Manon's interview about her false start in Jan Magazine

A FALSE START

Sometimes, life begins with obstacles. Obstacles—or even outright misfortune—that some people use to propel themselves forward. It drives them to do things differently, providing them with insight and resilience. This was exactly the case for Manon.

"I HAD TO WALK ON EGGSHELLS"

Manon de Lange (45) is "a girl from the streets." Having grown up in a home where every penny had to be carefully spent, she now makes sure that her children and the clients of her real estate agency, The Hague Real Estate Services, lack for nothing.

"I grew up in Rijswijk, on the third floor of a flat. My father worked hard in the dairy industry, but it wasn't a wealthy job. We had to keep an eye on our spending and didn’t live extravagantly. There was no luxury, not in terms of money or stability. I grew up in an unstable home situation—one that I can’t share too much about—and left home as quickly as I could. I always felt like I was walking on eggshells, never knowing what the atmosphere would be like. I was a happy girl, but I didn’t have the freedom to simply enjoy my youth. I made one decision: I was going to do everything differently in the future. That’s why I started working hard from a young age. I first worked for a large American software company, from early in the morning until late at night. Later, I worked as a personal assistant for a real estate family and as the right hand to an entrepreneur in the lingerie business. I initially worked for a boss in real estate but soon decided I wanted to do it on my own. Ten years ago, I started my own company with a partner. Back then, I would walk door-to-door with a flyer and a backpack, asking people if I could help them rent out their homes. Today, I work in the luxury market, renting homes ranging from 1,500 to 15,000 euros a month. We quickly grew into one of the major players in the market. But more importantly, we understood from the start the real value of homes. It’s not just about money—it’s about creating a base that truly feels like your home. A good home, I know from personal experience, is essential for feeling settled—I never had that. We build proud futures, and that’s how I see it. And that’s why I’m still hands-on in the business. For example, I always take part in the first intake calls because I think it’s important to hear my clients’ needs and align with them as best as I can. When I drive through my old neighborhood, I get emotional. I wish I had given myself the freedom I lacked as a young girl, instead of walking on eggshells because of financial struggles and home instability. And I wish the same for my parents. I still see how they struggle to make ends meet and sometimes sit together on the couch. Looking at where I came from and where I am now, I’m proud. I have a family with two children who can grow up with ease, I have a wonderful profession with an incredible team, and I continue to grow every day. ‘I’ll do it differently,’ was my motto back then. I’ve succeeded. For that, I’m extremely grateful. And now, I’m more driven than ever to give 100% for our clients and help build their proud futures, just as I’ve done for myself."

Text by Merel Brons, photographed by Alifya Al-Harazi, hair and makeup by Xiu Yun Yü, production by Memouna Aharram, photography assistant Coco Olakunle.