photographer: dewi van ‘t hoog © | make-up artist: jodie haesakkers & arthy thyagarajan from art of colors
lonneke hendrikx-westhoff
co-founder & coo at loop biotech
about
i’m lonneke hendrikx-westhoff, co-founder of loop biotech. i studied at tu delft, where research into sustainable materials eventually led to creating the world’s first coffin grown from mushrooms.
today, i lead a fast-growing biotech company with global impact, while also being a new mother. building a company that contributes positively to the planet feels more urgent and meaningful than ever, both as a founder and as a mom.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
i would tell my younger self to trust her instincts more, and to take up space sooner. you don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. it’s okay to learn as you go, to change direction, and to build something imperfect but meaningful.
also: surround yourself with people who believe in your ideas, especially when you’re still learning to believe in them yourself.