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 our own business together as self-employed people in the hospitality industry, which quickly 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 were 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 discovered 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 the event venue De Grote Hegge, a popular spot for weddings, corporate parties and meetings, and part of the Event Management Group. What began as a conversation with owner Danny Keppels about supplying catering staff soon developed into the realisation of their own dream: running their own event venue.

This led to a partnership in 2023: the acquisition and operation of the Stadbroekermolen event venue in Sittard under the Event Management Group banner. 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 example, 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 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 within Event Management Group, they added Tapijn in Maastricht to their growing 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 as a couple brings an extra dynamic into play. Especially in an industry where a 9-to-5 mindset is virtually non-existent and maintaining a sense of calm is essential for a successful event. How do they ensure they maintain a balance between work and private life?

“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 a bride and groom’s wishes as well as possible. Of course, we don’t always see eye to eye – that’s all part of it. 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 known for managing unique event venues in the Limburg region and, more recently, in Brabant as well. Managing venues of this kind entails extra responsibility, as Tygo and Lydia are well aware. “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 stand out for their 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. You’ll be assigned a dedicated contact person for all your enquiries, 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; they were responsible for the programme and we handled 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.”

Future plans
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 could visit several venues in a single weekend: think of a dinner at Tapijn, a presentation at De 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 your work and private life separate, but be flexible too. 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 will 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.