Running a business together with your partner? Many couples wouldn’t dream of it, but that’s not the case for Tygo and Lydia. This loving couple have been running a business together since the very beginning of their relationship and, over the past few years, have become one of the mainstays of the Event Management Group. They manage two unique event venues within our group: Stadbroeker Mill in Sittard and the industrial site Tapijn in Maastricht.
Reason enough to sit them down for a chat and ask them about their entrepreneurial journey and the challenges of working as a couple. Because how do you go about it: running a business together, whilst still making room for your private life and also for your own wishes and ambitions?
From student accommodation to event venues
Tygo (25) and Lydia (24) have been together for seven years and have been running their own business for six years now. “We moved to Eindhoven back then to study, but didn’t want to rely solely on student grants for our income,” says Lydia. “That’s why we started working together as self-employed people in the hospitality sector, and things really took off.”
What began as a way to make ends meet soon grew into a hospitality recruitment agency, with several staff members under their wing. “Even though we were based in Eindhoven, the majority of our clients came from Limburg, thanks to our roots in that region. We soon found ourselves working on various events and hospitality projects in Limburg,” adds Tygo. “That’s how we realised that we didn’t just want to be responsible for staffing an event, but that organising events from start to finish was what really set our hearts racing.”.
Making a dream come true
As residents of the picturesque white town of Thorn, they were familiar with De Grote Hegge event venue, a popular venue for weddings, corporate events and meetings, and part of the Event Management Group. What began as a conversation with the owner, Danny Keppels, about supplying catering staff soon developed into the realisation of their own dream: running their own events venue.
This led to a partnership in 2023: the acquisition and operation of Stadbroekermolen event venue in Sittard under the banner of Event Management Group. This venue was already a household name in the region and a popular wedding venue, but Lydia, Tygo and Danny still saw room for improvement. “We’ve invested heavily to raise the standard: from the wedding garden to the lighting and décor. The concept has also become more exclusive: for instance, we now only host one wedding a day,” explains Lydia. “Whereas at other well-known wedding venues you sometimes have to share your space with restaurant guests, with us you’ll enjoy genuine privacy in the company of your friends and family.”
Our ambition doesn’t stop at just one location
Not long after taking their first steps at Event Management Group, they joined Tapijn in Maastricht to their expanding portfolio. This industrial-style venue, in the heart of the Stadspark, was previously known as a restaurant, but together with the other shareholders, Tom and Danny, they transformed it into a fully-fledged events venue.
“Tapijn is a remarkably versatile venue, situated in the heart of Maastricht’s Stadspark. This former barracks building can accommodate up to 400 guests and has become a popular venue for corporate drinks receptions, presentations and even memorial services,” says Tygo.
Working together as a couple: how do you strike a balance?
Running a business is one thing, but doing so together as a couple brings an extra dynamic into play. Especially in an industry where a 9-to-5 mindset is virtually non-existent and staying calm is essential for a successful event. How do they ensure that their work and private lives remain in balance?
“It actually comes quite naturally,” says Lydia. “We understand each other well and complement each other. Tygo brings a sense of calm, sees the bigger picture and asks the right questions. I, on the other hand, am more flexible and creative when it comes to coming up with solutions.”
Tygo nods in agreement: “I always love seeing how empathetic Lydia is and how she manages to bring out the bride and groom’s wishes as well as possible. Of course, we don’t always see eye to eye – that’s part and parcel of the job. But it’s never about who’s ‘right’. We always look for a solution that’s in the best interests of the guests and the business.”
And what about free time? “We have our own hobbies, but we also make sure to spend plenty of time together. It’s important that we don’t always talk about work,” laughs Lydia.
Historic event venues
Event Management Group, of which Stadbroekermolen and Tapijn are part, is renowned for managing unique event venues in the Limburg region and and, more recently, Brabant too. Tygo and Lydia know that managing this sort of venue comes with extra responsibility. “People have an emotional connection to places like Stadbroekermolen,” says Tygo. “They’ve been around for as long as anyone can remember. Weddings and memorial services have taken place there. It’s part of the neighbourhood’s DNA. That makes it all the more special to be able to organise events there.”
The duo stands out for its exclusivity and a personalised yet professional approach. “At our venue, it’s all about events, and organising weddings is our speciality. We work to a clear step-by-step plan, so that couples know exactly where they stand,” says Lydia. “For example, we don’t just organise a tasting dinner; we also provide them with an interactive quote. This allows them to make any adjustments at home at their leisure, should they wish to do so. You’ll be assigned a dedicated contact person for all your queries, who will also be present during the event.”
There is also space for public events
Last year, they also organised their first major public event: a Christmas market at Stadbroekermolen. “We set up this concept in collaboration with another organisation, with them handling the programme and us taking care of the catering. This event attracted no fewer than 2,000 visitors a day,” says Tygo proudly. “That showed us there’s a lot of demand for this sort of event in the neighbourhood. That’s why this year we’re also organising the Made With Love Market, which will take place on Sunday 4 May at Stadbroekermolen. It also means we’re more visible to the local community, a development we’re really excited about.”
Plans for the future
With EMG’s growth and their own role in it, Tygo and Lydia are looking ahead. “We want to further strengthen Event Management Group in the region, for example by combining venues,” says Tygo. “A company can visit several venues in a single weekend: think of a dinner at Tapijn, a presentation at The Groote Sociëteit on the Vrijthof and a party at Rebelle. Being part of a larger group opens up a whole range of possibilities.”
Their advice for other entrepreneurial couples? Tygo: “Keep work and private life separate, but also be flexible. In the events industry, you sometimes have to sacrifice your days off.” Lydia adds: “If you have the chance, start young. You’ll have less to lose and learn what works as you go along. Start with a specific goal in mind and work towards it step by step.”
With their love for each other and their love of events, Tygo and Lydia remain a strong couple. One thing is certain: this duo is far from having reached their full potential.
Would you like to find out more about the stunning venues in their portfolio? Click here for Stadbroekermolen in Sittard or Here for Tapijn Maastricht.
