Maiwynn van der Loos: Creative entrepreneurship with recycling

From ICT to woodworking

‍Maiwynnworked in ICT for twenty years, but personal circumstances made him decide to take a new direction. Woodworking first became a way to keep busy, but it soon grew into a passion. At Stichting Stunt, he discovered his talent for furniture making and learned the trade step by step. Now that he looks back on his studies in architecture, he realizes how that knowledge and insight still influences the way he designs and builds. His eye for form and structure helps him create furniture that is both functional and visually appealing. This period of personal growth has positively influenced his entrepreneurial journey.

The step to self-employment

The move into entrepreneurship came at a spontaneous time for Maiwynn. After making a planter for a friend, he discovered how much he enjoyed making things independently and decided to start for himself. 

"It felt like a logical step in my passion that not only gave me joy, but also brought me the freedom I was looking for."

Now, two years later, he still enjoys making and creating furniture, as well as the business side of his business. Balancing creative work with practical tasks remains a challenge, but he is growing in this. Determining prices and the value of his craft is a learning process, with Maiwynn learning more and more to appreciate his work.

Creative entrepreneurship in Delft

Maiwynn works a lot with recycled materials, which gives him the opportunity to not only express his creativity, but also contribute to a more sustainable life. He is involved with the Station House and the Delft Boost Lab, where he hopes to further grow his business. The idea of organizing workshops for area residents is a way for him to give something back, and inspire others to be creative with materials.

Tips for budding entrepreneurs

Maiwynn's biggest lesson for other startup entrepreneurs is simple: don't be intimidated by the administrative requirements, because often it is less complicated than it seems. He also stresses that there are always people willing to help you. The insecurities he had in the beginning have since disappeared. He has learned that things that seem exciting at first often become less scary with experience. Maiwynn looks back proudly on the assignments he has completed, and has learned to let go of his perfectionism a little more - not everything always has to be perfect to be good. 

Looking to the future

Maiwynn is still searching for his specific niche, but enjoys the variety and diversity of his work. He is in the process of finding a suitable workspace, possibly with others, and is considering attracting more individuals as clients, in addition to unique projects such as exhibitions. He wants to continue to grow, both professionally and personally. His path has not always been easy, but by being open to new opportunities and willing to learn, he has found his way. Maiwynn has learned to think ahead and looks to the future with confidence. His career shows that unexpected turns often provide the most wonderful opportunities.

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Maiwynn van der Loos is a futurist within New Future Lab and is affiliated with the Delft Boost Lab program.