Stories of Start: Business Women Who Chose Their Own Timing
Description
Entrepreneurship has no fixed timeline. Some start in their teens, others after years of building different careers—but all share the courage to create their own path.
Join **1% Women** and **The Leap Club** at **Equals Amsterdam** for an intimate panel talk featuring four inspiring women who chose entrepreneurship at very different ages and life stages.
👩🎓 A 22-year-old who built a modeling agency that now runs hands-free.
📚 A graduate founder who co-founded CM AthleticDigital, a boutique sports marketing agency specializing in athlete branding.
🌍 A 30 yo creative freelancer and founder of The Leap Club, a growth & fulfillment platform helping people find purpose and fullfilment in their personal and professional lives.
This evening is for:
🌸 Women curious about entrepreneurship but unsure of timing
🌸 Freelancers, remote workers, and creatives seeking perspective
🌸 Anyone who wants to be inspired by real, unfiltered founder stories
You’ll leave with:
✨ Courage to take your own leap, whenever that may be
✨ Insights into starting lean, pivoting careers, and growing sustainably
✨ Connection with a global community of like-minded women
Why should you join?
1. Different Stages, Same Courage – Learn from women who started their journey in their 20s and 30s.
2. No One-Size-Fits-All Path – Each story challenges the myth of the “perfect” time to start.
3. Community Meets Inspiration – More than a talk—it’s a chance to connect with women who share your ambition.
Speaker bios:
- Marlene Kothes
Marlene is the co-founder of CM AthleticDigital, a boutique sports marketing agency specializing in athlete branding.
With a background in digital marketing, she blends strategic thinking and creativity to help athletes enhance their visibility and long-term career growth.
Inspired by the resilience, discipline, and consistency that define sports, she’s passionate about turning those values into powerful storytelling and authentic personal brands.
- Ximena Pineda
A creative, community builder, and founder of the leap club: a space for people chasing what lights them up. After quitting her 9–5 to pursue a more aligned path, Ximena took the leap and launched the leap club. She brings the voice of bold reinvention: with a background in copywriting, branding, and strategy, she builds brands and helps people articulate and follow what brings them joy. She’s the host of the leap club podcast and mentors girls to uncover their path through creative skills and self-trust. She’s here to remind you: what matters most deserves to shape your life.
- Kathrine Kjær Holmsgaard
Kathrine Kjær Holmsgaard is the founder of KKH Management, an Amsterdam-based boutique mother agency dedicated to scouting and developing models for placements with agencies worldwide.
Starting her own modeling career at 14, she now leads a team of five and represents over 30 talents, securing bookings at International Fashion Weeks and with clients such as Martin Quad, America Today, Tricot Paris, Yume Yume, and Schwarzkopf, building careers with strategy, care and long-term vision.
“There’s no such thing as the perfect moment — only the courage to begin.”