It was a batch of vintage jeans that led her to turn her hobby into a career. “I bought them from a wholesaler and managed to earn a profit from selling them. That gave me all kinds of new ideas.” She sold clothes through a Facebook group that grew to thousands of members, ran a personal shopping service from her tiny living room, and established various shop-in-shops and pop-ups around Maastricht. In 2021, undeterred by the pandemic, she fulfilled her dream of opening her own shop. “I couldn’t see myself working in a lab or an office. I’m a doer; I thrive on learning through experience. So entrepreneurship is a good fit for me.”

Consumer society

With her pragmatic attitude, Westermann doesn’t consider herself a typical academic. But she is grateful for everything she learnt, and thinks fondly of the university. Many of the gifts she sells in her shop are produced by local female creators, mostly current students and fellow alumni. “UM taught me a lot about working together, connecting people and motivating them to take steps towards sustainability. We encourage people to combat climate change in their own way, such as buying less new stuff.”

She acknowledges that her shop is part of a consumer society. “But second-hand clothing is more eco-friendly than clothes that are newly produced,” she points out. “My mission is to encourage as many people as possible to buy second-hand. I select all the clothing in the shop myself, so I can make sure it’s high quality and durable. And almost everything is vintage, which means at least 20 to 30 years old. That’s what sets Dotnsquare apart from many thrift shops and second-hand shops.”

Maastricht locals

The n in Dotnsquare stands for her first name, Natalia, whereas dot and square refer to different clothing shapes and patterns. “I’ve always felt drawn to dramatic outfits that stand out. I’m currently looking for a plain black dress, but I’ll probably wear it with a bright pink pinafore. There’s room for a more outspoken style in Maastricht; people here dress stylishly and elegantly, but they don’t like to stand out too much.”

Does she have any advice for Maastricht locals (and non-locals, for that matter) looking to try vintage shopping for the first time? “Don’t come with a specific item in mind. Let us surprise you,” she says. “If you’re looking for, say, a beige coat with three-quarter sleeves, you probably won’t find it here. Ask the staff for help—they know exactly what’s in store and what might suit you.”

“UM taught me a lot about working together, connecting people and motivating them to take steps towards sustainability.’’ - Natalia Westermann

“Ask for help” is also her advice to fellow alumni aspiring to start their own business. “Expand your network by joining an entrepreneurial network like YES. Talk to business owners in different sectors and listen to their experiences. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. And most importantly, don’t overthink it—just do it!”

Thanks to her studies, her entrepreneurial network and her shop, Westermann has built up a sizeable social network in Maastricht. Even though she is from Groningen, she sees her future here, because she is having a good time here. “I used to plan no more than a month ahead, but now I enjoy thinking long term. Dotnsquare is here to stay, but I might diversify at some point. I’m thinking of organising children’s parties, with fashion shows and costume parties using second-hand clothing. You’re never too young to learn, right?”

Text: Milou Schreuders