What started as a simple hobby has grown into Ginger Rose, a brand of natural products with exotic flavors. Step by step, Virginie built her project by learning to overcome her doubts and dare to ask for help to take it further.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Virginie, and I created Ginger Rose with the idea of offering products that have a positive impact on the body and health: ginger, hibiscus (or bissap), and pepper, which I combine with exotic fruits such as mango, pineapple, papaya, banana, and citrus fruits.
My goal was to incorporate these ingredients into sweet preparations, moving away from their usual association with savory dishes or overly spicy ginger juices, and making their benefits accessible to everyone in a gentler way.
Today, I offer jams, syrups, and exotic juices that boost energy, strengthen immunity, improve digestion, and contribute to everyday well-being. They can be enjoyed in water, tea, coffee, on toast, or in smoothies and cocktails.
How did you take your first steps as an entrepreneur?
I got started without funding and without knowing exactly where I was going, because at first it was just a hobby.
I took part in a few craft markets from time to time, and little by little, people started asking me where they could find my products. That is how the demand emerged.
When demand became stronger, I started structuring the brand and expanding my product range. I became self-employed in 2023 following a collaboration opportunity that ultimately did not materialize. At that point, I found myself somewhat stuck and realized that I needed help.
I turned to the GEL of Molenbeek, which supported me in preparing my application and suggested presenting it to brusoc by finance&invest.brussels, as well as to other organizations.
What was the turning point regarding financing?
To structure my project, I attended several training courses. And every time, we were told that we had to dare to ask for a loan.
As a woman, there is often a fear of asking: fear of not being able to repay, fear of not succeeding… I think women are often more hesitant to take the leap or apply for financing. We are not really taught to take risks.
But at some point, I understood that if I wanted to grow my project, I had to overcome that fear.
Why Ginger Rose?
Ginger speaks for itself. But Rose is my mother’s first name and also part of my mother-in-law’s name, Marie-Rose.
It is a way of paying tribute to these women who fought their whole lives, who did not necessarily have prestigious degrees, but who worked countless jobs for their children and to achieve their dreams.
How was your experience with brusoc?
I was fortunate to have an application that was already well prepared thanks to the GEL. My coach submitted it to brusoc.
They called me — I was not really expecting it. We discussed the project, and it was approved fairly quickly.
It really helped me establish my business and feel more financially stable, without having to systematically reinvest everything I earned.
Today, I am not yet making a living from it, but I feel that I am moving forward. And brusoc remains present and encouraging. I am a very independent person, but it feels good to have the support and confidence of an organization that believes in my project.
What did you finance with your loan?
Since I work alone, I have to manage everything: production, communication, sales at markets, accounting…
The loan allows me to gradually invest in equipment to automate certain tasks and save time. I use it carefully, taking the time to identify what I truly need.
Being self-employed also means dealing with significant expenses. The loan does not solve everything, but it provides breathing room and allows me to develop the business more calmly.
Today, I need to start approaching shops to propose collaborations.
Any advice for other people who would like to get started?
At some point, you begin to feel constrained by what you want to build.
And that is when you have to dare to knock on doors. Try. Ask. If the answer is yes, great. If the answer is no, so be it. But you have to dare to do it. And take the leap.
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