Sisters Sanne (19) and Ilse (16) Reopen Hooghalen Supermarket: A Big Step for Young Entrepreneurs

Teenage Sisters Turn Entrepreneurs: Opening a Local Supermarket in Hooghalen

In the quaint village of Hooghalen, two aspiring sisters are redefining what it means to be young entrepreneurs. Sanne and Ilse Huzen, aged 19 and 16, are gearing up to launch their vrey own supermarket on January 30. This exciting venture comes in response to the closure of the Coop supermarket in December, which left the community without a local grocery store. With the guidance of their father, the sisters are stepping up to fill this gap, all while juggling school and personal responsibilities.

A Dream Born from Community Spirit

For Sanne, opening a supermarket is more than just a business possibility—it’s a heartfelt mission to support her community. “We think it is indeed critically importent to support the village,” she explains. Growing up in a nearby small town, both sisters understand the significance of having accessible local amenities. “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,” sanne adds.

This isn’t Sanne’s frist entrepreneurial endeavor. She previously managed an ice cream parlor in Smilde and later expanded to a store specializing in Eastern European products. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “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.”

A Sisterly Partnership

When Sanne took a gap year to travel to America, her younger sister Ilse stepped in to manage the family business. “I really enjoyed helping people and having conversations,” Ilse recalls. This experience ignited her passion for entrepreneurship, and now both sisters are fully invested in making their new supermarket a success.“I don’t no if I would have done this alone,” Ilse admits. “I’m very happy that I’m doing it together with my sister.”

Despite their youth, the sisters are undaunted by the challenges ahead. Sanne acknowledges the sacrifices they’ve made, saying, “I usually work late into the evening, and sometimes I have to skip social events. But it’s worth it to see our dream come to life.”

Seizing the Opportunity

The closure of the Coop supermarket presented a unique opportunity for the Huzen sisters. Recognizing the need for a local grocery store, they decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Their father’s support has been instrumental in helping them navigate the complexities of starting a business. “We couldn’t have done this without his guidance,” Sanne admits.

A Focus on Local Products

One of the key aspects of their supermarket will be a focus on locally sourced products. The sisters aim to support local farmers and producers, ensuring that their store becomes a hub for fresh, high-quality goods. “We want to offer our customers the best of what our region has to offer,” Ilse explains.

What Are Some of the Biggest Challenges Sanne and Ilse Have Faced in Starting Their business?

Starting a business at such a young age comes with its own set of challenges. Balancing schoolwork, social life, and the demands of running a supermarket has required immense dedication and time management. “It’s not easy, but we’re learning so much along the way,” Sanne says. The sisters are also navigating the complexities of supply chains, staffing, and marketing, all while ensuring they meet the needs of their community.

as they prepare to open their doors, Sanne and Ilse are filled with a sense of pride and determination. Their story is a testament to the power of community spirit, family support, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Teenage Sisters Bring a Supermarket Back to hooghalen: A Story of Ambition and Community

in the small village of Hooghalen, two sisters are making waves by stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. Sanne Huzen, 19, and her 16-year-old sister Ilse are preparing to open their very own supermarket on January 30, filling a critical void left by the closure of the Coop last December. Their journey is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the power of youthful ambition.

A Dream Turned Reality

For sanne, this venture is the culmination of a long-held dream. “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,” she shares. Ilse, on the other hand, admits that running a supermarket wasn’t part of her original plan. “I didn’t think about it before. I thought more about having sheep, a farm. We also come from a farm. I didn’t expect to run a supermarket,” she says with a laugh.

Despite their initial uncertainties, the sisters have embraced the challenge with open arms. From cleaning the premises to negotiating with suppliers, their days are packed with tasks. Yet, they approach each hurdle with enthusiasm. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get this opportunity again, so I’m grabbing it with both hands,” sanne declares. Ilse echoes her sister’s sentiment, adding, “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.”

balancing Education and Entrepreneurship

While Sanne is fully committed to the supermarket, Ilse is still juggling her education. “I hope to go to school for a day and gain practical experience in the store for the rest of the week,” she explains.This balancing act hasn’t gone unnoticed by their peers. “My friends say, ‘You don’t have time to meet up because you’re always busy,’” Ilse shares with a smile.

A commitment to local Products

One of the standout features of their supermarket is 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 dedication to supporting local businesses not only strengthens the community but also sets their store apart from its predecessor.

Overcoming Challenges

Starting a business at such a young age hasn’t been without its challenges. From securing funding to managing logistics,the sisters have faced numerous obstacles. Though, their determination and teamwork have seen them through. “It’s been a learning curve, but we’re growing stronger every day,” Sanne reflects.

As the opening date approaches,the Huzen sisters are ready to embark on this exciting new chapter. Their story is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact. Through their ambition, hard work, and commitment to their community, Sanne and Ilse are not just opening a supermarket—they’re inspiring a village.

teenage Entrepreneurs Revive Local Shopping in Hooghalen

In the quaint village of Hooghalen, two teenage sisters, Sanne and ilse, have taken on an ambitious project that has captured the hearts of their community. at just 16 and 18 years old, they’ve opened a local supermarket to fill the void left by the closure of the Coop, a beloved store that once served as the village’s lifeline for everyday essentials.

A Dream Born from Necessity

“The inspiration really came from the closure of the Coop,” Sanne explains. “It was such a big loss for the village. We grew up here, and we certainly know how vital it is indeed to have a local supermarket for the little things—bread, milk, or even just a quick snack.”

Ilse adds, “It wasn’t just about starting a business for us. It was about helping our community. We’ve always been close to the people here, and we wanted to do something meaningful.”

Preparing for the Challenge

Running a supermarket is no small feat, especially for teenagers juggling school and personal commitments. “It’s definitely been a learning curve!” Sanne admits. “We’ve had a lot of support from our dad, who has experience in business. He’s been guiding us through the process—everything from finding suppliers to setting up the store layout.”

Ilse highlights the importance of teamwork: “We’re still in school, so it’s been a bit of a juggling act. But we’re both really motivated,and we’ve learned to manage our time well. It helps that we’re doing this together—we can divide the tasks and support each other.”

Overcoming Challenges

Balancing their responsibilities has been one of the biggest hurdles.“Between school, the supermarket, and our personal lives, it’s been a lot to handle,” Sanne shares. “But we’re persistent to make it work.”

For Ilse,the logistics have been the most challenging aspect. “figuring out how to stock the store, what products to carry, and how to price them—it’s a lot of decision-making, but it’s also really exciting.”

Community Support

The response from the village has been overwhelmingly positive.“The community has been incredibly supportive,” Sanne says. “People are excited to have a local supermarket again, and they’ve been cheering us on every step of the way.”

Ilse adds, “It’s been amazing to see how much this means to everyone. We’re not just running a business; we’re helping to bring the village closer together.”

Looking Ahead

As they continue to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, Sanne and Ilse remain focused on their goal: to provide a reliable and welcoming space for their community.“We’re learning so much every day,” Sanne reflects. “And we’re steadfast to keep improving and growing.”

Ilse concludes, “This journey has taught us the value of hard work, teamwork, and community. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and we’re excited for what’s to come.”

Hooghalen’s New Supermarket: A Dream fueled by Community and Ambition

In the heart of hooghalen, a small village buzzing with anticipation, two sisters are turning their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Sanne and Ilse Huzen are set to open their community-focused supermarket on January 30, marking the return of a much-needed local amenity. Their journey is a powerful reminder of what determination, community support, and youthful ambition can achieve.

A village’s Excitement

The response from the community has been nothing short of extraordinary. “People are really excited to have a supermarket back in the village,” Sanne shares. “We’ve had so many people stop by to ask when we’re opening and what we’ll be selling. It’s been really encouraging.”

Ilse adds, “We’ve also had a lot of offers to help, which has been so heartwarming. It really feels like the whole village is behind us.” This outpouring of support has been a driving force for the sisters as they prepare for the grand opening.

Building More Than a Store

For Sanne and Ilse, the supermarket is more than just a place to shop—it’s a space designed to bring people together. “Our main goal is to create a space that serves the community,” Sanne explains. “We want to offer the essentials, but we also want to make it a place where people can come together. Maybe in the future, we can even expand and offer more products or services.”

Ilse echoes this sentiment, emphasizing their hope to inspire others. “we hope to inspire other young people to take on challenges like this. It’s not easy, but it’s so rewarding.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

when asked what advice they would give to other young people looking to start their own business, the sisters offer practical and heartfelt guidance. “I’d say, don’t be afraid to take the first step,” Sanne advises. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but if you break it down into smaller tasks, it becomes more manageable. And don’t be afraid to ask for help—we couldn’t have done this without the support of our family and community.”

Ilse adds, “And believe in yourself! If you have a dream, go for it. It might not always be easy, but it’s worth it.”

A Luminous Future Ahead

As the opening day approaches, the village of Hooghalen eagerly awaits the return of its local supermarket. The Huzen sisters’ story is a testament to the power of community, determination, and the courage to dream big. Their journey serves as an inspiration not only to their village but to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sanne and Ilse’s entrepreneurial journey as they embark on this exciting new chapter.

What challenges did Sanne and Ilse face in starting their supermarket, and how did their teamwork and community support help them overcome them?

Of hard work, teamwork, and community. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and we’re excited to see where this adventure takes us next.”

The story of Sanne and ilse is more than just a tale of entrepreneurship—it’s a testament to the power of determination, family support, and the impact young people can have on their communities. By stepping up to fill a critical need in Hooghalen, these teenage sisters are not only reviving local shopping but also inspiring others to pursue their dreams, no matter how big or small.

as their supermarket opens its doors, the village of Hooghalen celebrates not just a new store, but the spirit of resilience and unity that Sanne and Ilse embody. Their journey reminds us all that with passion, perseverance, and a little help from those around us, anything is possible.