Meet Charissa

Why did you start your own business in Delft?
My boyfriend and I were both born and raised in Delft. After living on the Doelentuin for a few years, we came across the property on the Heilige Geestkerkhof on Funda. And it immediately felt like our home, just from the picture alone! After all, it had everything we wanted; A place where we could work and live. We both had our own business. He a marketing agency and I worked as a freelance designer/content creator + I already had LACHA with Laura. The house carried a certain energy, from which I felt it was going to bring us all kinds of new developments. Not yet thinking of opening a shop here.

For the past few years, what is now the shop served as our office. And once a month, in the summer, Laura and I would organise a pop-up shopping event for bikinis there. This tasted like more, because the space lends itself perfectly as a shop! The seed to open a shop was planted. November last year, I decided to go for it. And in March, the doors opened for the first time.

So Delft was not specifically chosen. It was just a logical step!

What do you like best about being a local entrepreneur in the city of Delft?
Delft is pretty much a village. That makes it super cosy. Customers become acquaintances and also come back often. You really build a bond with them. There is also a good atmosphere among different entrepreneurs. And because the offer in Delft is so varied, you complement each other nicely. At the same time, you also support each other by referring customers to each other!

How do you collaborate with other local entrepreneurs in Delft?
As I mentioned at the top, you send customers to each other. Also, in December, I am entering into a collaboration with the Paintbox. Throughout the month, we are giving away 10% discount vouchers to our customers for the new year. At the Lacquer Box, you can use this for one of the cool workshops and at my shop, you can use it for shopping in February. I also like to collaborate with local makers. In summer, for example, I sell handmade jewellery by Studio Nenek and hand-crocheted bags by Sjuulsie. We are also not averse to an event with some invited guests. We often organise shopping events and always invite other entrepreneurs to sell their products.

If you could give one message to Delft residents and visitors about local shopping, what would you tell them?
I would like to encourage everyone to really shop local. You influence the small business owner directly with your purchase. Every time a customer walks out the door satisfied, our heart beats a few extra times. Not only do you make sure that person can pay his/her rent. But you also ensure a healthy system that keeps running. Unfortunately, you see more and more 'big' chains coming into town and more small businesses disappearing. While those can actually offer you something unique. If not a product, then an experience or a nice conversation. Instead of headaches from staring at a screen and an RSI thumb from scrolling ;)

Realise that it is impossible for the small entrepreneur to compete with all the big (online) chains. Choose authentic and genuine!

Which other local entrepreneur(s) in Delft should residents and visitors definitely visit?
Oeiiiii that's too many to mention! I'm just going to drop a list of where I like to visit! Get your nails done beautifully at Lacquerbak. Those girls make you feel so at ease, ultimate example of cosiness and a moment to yourself. Besides, they are also just the best ;) and don't work with junk!

Femme+Frenkie is one of my favourite shops. Always a nice place for quiet shopping. Spacious and clearly laid out. And always cosy!

Eating out we always like to go to Le vieux Jean, LEF, Lakila or Gaia. Wijnhuys Kinésis is the place to get wines for us. Guy (the owner) always knows a lot about the wines. Even if we want to cook an evening for friends and serve nice wines with it, he always knows the right match. Even if we are 'on a budget'! I do notice that I find food and drink especially important :P That is also, next to fashion, my biggest hobby. And for that we are definitely in the right place in Delft! <3