Can you tell us a little bit about yourself ?
Hello my name Belinda Biesmans. I am a graphic designer and illustrator. I’m doing this profession since ten 10 years under the name of Bomkracht. Currently I have my studio at De Brandweer, I am married and have a daughter of 13 years old.
I am most proud of the products I created in the last year under the name of Chokdi – Instant Happiness a label for ‘good luck’ presents. This is where my focus currently is. I developed the whole concept and design from my own fantasy. I started very small and now it has between 10-15 products which are now sold in The Netherlands in 13 shops . I hope there will be more. I am proud of this label. Because the products are made by ‘disadvantage’ people. I work with sheltered workshops, people with psychiatric problem, addictions or homeless people. So it’ s a product that can bring people positive thinking, enthusiasm and good luck made by people that are less fortunate. It involves the all life circle. Call it good karma!
What are the qualities needed to be able to achieve this?
I need to be very focused, because I realize that if I have a busy mind the energy does not flow.
What are you looking forward to?
Well, the ultimate satisfaction for me would be to have an atelier/small shop, in the space where my office is, where all the people involved in Chokdi [creative workspace with the sheltered group] we all could work together at the label to make it bigger and spread the happiness and positive energy.
Which advise will you give to other professionals?
Always be proud and truth to yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others, focus on what you love or what your passion is. Work by believing in yourself.
What are the challenges that we need to overcome to make cultural entrepreneurship more accessible?
It will be good to have a sort of support centre for entrepreneurs for example for small everyday problems. The issues your are dealing with, that make you think, am I going to work for a Boss again [security]? Do I have enough money this month? Where can I find new assignments? I would like to show my products without renting a shop, where can this be? To connect with people who can help the creatives and how can the creatives help them?[exchange knowledge]
The joy to work for yourself is the best thing, so it would be nice to have people around you that can help and support you with questions and advice, to preserve you from drowning into negative thoughts which influence your creativity. Sometimes it’s a struggle and all you want to do, is to create beautiful things.
A creative open space, were people can work, discuss and come together to connect so more enhancing dynamics will be going on.
Thanks Belinda!
