Derek's Blog

Let me first introduce myself. I’m Derek, I live in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and I’m 30 years old. In daily life I work in a bank. But, next to that I’m starting up my own business. A fashion business.

To get to know me a little bit better, here is a short interview with myself:

What is entrepreneurship for me? My way of expressing myself. Entrepreneurship enables me to be free and unattached.

What was my dream job when I was a kid? Movie-director.

Why and how did I start my company? Because I want to express my creativity and bring people something which I have created. Further, I would like to become very successful (most certainly rich and a bit famous). I started my company by founding the concept and I’m still developing and trying to shape the business model in order to get finance.

Is this my first business? No. I had an Internet business and consultancy firm before (who didn’t?).

If I were to start another business, what might it be? This would be consultancy and personal shopping for insecure not-well-dressed men.

What were some of the early companies I worked with? Banks, creative companies and my own company in Internet/IT.

What is my definition of success and have I achieved it? My definition of success is a solid company which will be there long after I’m gone. I have not achieved this yet.

Who has influenced me the most and has been my greatest inspiration? Fashion designers and free-style entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson. I don’t have any ‘great inspirator’ yet. Feel free to apply for this job.

What advice would I give to people who are thinking of becoming an entrepreneur? Do it. You only regret the things you haven’t done.

Describe/outline to the readers what my typical day looks like? My typical day is quite boring. As said before, I’m in a job at a bank. But on Wednesdays I’m off and working for my own company. This normally starts with a good coffee, reading emails, getting things done, meetings, networking and sometimes household jobs.

Do I achieve balance in my life? Balance is something you feel, which can change over time. I must say that being fired in January because of the crisis somehow unbalanced my life a bit.

Where do I see myself and my business in 3 years? I see myself as the CEO of a successful, profitable business which inspires and dresses a lot of men in the Netherlands, Europe and hopefully overseas.

And as a final question: If the people from E.Factor could introduce me to anyone, who would it be and why? (you never know who they know!) I would love to meet Richard Branson, Giorgio Armani, Viktor and Rolf, Steve te Pas, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger etc.

I hope that this gives you a little background on me. I’ll be writing about the balance between working in a regular job and entrepreneurship. Most of my time I spend working for the bank and I would like to see this changing soon to working for myself and making my own money. If you have any suggestions, feel free to contact me.

Derek Tigges