[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#EFEEE3″ custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”The story of AuraMaye” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h1″ title_font=”Moneta Sans 4|500|||||||” title_text_color=”#414934″ title_font_size=”64px” custom_margin=”30px||||false|false” title_font_tablet=”” title_font_phone=”” title_font_last_edited=”on|tablet” title_font_size_tablet=”64px” title_font_size_phone=”50px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” text_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”Moneta Sans 4|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#414934″ header_font_size=”64px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#414934″ header_2_font_size=”32px” header_2_line_height=”1.15em” header_3_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#414934″ header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.15em” header_4_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#414934″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.15em” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”50px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
AuraMaye was founded in 2024 by Maud Kalkhoven (2000). When she was around 14 years old, she decided that she would become an entrepreneur \u201cwhen she grew up\u201d and start her own business. Ten years later, she signed the deed of incorporation, and preparations for AuraMaye began. After a careful preparation period of 1.5 years, she launched her first skincare product in December 2025: a microplastic-free tinted moisturiser SPF30 in six skin tones. A beautiful product that has received only positive feedback.<\/p>\n
Want to know more about AuraMaye and Maud\u2019s experiences as a start-up entrepreneur? Read more on Discover AuraMaye or follow us on TikTok<\/a> en Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”226.4px” custom_padding=”1px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/auramaye.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AuraMaye-2e-PayPal-Best-Starter-Shopping-Award.png” alt=”2e plaats Best Starter Shopping Awards” title_text=”AuraMaye 2e plaats Best Starter Shopping Award” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” text_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”Moneta Sans 4|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#414934″ header_font_size=”64px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#414934″ header_2_font_size=”32px” header_2_line_height=”1.15em” header_3_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#414934″ header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.15em” header_4_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#414934″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.15em” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”50px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In March 2026, AuraMaye was nominated for the PayPal Best Newcover Award – Shopping Awards<\/a>, together with two other start-up businesses. The nomination alone was already fantastic, but it became even more exciting on 2 April when it was announced that AuraMaye had finished in second place! Just four months after the launch of the first product \u2014 truly incredible!<\/p>\n The jury stated that they see strong potential in AuraMaye and its product, and that AuraMaye \u201c…impresses as an ambitious D2C brand with a clear proposition, strong branding and a solid sustainable approach.<\/em>\u201d The second place is a wonderful reward for all the effort so far and serves as motivation to secure a permanent place for AuraMaye in the cosmetics and skincare market.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/auramaye.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Beste-Starter-Award-2026.svg” src_tablet=”https:\/\/auramaye.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Beste-Starter-Award-2026.svg” src_phone=”https:\/\/auramaye.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Beste-Starter-Awards.svg” src_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#EFEEE3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/auramaye.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/d69a3719-583b-4e7f-aabf-5b64223428b6.jpg” title_text=”d69a3719-583b-4e7f-aabf-5b64223428b6″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” text_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”Moneta Sans 4|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#414934″ header_font_size=”64px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#414934″ header_2_font_size=”32px” header_2_line_height=”1.15em” header_3_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#414934″ header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.15em” header_4_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#414934″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.15em” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”50px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cI always had a passion for fashion. The Top Model colouring books were my absolute favourite. I dreamed of having my own clothing line. After finishing secondary school, I chose to study Business Administration at higher professional education level, very much with the idea of starting my own business in mind. I wanted to learn a lot about the various aspects of running a company. During my studies, I did an internship at the head office of a large department store. It was fantastic \u2013 it brought me even closer to the fashion industry! I was 19 at the time, and the idea of starting my own business became serious. At first, I thought about launching my own handbag line, but I soon realised this was a very complex plan, as I am not a designer myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI graduated with a thesis in a completely different sector: accountancy. It was also an incredibly educational period at a great company. After graduating, I stayed there to work as a Business Analyst and ESG consultant. ESG stands for environmental, social, governance. These are the environmental, social and governance criteria for a company\u2019s activities that may have an impact on society or the environment. Some companies are required to report on these.<\/p>\n The pursuit of a world with greater prosperity and less inequality, where we protect biodiversity and the climate and where everyone has a place, really resonates with me.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” text_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”Moneta Sans 4|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#414934″ header_font_size=”64px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#414934″ header_2_font_size=”32px” header_2_line_height=”1.15em” header_3_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#414934″ header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.15em” header_4_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#414934″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.15em” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”50px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cThe desire to become an entrepreneur remained. During my daily 1.5-hour drives to and from the office, I often listened to podcasts. One day, I heard an interview with someone about her own business\u2026 and suddenly everything clicked. I HAD AN AMAZING IDEA! I almost pulled over on the hard shoulder to write a business plan at home straight away. I could suddenly picture it all\u2026 a cosmetics brand! With products that would significantly speed up my skincare and makeup routine. A business that is not driven solely by financial profit, but by consumer needs. A brand where positive sustainable impact and skin health come first!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhile developing the business plan, the name also came up. I can no longer remember exactly how I came up with \u2018Maye\u2019, but I thought it sounded really beautiful. However, that name was already in use, so I had to come up with something new. At first, I wanted a brand name with a meaning, but I eventually let that idea go. After a long search, I came across names like Aurora and Aurelia, which led me to Aura. I felt this suited a cosmetics brand well, but that name was also widely used. And then it suddenly clicked: AuraMaye!<\/p>\n I pitched my business plan at the dining table with my parents (also entrepreneurs \u2014 I didn\u2019t get it from a stranger), who were very enthusiastic. That was the start of a new adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/auramaye.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/7891d0b5-814a-4b74-9fab-79bd30ca4ce9.jpg” title_text=”7891d0b5-814a-4b74-9fab-79bd30ca4ce9″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#A5A58D” min_height=”193px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”35px||35px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” text_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_text_color=”#414934″ header_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#EFEEE3″ header_2_font_size=”32px” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#414934″ header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.15em” header_4_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#6B715D” header_4_font_size=”22px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Read more on Discover AuraMaye<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-27px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/auramaye.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/663d3569-c231-4dc1-a197-3f8d24ff2d63.jpg” title_text=”663d3569-c231-4dc1-a197-3f8d24ff2d63″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” text_text_color=”#111111″ header_font=”Moneta Sans 4|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#414934″ header_font_size=”64px” header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#414934″ header_2_font_size=”32px” header_2_line_height=”1.15em” header_3_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#414934″ header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.15em” header_4_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#414934″ header_4_font_size=”24px” header_4_line_height=”1.15em” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”50px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”24px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cIf I\u2019ve learned anything since then, it\u2019s that you need an enormous amount of patience\u2026 especially when working in cosmetics and skincare. Developing the tinted moisturiser SPF30 ultimately took almost a year and a half, and it really doesn\u2019t go any faster than that. And there is so much involved in setting up a business and developing a good product!<\/p>\n I started the whole process completely from scratch, with really only questions: How do you make a facial cream? Where do I have it produced? What regulations do you need to comply with? What should and shouldn\u2019t be included? How long will it take? How will I bring it to market? Which accounting software do I need? How will I ship the products? And about a hundred more questions\u2026<\/p>\n On TikTok, I took my followers along with me as I started my journey as an entrepreneur in sustainable skincare products and the challenges I encountered along the way. There are too many to mention. I spoke to many people, researched everything involved in setting up AuraMaye in great detail, and followed training on influencing via social media. And I have lovely family and friends around me who have helped in all kinds of ways; that was, and still is, truly wonderful!”<\/p>\n “Then there are a few things you really need: energy, patience and perseverance, belief in your product, a bit of luck, and above all, lots of enthusiasm and enjoyment!\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Maud” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Alex Brush|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#6B715D” title_font_tablet=”Alex Brush|700|||||||” title_font_phone=”Alex Brush|700|||||||” title_font_last_edited=”on|phone” title_text_align_tablet=”” title_text_align_phone=”” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” title_font_size_phone=”40px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” header_font=”Moneta Sans 4||||||||” header_text_color=”#111111″ header_line_height=”1.15em” header_2_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#414934″ header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#414934″ header_3_font_size=”26px” header_4_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#6B715D” header_4_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Would you like to know more about how AuraMaye came into being? And about the challenges Maud faced as an entrepreneur? Follow AuraMaye on Instagram<\/a><\/span> and TikTok<\/a><\/span>!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" AuraMaye was founded in 2024 by Maud Kalkhoven (2000). When she was around 14 years old, she decided that she would become an entrepreneur \u201cwhen she grew up\u201d and start her own business. Ten years later, she signed the deed of incorporation, and preparations for AuraMaye began. After a careful preparation period of 1.5 years, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-247235","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nAlmost the best newcomer of 2026!<\/h2>\n
What do you want to be when you grow up? An entrepreneur!<\/h2>\n
Passion for sustainability<\/h2>\n
The start of an adventure<\/h2>\n
May? Aura? AuraMaye!<\/h2>\n
AuraMaye wants to give you a confident and radiant feeling.<\/h2>\n
That is why we create high-quality, sustainable skincare products that enrich your daily skincare routine and promote your wellbeing.<\/h3>\n
A long road and a great ride<\/h2>\n
Do you want to start your own business too?<\/h2>\n
\n