It is challenging to adjust to a new country. Worldwide is here to help you. The best way of ensuring that  you can be the best you in your new environment is by building a network. Networks aren’t just for business people; it is also a valuable way of building up a support base for those days when the homesickness gets too much and everyone is simply too far away.

Worldwide’s World Guide is where South African business from across the world get together to form a community. Owners of small businesses may use Worldwide’s free services abroad to register their businesses on the interactive list themselves. In this way, they become part of this wonderful  network opportunity!

This month we focus on businesses in the Netherlands you can support.

Tolmay Design Studio

I started my interior design career in 2002 while completing my studies at Tshwane University of Technology. Over the course of the next eight years, working for a few architectural and design companies, I’ve gained experience in designing corporate, residential, healthcare and retail spaces.

After our move to the Netherlands, I became part of the design team of a huge international coffee company. For eight and a half years I had the pleasure of designing and re-modelling shops in countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. I embraced the exposure to new tastes, cultures and customs.

As much as I enjoyed my work, I did not want to move to a new country to continue it. That led to the birth of Tolmay Design Studio. Read more.

 Lion’s Head Restaurant & Brewery

In 2018 Shaun and Katja opened The Lions Head in the heart of Amsterdam, named after the iconic mountain that forms the dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. The Lion’s Head is much more than great food and beer! When you walk in, it’s like coming home, irrespective of where you’re from.

The Lion’s Head takes some of the best parts of South African cuisine and service and combines it with a celebration of the international life that embodies Amsterdam. In the warm and welcoming atmosphere, you might meet someone who will change your life … or simply have a great experience with our hand crafted beers, caring atmosphere and South African soul food! Whether you’re an old friend, a new friend or a friend to be, we can’t wait to welcome you to The Lion’s Head! Read more.

 KuierKos

My food journey started at my ouma’s kitchen table in Limpopo, South Africa. She not only made the most delicious traditional dishes, but there was always extra for family or friends who might turn up. My family’s true South African hospitality would later become the foundation of my business in the Netherlands – KuierKos.

Andreas and I came to the Netherlands in 2007. Life in a new country is tough, and making it one’s home takes time and effort. After almost ten years and two lovely children, Anne and Paul, we still love it!

In 2014, friends of ours returned to South Africa and sold us their biltong business. My father-in-law always says: “Luck favours those who are ready,” and KuierKos was born, expanding in ways we could not have dreamed about at that time.

KuierKos brings a warm and welcoming experience that allows South African expats and locals to enjoy original, good quality South African food. In this case, the proof is in the tasting, so go right ahead and contact us. Read more.

Charlie Wessels Photography

I am Charlie, proudly South African and I’m also an army veteran, both major parts of who I am and which have shaped what and how … I do what I do.

I have lived in many different places including Johannesburg, Pretoria, London, Manchester, Aldershot, Camberley, Colchester, Gütersloh, Herford and Afghanistan and am now settled in the Netherlands.

I photographed my first wedding in 2005 and since then … countless more. After my father passed away in 2008, I was given all of his photography equipment. His absence changed me and using his camera kept him close to me. It was our hobby, his passion, and it became my life.

If your wedding images mean a lot to you and you would like to know more about how I approach a wedding day, then please get in touch. I’d love to tell you more and show you examples of what I do.  Read more.

ALSO READ: World Guide in Focus: Canada