Meet Karolien De Craecker!

Co-founder Junior Argonauts, empowering young people with talent and passion.

"I grew up in the countryside of Laarne and first moved to Ghent when I was 16. Despite not being a good student, I was determined to obtain a diploma no matter what! Outside of school, I enjoyed working in the fields, in factories, and in the hospitality industry, always craving busyness. My first job at Manpower immediately gave me the drive I was looking for, and the positive energy from my colleagues inspired me. My manager already told me back then: 'you should start something of your own, what drive you have!'. I followed my instincts and today, I am not only the co-founder of Junior Argonauts but also an accountability mentor, Airbnb Manager & Activator, and ambassador for charities such as Armen tekort. I find it important to maintain my freedom and be able to go wherever I want, even in my professional life," Karolien explains.

Believe in yourself and others

"I feel best when I can achieve something meaningful and can inspire others, whether that's within my own company or an organisation where I work. Junior Argonauts emerged from my passion for bringing like-minded young people together and building a strong community with them. I want to bring together young people from all backgrounds, whether they are still searching, have a clear path in mind, or are taking their first steps towards employment. My mission is to empower people and help them believe in themselves," she says passionately.

"My parents have always believed in me for 100% and have consistently motivated me to go for it. There is so much fear in people. 'Should I do that?' 'What if...?' I have learned that it's important to follow your instincts and not be influenced by your surroundings. Don't be ashamed of your background, your parents, your family,... Always surround yourself with people who make you better, who uplift you, who are positive-minded, and who have your best interests at heart. Give it a try, and you will see. Failing and making mistakes is truly okay. You will always land on your feet," says Karolien.

"I am most inspired when I'm not working. While traveling, reading a book or listening to a podcast, watering my plants, taking a beautiful walk, practicing yoga, attending a personal development retreat, spending quality time with my family and friends,... That's when my ideas come to me," explains Karolien.

The most beautiful and challenging aspects of entrepreneurship

"The best part about entrepreneurship for me is being able to make a difference for someone else. You help others progress. At the same time, I also grow as the nonprofit organisation grows, and I find that fulfilling," she tells us.

"Junior Argonauts has been break-even for 7 years. I would like it to become profitable so that we can reinvest this and grow as a nonprofit organisation," she explains. "Before, I found it difficult to switch off my entrepreneurial mode, but through activities such as retreats and yoga, I can now relax better and consciously turn that mindset on and off."

Better Together

"Generation WOW is an uplifting community that brings together like-minded women, for me. This also inspires me to strive for even higher quality and expertise in my business," says Karolien.

"Better Together means to me that doing something together is more enjoyable than doing it alone. You achieve more and progress faster. I love coworking; everyone is welcome to collaborate with us," she tells us.