Welcome to the first in a series of ‘REAL Women Feature Interviews’ where we ask European female business owners to share their entrepreneurial experiences:
Introducing Nicole Delamore, she is the founder of Keep Track Concierge. 
As a private concierge, her company offers busy professionals living in or visiting the Netherlands the luxury of having a personal assistant and event planner when essential. Nicole lives with her 6 year old son in Den Helder, an hour’s drive outside of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Tell us about why you decided to start your own business?
As a quick learner, a person who can work independent and someone who goes the distance when assisting on or doing a project, it just felt natural to want to become my own boss. The point that I made the decision to start my own business was when my critics decided they would try and keep me from reaching the glass ceiling. Knowing that I was capable of doing the work was never much of the issue, but putting me up for the position was more of a problem. The constant excuse was that I did not have the right qualifications (diploma) and so I saw myself teaching others to enter positions that I could have easily fill.
What do you consider your greatest challenge so far?
At this point my greatest challenge is people taking me serious. I’ve chosen to follow a career path in an industry that is very young and even more infant to The Netherlands. Also marketing the company on limited funds also does not help the matter. Although in every profession networking is important, this aspect I’ve learnt to be the life line in the Concierge profession.
Another difficult challenge is building a reputation for ones business. As the new kid on the block many are not willing to risk going into the unknown and this is where networking helps to slowly bridge this problem.
Who or what has been a major source of inspiration?
It is less of an inspiration, but more of a drive…and that is not to be just another statistic in the Dutch society. As a foreigner, black woman and a single mother living in The Netherlands, it’s as if the script has already been written for one: don’t expect to go any further than on welfare. To this I say, even if I fail … I can at least say I did it my way and tried.
The inspirations comes from knowing and believing that I have the talent to turn ones intangible dream into something beautiful. Likewise assisting and save someone the headache of having to get things done when they lack the time or are having a stressful moment, gives me a satisfied feeling.
Do you have any words of wisdom for other female entrepreneurs starting their own business venture?
Create a network that includes positive, knowledgeable and well connected people. Why I say this; its true entrepreneurship can be very lonely at times, especially if you work from home. There are days that everything can go wrong and you just feel to stop. Having support from others who can listen and advise you can be just the encouragement needed to over come hurdles.
Lastly believe in yourself and go on that business venture.
Quote: Stop trying … trying is failing with honour. (James Arthur Ray)
