Rural entrepreneurial initiative unfolds its operations
In the heart of Sandesneben, a village with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants in the Duchy of Lauenburg, Jen Martens has built a thriving business with her company ŌMAKA. The native Hamburger founded the company in 2019, specializing in vegan, certified natural cosmetics such as shampoos and care products for people with curly hair.
Martens' entrepreneurial journey began due to a personal concern for her child's hair care. Finding a lack of suitable products in drugstores, she decided to develop her own line of products, focusing on catering to the needs of those with Afro hair and curls.
ŌMAKA's success in Sandesneben demonstrates that business foundations can indeed thrive in the countryside. This is a testament to the supportive environment provided by economic promotion societies in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. Organizations such as Frauen in der Wirtschaft Schleswig-Holstein e.V. (FiW), Hamburg Innovation Port, Hamburg Tech Port, Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, local FabLabs, and startup incubators like Makerspace Hamburg and Impact Hub Hamburg offer mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities for women with entrepreneurial ambitions or leadership roles.
Martens' aim is to make her products more available in stationary retail, further expanding ŌMAKA's reach. This focus on retail expansion is a positive development in the region, where numerous co-working spaces promote a happy and connected work environment.
The success of ŌMAKA is not limited to Sandesneben. Last year, 3,866 businesses were founded in the rural state of Schleswig-Holstein, marking a seven percent increase from the previous year. This growth is a testament to the supportive environment and resources available to entrepreneurs in the region.
Martens' achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she won the Lübeck Economic Founder Award, recognising her contribution to the region's entrepreneurial landscape.
The rise of green startups, with a focus on women in leadership roles, is another positive development in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. Articles such as "Green startups: More women at the top" and "International Women's Day: Launching in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region" highlight the significance of these trends and the opportunities they present for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The national startup portal also provides tips for specific target groups, such as startups from science, certain industries, or with an immigration background. This resource, along with the various special promotion programs, advisory services, mentoring programs, or initiatives available in the region, provides a comprehensive support system for women looking to start or grow their businesses.
In conclusion, Jen Martens' story serves as an inspiring example of a successful business venture in a rural setting. Her journey, supported by various organizations and resources in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region, demonstrates the potential for growth and success in the region, particularly for women with entrepreneurial ambitions.
