On Friday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m., the three-part documentary Kan Niet Bestaat Niet premiered - the inspiring success story of Monica Westerveld. The documentary takes you inside the life of the entrepreneur, founder of the successful jewelry brand Notbranded.
What began with just a few hundred euros of start-up capital from her garage grew into an international brand sold in over 20 countries. Monica won the CrossBorder Award (an initiative of Dexport) for fastest growing webshop internationally and captured a spot in the E-Commerce 50. More than 250,000 orders were processed in 2024 and Notbranded is heading for a turnover of €20 million. You'll see in the series how social media and a good idea can create enormous international success.
The documentary, an initiative of Dexport (specialist in German online marketing) and sponsored by ING Checkout (ING's payment solution for web shops) gives a unique insight into Monica's world. An intimate portrait of female entrepreneurship anno 2025. Monica is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a mother, partner and manager. Director Sanne Savelsbergh: "With this series I wanted to show all of Monica's different roles. Her story has so many layers: from the moments in the kitchen among the moving boxes, to her role as mother and friend, to the exciting choices she has to make as an entrepreneur."
Monica grew up in a small town where she had to fight against assumptions and prejudice. As one of the few non-white children in her neighborhood, she stood out and was often underestimated. Today, in addition to her work as CEO, she has made room for a new job and teaches at an MBO school in the Bijlmer. "I want to show young people that it can be done," Monica said. A story about being underestimated, outgrowing prejudice and at the same time not denying your origins. A documentary about balancing between family and growth, daring to jump and adjust where necessary. Kan Niet Bestaat Niet: from open-minded young entrepreneur to international success story.
Can't Exist will premiere on Friday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. and can be seen via Dexport's YouTube channel.
