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Success Stories

Here you’ll find success stories from entrepreneurs across North Rhine-Westphalia. See what challenges others faced on their journey to starting a business—and how the STARTERCENTER NRW supported them along the way!

Please note: This content is only available in German. 

Profilansicht zweier junger Frauen in einer Interviewsituation vor einem Schreibtisch.
© BullRun – stock.adobe.com

Desiree Lex -founder of NullAlkohol
©NullAlkohol
Düsseldorf |Nutrition & Food

Non-alcoholic is sexy: How NullAlkohol is rethinking the beverage market

NullAlkohol brings together non-alcoholic beverages from a wide variety of producers and makes them easily accessible through an online store. At the same time, the startup develops its own drinks that embody a modern, conscious lifestyle. Inspired by Scandinavian pioneers, founder Desiree Lex is bringing a breath of fresh air to the German market. The clear message: “Non-alcoholic is sexy.”

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The founder demonstrates her app on her mobile phone
© KiddyTrip
Wuppertal |Digitalisation, Social Affairs & Education

Discovering the world through play: How KiddyTrip came about from everyday family life

With the KiddyTrip digital platform, families can rediscover their local area in a fun way – through interactive treasure hunts that get children moving, teach them new things and encourage shared experiences. 

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The founders in their confectionery shop
© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Hattingen |Nutrition & Food

From chocolate to self-employment: how a duo from Düsseldorf is embracing the sweet side of entrepreneurship

At their “Confiserie Harmonie”, master confectioners Ariane Hensch and Sven Walton use the finest seasonal ingredients to create exquisite little tarts, modern cupcakes and sophisticated small cakes. Each product, lovingly handcrafted, speaks for itself: a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

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The two founders at work in their workshop
© MWIKE NRW/Christopher Koch
Aachen |Craftsmanship & Business Succession

Old instruments, new approach: How two young violin makers set up their own business

Judith Huppertz and Christoph Verstraeten, both qualified violin makers, set up a violin-making workshop in the centre of Aachen in November 2015. Aged 28 and 29 at the time, they are among the youngest violin makers to have already established their own workshop.

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The founder of fairTEiLBAR
© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Münster |Nutrition & Food, Sustainability & Environment

From Waste to Vision: How Janis Matheja Turned Saved Food Into a Business Model

With her shop “fairTEilBAR” in Münster, Janis Matheja has created a particularly sustainable space. That’s because fairTEilBAR sells only food that is still edible but would otherwise have ended up in the trash. Customers can purchase the food based on the “pay what you think it’s worth” principle.

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The founder in her hair salon
© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Bielefeld |Fashion & Lifestyle, Sustainability & Environment

Naturally Beautiful: Launching Your Own Business with Sustainable Hair Design

Using vegan and sustainable products, master hairstylist and barber Ronja Neugebauer focuses on bringing out her clients’ natural beauty. Under the motto “Authenticity: The desire to be, not to appear,” both women and men find a place at the “AuthenticHairdesignBielefeld” salon where they can take a moment to focus solely on themselves in complete peace and quiet.

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The founder (left) next to another woman (right)
© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Dortmund |Fashion & Lifestyle

From Corporate Life to Creativity: How Andrea Rosemann Started Her Own Fashion Label

With her fashion label, Andrea Rosemann bridges the gap between ready-to-wear sizes and custom-made pieces. Her women’s clothing, available in a variety of styles, is suitable for all occasions—from casual to business — and is manufactured in Germany.

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The founding couple
© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Herne |Craftsmanship & Business Succession, Sustainability & Environment

Upcycling at a Long-Established Business: Ullrich Carpentry Reinventing Furniture

Laura and Matthias Biere run the traditional Ullrich carpentry shop in Herne. Under the motto “Old values, with a new look,” they bring customers’ furniture dreams to life. What sets their business model apart is its circular economy approach: old or damaged furniture is refurbished and, at the customer’s request, combined with high-tech materials. Here, traditional craftsmanship meets sustainable practices.

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Man with a car
© MWIKE NRW/Holger Lückerath
Dorsten |Craftsmanship & Business Succession, Mobility & Logistics

From Hobby to Business: How Andreas Mayer Started His Classic Car Repair Shop

Classic cars are more than just a hobby: The team at HECC—High End Classic Cars in Dorsten—is dedicated to preserving cars as cultural heritage. Founder Andreas Mayer and his team passionately restore these vintage treasures. Their collection ranges from classic cars from the 1950s to modern classics.

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Anthony’s Kitchen
© MWIKE NRW/Christopher Koch
Meerbusch |Nutrition & Food

From Dream to Michelin Star: The Journey to Anthony’s Kitchen

In April 2015, trained chef Anthony Sarpong opened his first restaurant, which includes a cooking school, in Meerbusch. In 2017, he was even awarded a Michelin star for his culinary skills.

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