Teh Huzen sisters, Sanne (19) and Ilse (16), are making waves in their small village of Smilde by stepping into the world of entrepreneurship with their new supermarket. After the closure of the Coop in Hooghalen in December, the sisters saw an opportunity to fill a crucial gap in their community. With the support of their father, they now own the store, which is set to open its doors on January 30.
“We think it is indeed critically important to support the village,” says Sanne,who grew up just a few kilometers away. “A supermarket in the village is handy for the little things.You no longer have to go all the way to Assen or Beilen.You already notice it, the supermarket is closed for a few weeks and you have to go a bit further away for your groceries.”
This isn’t Sanne’s first venture into business. She previously started an ice cream parlor in Smilde, followed by a store specializing in Eastern european products.”That was a small supermarket, and this is a large supermarket. These have always been logical steps, but I notice that this is suddenly a big step,” she reflects.
Ilse, on the other hand, discovered her passion for entrepreneurship while managing the store during Sanne’s gap year in America. “I really enjoyed helping people and having conversations,” she shares. The experience ignited her enthusiasm, and now both sisters are persistent to make their new venture a success. “I don’t know if I would have done this alone,” Ilse admits. “I’m very happy that I’m doing it together with my sister.”
Despite their young age, the sisters are undeterred by the challenges ahead. Sanne acknowledges the differences between her life and that of her peers. “I usually don’t have time to meet up because you’re always busy.” Ilse, who is still in school, plans to balance her education with hands-on experience at the store. “I hope to go to school for a day and gain practical experience in the store for the rest of the week,” she says.
The sisters are embracing the opportunity with open arms. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get this opportunity again, so I’m grabbing it with both hands,” Sanne declares. Ilse adds, “It will be hard work, but I’m looking forward to it. My friends don’t know any better than that I have a shop.”
For Sanne, this venture is a dream come true. “I always wanted to dream it. But I didn’t dare, because it doesn’t happen to everyone. It’s still a bit unreal that you get the chance to do something like that.” Ilse, who once envisioned a life on a farm, finds the opportunity unexpected. “I didn’t think about it before. I thought more about having sheep, a farm. We come from a farm too. I didn’t expect to run a supermarket.”
Before the grand opening, the sisters have their work cut out for them. A major cleaning, removing stickers from the walls, and finalizing agreements with suppliers are just a few of the tasks on their to-do list.
One of the key differentiators of their supermarket will be its focus on local products. “We try to do it as locally as possible and involve as many companies from the area as possible,” Sanne explains. This commitment to supporting local businesses is a testament to their dedication to their community.
| Key Details | data |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| location | Smilde, Netherlands |
| Opening Date | January 30 |
| Owners | Sanne Huzen (19) and Ilse Huzen (16) |
| Previous Ventures | Ice cream parlor, Eastern European products store |
| Focus | Local products and community support |
The Huzen sisters’ story is a testament to the power of determination, family support, and a deep connection to one’s community. As they prepare to open their doors, the village of Smilde eagerly awaits the return of a local grocery store, now infused with the passion and vision of two young entrepreneurs.
For more inspiring stories of local entrepreneurship, check out how the Sisters Farmers Market in Oregon is making a difference in their community.