From Employee to Owner: Julie Bernaerts’ Winning Bet 👓🚀

In 2025, Julie Bernaerts turned a major challenge into an entrepreneurial success by taking over “Optique BIEWER,” now renamed Bernaerts Optique.

❓ Looking back, what were the main challenges or obstacles you faced during the takeover of “Optique BIEWER”?

🎤 The road to financing was far from smooth. My primary challenge was finding a lending institution willing to give my case genuine consideration. Additionally, there was a necessary learning curve to master the specificities of the Luxembourg entrepreneurial support structures.

❓ What were your initial concerns or hesitations when considering a financing request?

🎤 Balancing entrepreneurial ambition with personal security was my first major hurdle. By refusing to put my personal assets “on the line,” I encountered significant banking caution. For many institutions, this condition was a deal-breaker, severely limiting my financing options from the very beginning.

❓ Can you share a specific moment or interaction with the SNCI that felt particularly helpful or favorable?

🎤 What truly made the difference was the human expertise. My SNCI advisor immediately identified complementary levers, such as grants and subsidies tailored to my project. In my view, the institution’s greatest asset is the competence of its staff, who are capable of transforming a standard file review into genuine strategic advice.

❓ What advice would you give to other project leaders facing similar challenges?

🎤 If I were to share my experience with other aspiring entrepreneurs, it would be:

• Believing in your vision is the first step toward success!
• Stay true to your principles
• Lean on local expertise
• Arm yourself with patience: A business takeover is a marathon, not a sprint.

❓ If you could summarize your experience with the SNCI in one sentence, what would it be?

🎤 A true pillar of support and highly effective assistance.