My name is Esme de Smit. I am 46 years old, mother of three children and wife of Laurens Smit, with whom I run the business from Rotterdam. I’ve never really been a planner or someone who thinks ahead. Actually, with nothing. When I was young, I really didn’t know what I wanted to be ‘when I grew up’. I didn’t specifically dream of a life as an entrepreneur; I kind of rolled into it. And I’m really enjoying it!
In 2008, I conceived the event Mode Marche. A stock Sample Sale where many well-known designers participated; Iris van Herpen, Mada van Gaans, Jeroen van Tuyl, Bas Kosters. I organized this event for twelve years, and after a few editions, the area manager of Rotterdam Noord asked if we would like to organize it there as well. It would become an outdoor event, while Mode Marche was organized in various art institutions (Booijmans, NAI, Maritime Museum, etc.) Together with the designers, I wasn’t keen on this idea. However, it did inspire me to create Swan Market, which did become a successful outdoor event. The first edition took place in the Zwaanshals (hence the name) and it became a market with creative entrepreneurs selling mostly handmade products, food trucks, music, and a bar. Much later, the Swan Market stores emerged from this. Currently, we have locations in Rotterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, Delft, Breda, and The Hague.
We have a broad target audience, primarily consisting of women. This applies to both our events and our stores. Couples, friends on a day out, mothers with daughters, and families. We have trendy young women who are mainly interested in jewelry, clothing, and sunglasses, but also women looking for something beautiful for their home. Additionally, a very large portion of our target audience is looking for cool gifts.
Absolutely! TICA caters to this well. I usually have something in mind that I think will sell well, and then I find it at TICA. That’s great!
Coffee mugs and candles! These are the perfect items for our gift assortment. In addition, I also make dried flower bouquets in a small bottle; very nice!
