Each bag is unique - and handmade in The Netherlands. I am keen to stay close to the production process and have deliberately chosen for exclusivity. My approach is to build the business step by step. What’s important to me is the craft, the fact that it’s a totally Dutch product. I’m not a big spender. Luxury, for me, is the challenge of entrepreneurship - a lot of looking around for inspiration and always trying to create new designs. As a result of my success I now also give lectures and organise workshops and high teas at my studio in The Hague. I have also written a book, as I hope that my story will encourage a lot of secondary school pupils. 3. Did you encounter problems when you wanted to become an entrepreneur? As an entrepreneur you’ll always come across obstacles, but I always think of them as challenges that motivate me to try even harder. After winning the presidential elections Obama said: “If you can make it in America, you can make it anywhere.” I think you can make it anywhere - if you want to. 4. What are the differences between doing business in The Netherlands and in Somalia? The Dutch deliver on their promises and are very clear, but they do want to put everything on paper. Blind confidence is something they avoid. “The cheaper, the better,” applies in Somalia: The Dutch are more interested in quality, while Somalis never want to spend a lot of money. So my mother never carries one of my handbags, however proud she may be of me. In her opinion they are: “Much too expensive, and unnecessary.” 5. What is typically Dutch when it comes to doing business and being an entrepreneur? In my view the Dutch could be a lot more service-oriented and hospitable. I pay a lot of attention to this in my shops. Americans, for example, are a lot better at it. 6. What have you taken from both the Dutch and Somali cultures? From Dutch culture: being punctual. And I still go to my mother’s every evening to eat Somali food. No-one cooks it better! That’s really an important thing I’ve taken from Somali culture. However, I’m at home in both cultures. Even though they differ greatly they are both very special to me. 13 7. Would you ever go back to Somalia? As long as things remain unsettled there, I won’t go back - however regrettable that is. 8. What are the secrets of your success? Cherish the craft: all my handiwork has a personal touch. My customers buy much more than a handbag. They buy an emotion, an experience. It’s something that you always have with you. The involvement of my family is also very valuable to me: four of my five brothers work in the business. 9. What is your favourite fruit, and why? Apples. 10. What is your favourite Dutch product and/or place? My favourite Dutch product is a herring sandwich and The Hague is my favourite place, because of the new shop and the production that takes place there. TIPS from Omar 1. Persevere and work just that little bit harder 2. First look around you and see what others are doing 3. Immerse yourself in the mindset, remember the goodwill factor 4. Learn to deal with people on the spot 5. Accept that taxes are high in The Netherlands 6. Be generous 7. ‘Honesty is the best policy’
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