POWER WOMEN
We are convinced that passion encourages passion. For years our grandparents have been getting the best out of nature and each other. Through some questions we try to give you insights on the strong women, whom next to their other half color the world just that little brighter.
JANAH VAN CLEVEN
Janah Van Cleven was until recently running the inspired but temporary Bar, Palo Cortado, together with her husband Ran Van Ongevalle. Tonight (8 June 2020) they are opening Bar Ran. A place int the pittoresk city of Bruges where their and hopefully the dreams of their customers will be fulfilled. (cfr. The facebook page of Ran)
1.Do you consider yourself to be a powerful women?
Yes I do. When I was 18 I left just with a backpack in search for adventure and with a lot of motivation to do volunteer work in Eastern Africa. Two years ago, me and that same backpack travelled around the world for almost a full year. I’m not really a materialist and I don’t need much. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. Our bar was transformed mostly by my own hands. I love that kind of ‘hands on ‘ women. Just keep on going without looking back.
2.What is the most satisfying thing about having your own business?
The independance. Despite the long days and stress that is involved, I love being my own boss. It just gives you a lot of satisfaction. I also love being an all-rounder. I would get bored easily if every day would be the same. I love the versatility of being an accountant, working behind the bar, serving tables, manage some side project, etc. I’m also very happy that we can do all this together. We are a great team and complete each other perfectly.
3.Kiss My… is about going your own way, against the stream. In which aspects is your stubborn side coming through?
I don’t know if what we do is against the stream, but what we do is going down our own path. This can sometimes be confusing for customers that are visiting us for the first time. We try to guide people as much as possible with their choice of drink. It often happens that quite some ingredients on the menu are things that people haven’t tasted yet. We try not to work too commercial in Bar Ran. I think this is something I inherited from my education as a teacher; working just out of the comfortzone. That way you learn something, and you get to discover new things. That is the balance we try to keep. Leaning to much to one side and the customer doesn’t understand the drink, leaning too much to the other side and we aren’t innovative anymore. But one thing is sure, taste always comes first. For every customer that comfort zone is different. It’s up to us to get to know the customers and to guide them.