Learning and Building Together for the
Future
Jenny’s Role in Shaping Stichting Gildelab
Learning and Building Together for the Future
Jenny’s Role in Shaping Stichting Gildelab
At GildeLab, it's all about creating, learning, and
growing together. Jenny Sinton plays a crucial role within this organisation
and is clearly proud of it. Her journey with GildeLab began in 2022 when a
former colleague approached her, asking if she had ever considered working at
GildeLab. It was a challenge she embraced with both hands; especially given the
difficult period the organization was going through due to the impact of
COVID-19.
From the moment she started at GildeLab, Jenny focused on the daily operations in the studio. Thanks to her background in the fashion industry, she quickly found her footing. She soon grew to be the head of the studio, and her work ethic perfectly aligned with GildeLab's mission. She even describes it as the best step in her career.
Since GildeLab's founding in 2014, much has changed. What began as an initiative to provide a safe and social environment for women has grown into a production studio that specifically focuses on women with a migrant background who face barriers to employment. Initially, the focus was on introduction and integration, for example through workshops. Now, it is more about participation in the labor market, with training and skills that directly enhance their job prospects.
Jenny began her career at GildeLab by getting to know the studio and strengthening the brand. Within six months, she was managing the Stichting. Her first focus was to ensure that the women felt comfortable. She then worked on professionalizing GildeLab, which led to more clients, projects, and collaborations with partners.
One of the highlights of Jenny's work at GildeLab is the recognition by the CBF, an independent foundation that oversees fundraising for charities. It was a lengthy process, but the recognition confirms GildeLab's status as a serious and reliable foundation. Additionally, she is proud of her team's strong work ethic and the achievements the women have achieved, which significantly boost their employment prospects.
For Jenny, the most important aspect of GildeLab is that the women continue to develop and work towards employment. The projects they collaborate on are all aimed at the success of this plan. It is inspiring for her to see how the women’s self-confidence grows during their time at GildeLab. They often leave the organisation with an incredibly strong self-image, and that deeply moves Jenny.
The working conditions at GildeLab are anything but stressful. Learning is central, and making mistakes is seen as an opportunity to grow. The women appreciate seeing their end results, as it helps them truly realize what they have accomplished. Jenny loves seeing how some women become independent and start making their own choices. She enjoys helping them reach that level of independence by assigning tasks that match their abilities and supporting them where needed.
There are challenges as well, including some women finding it difficult to transition out of GildeLab. Jenny envisions a future where she can offer employment opportunities, allowing women to become employees, while still maintaining the volunteer program. She believes that seeing the progress and achievements of employed women will inspire volunteers to develop their own skills and pursue employment, not just within GildeLab, but beyond, but this remains a future goal she hopes to achieve.
Additionally, the work takes a lot of time, and there is always the pressure to meet deadlines. Jenny sees it as a learning process where the women gain valuable work experience. Moreover, obtaining grants and donations is a continuous challenge since GildeLab, as a foundation, does not make a profit and relies on external funding and client projects to continue to run.
Despite the challenges, the atmosphere at GildeLab is warm and familial. The day begins relaxed with coffee and conversations, and during lunch, dishes and cultures are shared, with Jenny always discovering something new. In this safe and supportive environment, all women can be completely themselves.
The success story of GildeLab impacts not only the development of the women but also Jenny herself. She looks forward to the future with great anticipation, and to the growth she can continue to achieve together with the women.
From the moment she started at GildeLab, Jenny focused on the daily operations in the studio. Thanks to her background in the fashion industry, she quickly found her footing. She soon grew to be the head of the studio, and her work ethic perfectly aligned with GildeLab's mission. She even describes it as the best step in her career.
Since GildeLab's founding in 2014, much has changed. What began as an initiative to provide a safe and social environment for women has grown into a production studio that specifically focuses on women with a migrant background who face barriers to employment. Initially, the focus was on introduction and integration, for example through workshops. Now, it is more about participation in the labor market, with training and skills that directly enhance their job prospects.
Jenny began her career at GildeLab by getting to know the studio and strengthening the brand. Within six months, she was managing the Stichting. Her first focus was to ensure that the women felt comfortable. She then worked on professionalizing GildeLab, which led to more clients, projects, and collaborations with partners.
One of the highlights of Jenny's work at GildeLab is the recognition by the CBF, an independent foundation that oversees fundraising for charities. It was a lengthy process, but the recognition confirms GildeLab's status as a serious and reliable foundation. Additionally, she is proud of her team's strong work ethic and the achievements the women have achieved, which significantly boost their employment prospects.
For Jenny, the most important aspect of GildeLab is that the women continue to develop and work towards employment. The projects they collaborate on are all aimed at the success of this plan. It is inspiring for her to see how the women’s self-confidence grows during their time at GildeLab. They often leave the organisation with an incredibly strong self-image, and that deeply moves Jenny.
The working conditions at GildeLab are anything but stressful. Learning is central, and making mistakes is seen as an opportunity to grow. The women appreciate seeing their end results, as it helps them truly realize what they have accomplished. Jenny loves seeing how some women become independent and start making their own choices. She enjoys helping them reach that level of independence by assigning tasks that match their abilities and supporting them where needed.
There are challenges as well, including some women finding it difficult to transition out of GildeLab. Jenny envisions a future where she can offer employment opportunities, allowing women to become employees, while still maintaining the volunteer program. She believes that seeing the progress and achievements of employed women will inspire volunteers to develop their own skills and pursue employment, not just within GildeLab, but beyond, but this remains a future goal she hopes to achieve.
Additionally, the work takes a lot of time, and there is always the pressure to meet deadlines. Jenny sees it as a learning process where the women gain valuable work experience. Moreover, obtaining grants and donations is a continuous challenge since GildeLab, as a foundation, does not make a profit and relies on external funding and client projects to continue to run.
Despite the challenges, the atmosphere at GildeLab is warm and familial. The day begins relaxed with coffee and conversations, and during lunch, dishes and cultures are shared, with Jenny always discovering something new. In this safe and supportive environment, all women can be completely themselves.
The success story of GildeLab impacts not only the development of the women but also Jenny herself. She looks forward to the future with great anticipation, and to the growth she can continue to achieve together with the women.
Why Stichting GildeLab's Year-Long Journey to
CBF
Recognition is a Milestone Worth
Celebrating…
CBF Recognition is a Milestone Worth
Celebrating…
At Stichting GildeLab, our mission has always been clear: to contribute meaningfully to a better world. However, having a mission is one thing; demonstrating our commitment to it with transparency, accountability, and effectiveness is another. That’s why we embarked on the rigorous process of earning the CBF Recognition, a quality mark issued by the CBF, the Supervisory Authority for Charities. Now, after a year of dedicated effort, we are proud to announce that we have officially been granted this prestigious Recognition—a milestone that signifies much more than just a seal of approval.
Why the CBF Recognition Matters…
The CBF Recognition is not just a badge; it's a testament to an organisation’s integrity and efficiency. For donors and partners, it serves as a guarantee that their contributions are being managed responsibly and that their funds are making a real difference. With 4.4 billion euros in charitable donations under CBF's watchful eye, the Recognition assures the public that every recognized organization meets stringent quality standards. Larger organisations face different requirements than smaller ones, ensuring that the Recognition is fair and tailored to the scale of each charity’s operations.
For Stichting GildeLab, achieving this Recognition means that we have met these high standards and can confidently assure our supporters that every euro entrusted to us is used wisely, contributes to tangible positive outcomes, and is subject to rigorous oversight.
The Journey: A Year of Dedication...
Completing the process to obtain CBF Recognition is no small feat. It requires an organisation to thoroughly examine and often improve its internal processes, financial management, governance, and transparency practices. For Stichting GildeLab, this year-long journey was both challenging and rewarding. We took this time to ensure that every aspect of our operations was aligned with the best practices and expectations set by the CBF. From refining our financial reporting systems to enhancing our accountability mechanisms, each step was a conscious effort to build trust with our community and stakeholders. We also engaged in continuous learning and collaboration, seeking feedback and making necessary adjustments to meet the CBF’s comprehensive criteria.
A Milestone Achievement...
Earning the CBF Recognition is more than just a certification for Stichting GildeLab—it is a significant achievement that reflects our commitment to excellence and transparency. This milestone not only validates the hard work we've put into our organisation over the past year but also sets a strong foundation for our future endeavors.
As a recognised charity, we now have an added layer of credibility that strengthens our relationships with donors, partners, and the broader community. The CBF Recognition is a symbol of our dedication to making a meaningful impact and our promise to continue doing so with integrity and responsibility.
Looking Ahead...
While we celebrate this achievement, our journey is far from over. The CBF Recognition is not a final destination but a starting point for even greater accountability and effectiveness in our work. We are excited to continue our mission with the confidence that we are meeting the highest standards in the industry.
To all our supporters, we extend our deepest gratitude for your trust and belief in our work. With your continued support, and now with the CBF Recognition to guide us, Stichting GildeLab is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
If you would like to learn more about what this Recognition means and view our CBF Recognition Passport, click on the link and visit the CBF website for more infromation.
Together, we can continue to build a better world—transparently, effectively, and with the utmost care.
Beyond Labels:
Redress The Balance and Gildelab's
Journey to
Gender-Neutral and
Sustainable Clothing
At Stichting GildeLab, we're excited to spotlight our ongoing collaborations with brands that exemplify consciousness, sustainability, and ethics. Since 2021, we've proudly partnered with ‘Redress The Balance’, marking our youngest client to date! Founders Lotte and Tess bring a refreshing perspective to fashion, infusing each creation with a commitment to gender neutrality and environmental stewardship. Through their brand, "Redress The Balance," they've ignited dialogue and paved the way for a more inclusive future.
‘Redress The Balance' brings order to the chaotic fashion world with gender-neutral and sustainable clothing.
The fashion world is always evolving. Clothing is produced abundantly and rapidly. Consequently, much of the clothing we purchase is not made sustainably. Sisters Lotte and Tess are trying to change that. They founded the gender-neutral and sustainable clothing brand 'Redress The Balance' in 2021. We spoke with them about this brand and their collaboration with Gildelab.
Lotte and Tess are still young, but they have a serious perspective on fashion. The idea for Redress The Balance arose during a school project on sustainable clothing. The assignment got the girls thinking, and they decided to further develop their idea. The name was quickly chosen. "'Redress The Balance' means creating order in chaos. That was our goal with the clothing line."
According to Lotte and Tess, fashion has no gender. Why should it? "It doesn't matter where you come from, what your gender is, or who you love. Everyone is equal." With Redress The Balance, they aim to share that mindset with others. Because every little bit helps: change starts with yourself.
The girls deliberately opted for sustainable items. All their clothing pieces are handmade. "We don't have large stocks, but we can easily reorder. We want to prove that it's truly possible to manufacture and purchase sustainably." They also only use fabrics with the GOTS label, ensuring that the entire production process is environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
For the production of their clothing, Redress The Balance has been working with Gildelab Foundation for a long time. Mother Nancy stumbled upon the studio after an online search and immediately felt good about it. That's because Jenny thinks along well. "If we have an idea for, say, a sweater, she discusses it with us. What works, and what doesn't? Then Gildelab creates a sample. Our feedback is truly incorporated. That's very nice." The designs for the prints are created by the sisters themselves and digitally developed by a professional illustrator.
They not only receive advice on the clothing itself but also on the market. And Jenny also tells them if an idea is not feasible. This honesty makes the clothing brand very satisfied with Gildelab. And, importantly, during visits to the studio, there is also plenty of room for fun.
Redress The Balance is not standing still. They recently released an embroidered sweater on the market. They are also currently working on increasing brand awareness. Lotte and Tess hope to reach many more people with their sustainable and gender-neutral clothing. Of course, in collaboration with Gildelab.
www.redressthebalance.nl
A Sustainable Collaboration:
Little Boomerang and Stichting GildeLab Transforming Fashion
for a Better Future
Stichting GildeLab collaborates with brands that are conscious, sustainable, and ethical. Since 2022, GildeLab has been collaborating with Little Boomerang. Little Boomerang transforms men's shirts into children's clothing. This way, unworn shirts are "boomeranged" into unique items. The new collection will go live on March 11. We spoke with owner Marlies Touw about Little Boomerang, the new collection, and the collaboration with GildeLab.
Boomeranging
Little Boomerang was founded in 2017. The idea emerged in response to the ever-growing mountain of discarded clothing in the world. Little Boomerang aims to demonstrate that there is still tremendous potential in this 'old' clothing and to inspire people to see value in what already exists. The idea behind the name is that clothing is initially discarded but ultimately returns in a different form. Thus, they 'boomerang' men's shirts into unique children's items. "I think it's important that we all become aware of how much clothing is thrown away annually," says owner Marlies. "And that something sustainable or upcycled is not inferior to a 'new' item, but actually much more unique and special."
From men's shirt to unique children's item
Little Boomerang creates their new collection 'Classics from the past made into icons of the future' from worn men's shirts. These are often of good quality but no longer wearable due to a worn collar or cuff. All items are unique, and original details are kept intact where possible: for example, the pants' legs are made from the shirt's sleeves and cuffs. The collection is for children up to 6 years old. "Children are a grateful target group," says Marlies. "By wearing the upcycled items, they become more aware of the clothing and materials they wear."
Stichting GildeLab
After a search and a lot of research, Marlies found Stichting GildeLab. "I immediately thought Stichting GildeLab was a great concept. I think it's fantastic that women with a distance from the labor market can learn the trade in a safe environment." The collaboration between Little Boomerang and Stichting GildeLab has since grown into a great partnership. Marlies often visits and enjoys being at Stichting GildeLab. Upcycling shirts sometimes encounters difficulties, so it's nice that she can always come by to follow the process closely.
Unique collaboration
"There are few studios like this in the Netherlands. Stichting GildeLab helps with the entire process. From pattern, to sample, to production." Marlies also enjoys brainstorming with Stichting GildeLab. She has learned a lot through collaboration with Stichting GildeLab. "I now have so much more knowledge about fashion production than when I started." If you are a budding brand with an idea, it truly takes shape at Stichting GildeLab.
Little Boomerang won the 'Crush Award' from the prestigious children's fashion magazine Milk Magazine in Paris this year. Starting from March 11, they are organizing a pop-up store in the Negen Straatjes Amsterdam, and the collection 'Classics from the past made into icons of the future' is available for purchase online at www.littleboomerang.nl.
