorite business suit?
"A nice dress with good heels. I feel powerful in that. I love to shop on net-a-porter. All brands, all colors, all kinds. So I can't name a favorite brand."

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

What's always on your desk?
"A pitcher of filtered water."

Which entrepreneur would you like to have lunch with sometime?
"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 gladly 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, the one from Nike: 'just do it.'"