We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Florian Kersten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Florian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The idea for the business began with a desire to step out of my comfort zone and work from home. At the time, I worked at a community center, handling WordPress websites and online development. I always loved languages, working with people, and technology. The coronavirus in 2019 gave me the push to start working online from home.

I began by offering my services at very low prices, teaching just two or three hours a week on the language learning platform italki. To attract students, I created a detailed profile, highlighting my skills and passion for teaching Dutch. My customer base quickly began to grow, along with my experience. Since I had never taught Dutch before, I needed to learn what makes a good teacher. I took lessons from other teachers in various languages, blending those skills with my passion for learning languages and past experiences.

As my confidence grew, I gradually increased my prices, and my customer base continued to expand. I was surprised to see my earnings double while still attracting twice as many students. This period marked significant personal and professional development. Week by week, month by month, my customer base grew.

For tax purposes, I decided to start my own company. This involved researching business structures, registering my business, and setting up proper accounting practices. Little steps, week by week, with dedication, helped me to make this new idea a reality. Eventually, I transitioned from the online marketplace to my own website. I built a website, hosted it on my own domain, and shifted my efforts to finding students independently through social media marketing and word-of-mouth referrals. The wonderful reviews my students left for me, which I actively encouraged them to leave on an independent third-party review platform, helped tremendously—simply because I had no other certificates or language teaching experience to lean on.

All in all, I never expected things to evolve this way. Five years ago, I wouldn’t have believed I’d become a full-time self-employed entrepreneur teaching Dutch. This journey taught me that good things come with time, patience, dedication, and a love for what you do.

Overcoming self-doubt, or impostor syndrome, was essential. I trusted the process and stayed close to what brought me joy and excitement. Facing and solving problems, such as creating engaging lesson plans and managing my schedule, was a big learning process. Now, I feel extremely satisfied with the path I’ve forged, being my own boss, earning a stable income, and helping others in the process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Florian, and I am the founder of Safe Haven Dutch Coaching. My journey into this field began driven by a passion for languages, technology, and a desire to assist others. Initially, I focused on WordPress and online development, but my interest in helping people learn Dutch prompted me to start teaching during the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.

Safe Haven Dutch Coaching offers personalized Dutch language lessons, both online and in-person. My services include one-on-one coaching sessions, home visits, and online coaching. These lessons cater to diverse needs, such as improving daily conversation skills, enhancing fluency, and boosting confidence in using Dutch. When I started coaching online in 2019, it became evident that many of my students struggled due to insufficient practice after completing professional courses. They lacked individual attention necessary to feel confident in everyday interactions. Addressing this gap became a central focus of my services. I aim not just to tutor or teach, but to serve as a supportive language buddy and coach.

This distinctive approach sets Safe Haven Dutch Coaching apart in the language learning sector. Often, I find that a compassionate in-person approach helps students to lower their initial fears when speaking Dutch. Gaining positive, rewarding experiences in the face of mistakes helps them feel more confident. To achieve this, I actively cultivate a supportive and interactive learning environment for my students. Central to my method is creating a safe space where students feel encouraged to make mistakes, recognizing them as integral to the learning process. I prioritize understanding my students’ perspectives, shifting from judgment to comprehension of their reasoning and thought processes. Real-world engagement is integrated into lessons to accelerate learning. With personalized attention, structured guidance, and a wealth of learning materials, I foster significant growth in my students’ language abilities.

What I find most rewarding is witnessing my students’ development and confidence in using Dutch in their daily lives. My ultimate goal is to ensure every student feels welcomed and respected, thereby helping them integrate into Dutch society more comfortably.

Prospective clients should be aware that Safe Haven Dutch Coaching is dedicated to providing a nurturing and effective learning experience. Whether through online sessions or in-person coaching, I am committed to assisting each student in achieving their language goals and feeling more at home in the Netherlands

Have you ever had to pivot?

Pivoting in business, career, and life has been a recurring theme for me, shaped by transformative moments where I’ve navigated new opportunities and challenges. One pivotal example occurred during a decade-long journey encompassing diverse roles—from volunteering at a community center, developing WordPress websites, and providing customer support at a university, to writing articles for online magazines and working as a mental health professional and coach. Each experience, seemingly disparate at the time, contributed invaluable skills and perspectives that eventually converged into my current role.

My path to founding Safe Haven Dutch Coaching was marked by a profound reconnection with my passion for language teaching and acquisition. Amidst these varied experiences, I realized a common thread—my love for empowering others through language. This realization guided my pivot towards creating a supportive environment where individuals could overcome language barriers and thrive in Dutch society. It’s a journey that continues to evolve, driven by a deep-seated commitment to integrating my diverse skill set into a cohesive and impactful career.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been a cornerstone of my journey in business, career, and life, particularly in moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. As I navigated various roles—from volunteering and web development to customer support and mental health coaching—I often found myself questioning the direction of my career. Instead of seeing these doubts as setbacks, I viewed them as opportunities to refine my path and listen closely to my heart.

One pivotal moment came when I realized the importance of staying true to my passions and values. Despite the temptation to switch paths multiple times, I chose perseverance. I remained committed to discovering where my true passion lay and proving the validity of this newfound path. This journey wasn’t just about overcoming doubts but also about embracing each experience as a stepping stone toward greater clarity and fulfillment.

Through this process of self-discovery and perseverance, I revitalized my passion for language teaching and education. This journey reaffirmed my belief in following my instincts and aligning my actions with my heartfelt aspirations. Today, as the founder of Safe Haven Dutch Coaching, I am dedicated to helping others find their own path with confidence and authenticity, guided by the resilience that has shaped my own journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.safehavendutch.nl
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safehavendutch
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safehavendutch
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-kersten/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SafeHavenDutchCoaching

Image Credits

Florian Kersten