Hello! My name is Liz van Oene (20), I was born and raised in the Netherlands and am currently in Berlin, Germany for the program Young Entrepreneur. This journey started just after I graduated from my creative study ‘International Creative Business Developer’. I explored many aspect of design and craftsmanship, from product design, interior, and branding. During my studies, I had an amazing opportunity to intern at a ceramic studio, which really sparked my love and passion for ceramics. This experience has fueled my interest in starting my own business in this field, particularly because I feel there’s a gap in my hometown’s creative market that I could fill with my unique approach to ceramic design.
My decision to join the EYE (Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs) program stems mainly from curiosity and the desire to expand my knowledge. While I’ve done internships at smaller design studios and enjoyed learning from established creatives, I realized that starting my own studio or company is a whole different ball game. As a 20-year-old recent graduate, I feel that I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to the business side of things—managing finances, marketing, and building sustainable business models.
I expect this experience to significantly impact both my personal and professional development. On a professional level, I want to deepen my understanding of how creative businesses operate, particularly from the perspective of entrepreneurship. This involves learning more about client management, developing business plans, and improving my communication skills when it comes to promoting my brand and work. I also see it as a chance to build connections within the international creative community, which will be invaluable as I shape the direction of my future business.
On a personal level, participating in an international program will push me to be more independent, adapt to new environments, and become more resilient in the face of challenges. I’m also hoping to improve my cultural awareness, learn different approaches to collaboration, and generally expand my perspective on how creativity can influence and shape a community.
Lastly, I believe that immersing myself in a new environment will allow me to discover more about my unique place within the ceramics industry, both in terms of what I can offer and what I want to achieve long term. This could also give me the practical tools to successfully launch the business idea I’ve been nurturing and offer something truly valuable to my local creative scene.
