The Hague Women’s Day

International Women’s Day. A day that is becoming more and more well-known and annually celebrates and honors the social, political, and economic achievements of women around the world. Of course, we are happy to join in on that. While we celebrate and honor our affiliated entrepreneurs (our The Hague treasures) every day, March 8th is a great moment to pause and reflect on the women behind these businesses.

And there are so many treasures in The Hague with women at the helm! Creative, strong entrepreneurs who give their all every single day for their businesses. During our annual The Hague treasures gathering, we noticed that ‘we’ were quite in the majority. Something that is pretty unique, and something we secretly take pride in. So, here’s to all those entrepreneurial women!

Women of the Future

Let’s go back to that official International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is ‘Woman of the Future.’ Think about the impact of women in this rapidly changing world and an inclusive future where women play an equal role in society. With this theme, the organization of International Women’s Day aims to break down barriers, create equal opportunities, and build a world where women can further develop themselves – especially in areas like technology, science, and politics. Hear, hear!

Who run the world?

Specially for International Women’s Day, we’ve put together a list of all the women who run a The Hague treasure, either on their own or with the help of another woman (and okay, a few men too). Sit back and take a deep breath, because it’s quite a list:

• Let’s start with the lady in the photo above: Loes. She drives all over Europe for her business, Scandinavian Vintage, searching for the most beautiful vintage treasures. She restores them and presents them for us in her warehouse, right next to the Laan van NOI station.
• How about our Sushimeisjes (Sushi Girls): Lisa and Nicole? These ladies make the best sushi in the city. A real phenomenon in The Hague.
• Aafke is an entrepreneur through and through! We all remember her Buitenontbijtjes that she prepared at De Bij Keuken. We’re also completely smitten with her new concept, Museumtuin Ontbijtjes (Museum Garden Breakfasts). There’s a good chance Aafke will come up with something new and original soon!
• At the cozy French Bistro Jules, you can enjoy lunch, drinks, and dinner six days a week, thanks to the tireless efforts of owner Margot. What a powerhouse woman!
• Looking for a place to have breakfast or lunch in the center of The Hague? We always recommend Sam Sam. The spot where you can order and share half(!) sandwiches. The energetic and always enthusiastic Jaimy has been running the lunch spot with flair for years

• Rachel made a drastic change and started Helder Yoga, and we’re so glad she did! Here, you can take the most wonderful yoga classes (in Dutch) and receive real personal attention and tips.
• Bistro Le Petit Chef in Oud Rijswijk is a French bistro where the entire neighborhood gathers from early to late. The reins here are held by the entrepreneurial Justine, who transformed this corner building with her partner Bas into a true slice of Paris.
• Teddie was once named the best barista in the Netherlands and then, with the help of the whole family, opened BLEND ONE. A coffee shop with an extensive menu that’s well worth biking to!
• Sisters Claire and Lisa run Hug the Tea. A tea bar where they can fully express their love for tea, especially Matcha, and share it with you.
• If you’re looking for a place to really enjoy some drinks and bites, head to Oude Molstraat. There you’ll find Amber’s Proefboutique. Amber had dreamed for years of owning a place where everyone could come and try delicious snacks: “Snacking is the best thing ever, especially when you get to introduce people to something new each time…”
• Do you know that little spot on Pompstationweg? With homemade cakes and cookies, lovingly brewed coffee, but also wraps and toasted sandwiches that’ll make you lick your fingers? Pompke is run by Esther. A place that’s just a little bit different, where Esther’s enthusiasm is contagious.

• From Music Monkeys, Josette shares her passion for music. Here, music lessons and workshops are offered for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents, where everything revolves around the playful discovery of singing, music, movement, and dance. Let yourself be inspired by this musical lady!
• Loyal treasure Sandra is the owner of PureSan, a beauty salon where you can go not only for skincare but also for skin improvement. Sandra helps you with all her love and attention.
• Jacqueline! The best hairdresser in The Hague. With years of experience and a huge passion for her craft, she opened her own salon, Vita Hair, on November 1, 2023. Here, she not only gives you a perfect haircut, but it’s always a fun and friendly atmosphere.
• Don’t feel like cooking? Lisanne from Eating Shop Vork has come up with a solution. Together with Udo, she prepares freshly made meals and homemade sweets for takeout almost every day, filling up the display case with delicious options.
• With a ton of enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit, hospitality experience, and life experience, Martine is the perfect beach bar manager, if you ask us. How lucky we are that she and her partner Bram opened Beach house Maví in 2024. Here, you can enjoy the sun from the first to the last ray.
• We’re always a little envious of Amilda. She exudes such serene calmness, despite the massive business she runs. Want to soak in some of that tranquility? Head to Amilda Wellness Boutique—whether you hurry or take your sweet time!

• Amy and Michelle (pictured above) met at art school and quickly realized their dream by opening their own pottery studio: Het Keramisch Huis (The Ceramics House). Here, they teach you all the ins and outs of the pottery craft!
• We’re always happy to see Jolanda and her boutique studio K’dans. Everything here is about movement and feeling great. The groups are small, the welcome is warm, the threshold is low, and the clients are “regulars.” If that doesn’t say enough…
• On one of the coziest squares in The Hague, you’ll find one of the most beautiful hotels in the city: La Paulowna Boutique Hotel. And the driving force behind this lovely place is Anuschka. Together with her husband Wim and a top team, she’s here 24/7 to take care of you.
• The enthusiasm, hospitality, and positive attitude of Sabrina, the owner of Beach pavilion de Kwartel, are infectious and uniting. Growing up on the beach, she shares her passion every day with the younger generation. The whole family is there all summer long!
• On Prins Hendrikstraat, you’ll find two amazing second-hand clothing stores. One for yourself (Achtung! Lady), where owner Gaby helps you find a beautiful “new” outfit, and one for the little ones (Achtung! Baby), where Maryke brings in the most beautiful items.

• Justine from Z’AHA Deli has a clear mission: to let people experience how delicious and sexy plant-based food can be, all thanks to her passion for food. And we can only agree. The food she creates is absolutely delicious—surprising flavors and combinations that’ll make you want to lick your fingers. A great stop on your way home!
• Another creative spirit! Jet from the workshop space and studio De Kust is always on the move. In addition to her businesses Zee van Papier and Zee van Muziek, she opens De Kust to anyone who wants to finally tackle that project that keeps lying at home, learn new skills, or simply seek inspiration. You’ll walk out the door with fresh energy and new insights!
• Together with Jan, Leonie is the driving force behind The Hague Boat. And now that the sun is starting to shine again, we can’t wait to sail through The Hague again soon. Leonie will tell you about the coolest highlights, quirky buildings, and fascinating stories of The Hague during the boat ride. With her knowledge, you can be sure to pick up something new!
• If you haven’t heard of Wrkshop yet, we recommend you quickly bike over there! With its super cool decor, all the art books on display, the awesome murals, and the hospitality of founders Hannah and Joost, it’s a real hotspot in The Hague. Hannah makes sure you feel at home immediately and keeps you coming back.
• Our favorite and best-hidden secret in the city: Couqou. All the way at the back of an alley on Noordeinde. Once inside, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the fantastic owner Jacqueline. As you browse through all the beautiful items in this shop, she’ll be there to help you find the right size or challenge you to try a different color or fit.

• If there’s one shop window where we always stop to gaze at all the beautiful things on display, it’s Sprinkelhop on Weimarstraat. The shop of Joke. And if you thought we were good at treasure hunting, you haven’t met Joke yet. Here, you’ll find the most gorgeous vintage home décor items.
• And her neighbor is just as lovely! Susan from Stokstaart, the most colorful (children’s) shop in The Hague. Run by a similarly colorful owner. Susan quit her job as a curator at the Kunstmuseum to follow her dream and open her own store. How cool is that!
• Julia has been the driving force behind Flower Shop De Iris for 35 years. You know, the shop on Laan van Meerdervoort with the geese out front! Spring just calls for some color in your life, so go get it. At Julia’s. From De Iris.
• A dynamic duo: Eloïse and Pauline from Cross & Woods. The shop for your next creative craft project. With enormous passion and plenty of experience in handcrafts of all kinds—knitting, embroidery, sewing, and weaving—the ladies can help you with anything. They’ve created a place where everyone is welcome to learn, get inspired, and enjoy handcrafted work.
• Inge is the passionate owner of In de Wolken, the best children’s bookstore in the region of The Hague. She can truly find the perfect book for any child and get you excited about reading even more.
• Another fantastic local entrepreneur: Marie-France from the (French) market Le Marie Marché. This market is exactly what we envision with Haagse Schatten. You get to experience, taste, and enjoy The Hague (and, in this case, a little bit of France) at its best. And that happens over and over again, several weekends a year, thanks to Marie-France’s energy and approach.

• What a hero! The colorful, creative, and positive Ysabel opened Studio Limonada after she was forced to rearrange her life: “I started Studio Limonada because I had to give my life a new direction. But now, I hope to inspire people to choose something they truly love and that gives them energy every day. With my lamps, I want to show that no matter what happens, you can always put a positive spin on life.”
• Yanne from SWAPS is a girl on a mission: to drastically change the fashion industry. Let’s share clothes instead of making even more clothes! Come here to swap your clothing and make the world a little bit better.
• At The Hague’s beach treasure Strandpaviljoen Aloha, Daphne keeps things running 365 days a year. And how she does it!
• You’ll always receive a warm welcome from owner Julia when you step into the children’s concept store LittleYOU. And this beautiful German has a keen eye for sustainable, organic children’s clothing and toys. And that’s exactly what we want!

With your Haagse Schatten gift card, you can visit the businesses of all these incredible women, as well as the other The Hague treasures. Want to give someone else such a great local gift? You can buy it in our webshop, or visit one of our treasures where you can purchase the gift card in person.

The best part is, every euro you spend on the gift card is guaranteed to be spent at a local business in The Hague. This way, we can continue to enjoy the hotspots of all those enthusiastic, driven entrepreneurs in The Hague. There are now over sixty The Hague treasures where you can redeem your gift card, so there’s something for everyone!