SUITSUIT INSPIRED BY | Maud and Pauline on their oyster adventure in Ibiza

Going after your dream can be nerve-wracking. Maud and Pauline from Ostras y Burbujas know all about that. They left the Netherlands behind and have been selling oysters in Ibiza for one year now. Although their story began in a bed and breakfast, they changed their minds and started an oyster business. These days, they drive around in their Renault R4, named Tess, to provide everyone in Ibiza with delicious oysters and bubbles. We spoke to the two women, read the inspiring story below.

“Should I follow my heart or go for stability?”

Let's start at the beginning. How did you end up in Ibiza?

Maud: Pauline and I were colleagues before we went to Ibiza. Due to corona, my contract was not renewed. I was reading through job vacancies and came across a vacancy to manage a bed & breakfast (B&B) in Ibiza. Quite by chance, we sent each other the same vacancy and wondered if we wanted to apply. I was actually already certain that I was going to apply, since I was no longer attached to a contract at that point.

Pauline: It was different for me; I had a permanent contract at the company where we met. I hesitated for a while: should I follow my heart or go for stability? In the end, I chose to apply. Although I liked my job in the Netherlands, I noticed that I no longer wanted to work behind a desk. After a few skype calls with the owners of the B&B, we were both chosen to fill the position. A day before I wanted to terminate my contract, nerves did rush through my body for a while. But the feeling of ‘who doesn't dare, doesn't win' prevailed. In the end, I did it anyway and I owe a lot to my parents. They gave me the last bit of confidence to take the step. The day after, I quit my job and Maud and I worked at the B&B for three months.

How did the transition go from the B&B to your own oyster business?

Pauline: It's not that we started our business immediately after the B&B, but the idea was born that season. After the B&B, we went back to the Netherlands, where we worked for a while, but mainly worked on the idea of our business. A few months later, we went back to Ibiza. The circle of friends we made allowed us to work, expand our contacts and work on our idea. One time during our first season, we had a huge appetite for oysters, but we didn't feel the need to go to a high-end beach club. In the end, we found a restaurant and ordered oysters there. Unfortunately, they were not to our taste. After this disappointment, we went for a walk and, while we sat on a park bench, came up with the idea of opening an oyster bar.

Maud: We even started looking at properties. As a result, we got stuck right away, shocked by the high prices. Yet, this didn't stop us. We caught a plane back to the Netherlands to build up capital and a network. Everywhere we went, we told our story and everyone we spoke to was extremely interested. We noticed that our personality played a role in this interest. We also talked to investors, but in the end, this didn't seem like the right decision for either party. In the end, we asked ourselves, 'can't we make it easier for ourselves?' That's how the word 'food truck' came up. And just like that, the ball started rolling. We wanted a car and quickly found one and named her Tess. From the trunk, we sell oysters and bubbles and can be found in the coolest places.

How do you ensure that you maintain your authenticity?

Maud: Our authenticity is our own enthusiasm. That's what we are often told. Of course, people book us for the delicious oysters, but also for our personality. We remain who we are and that is something that’s very important to us.

Pauline: We started this business because it really is a passion for us. We missed this on the island. No busy beach clubs or other fancy stuff, just selling beautiful and tasty oysters. Back to the basics. That's what makes us unique.

"Our authenticity is our own enthusiasm."

Who was your inspiration to pursue this dream?

Maud: This is going to sound hotly cliché, but I actually thought of Pauline first. The fact that she gave up her permanent contract to go to Ibiza, I think that's so brave.

Pauline: I also immediately thought of Maud. We sent each other the same job offer, so that's saying something. The two of us embarked on this adventure and got a lot of inspiration from each other. We are always honest with each other and have conversations with each other every day. Being so open and giving each other so much freedom makes us more connected and gives us even more drive to continue.

You ended up staying in Ibiza, why didn't you choose another country?

Pauline: Ibiza has everything. You can go to the club in your prettiest heels and most expensive outfits. You can go to the luxurious restaurants and get the most out of them, nothing is too crazy. But on the other hand, Ibiza also has simplicity and Zen. It has the most beautiful unique spots. That diversity is very nice for a company to have, but also makes it an attractive holiday destination.

Maud: Before we started our business, Ibiza did have two oystermen. We thought we could provide a breath of fresh air, and we ended up doing just that. We also found that even though we want to make it accessible, the oyster remains a luxury product. The island lends itself to this. The people who come here often want to live a bit more luxurious and want the oysters to come to them. We can offer this by driving our car Tess to them.

Now you have already seen many hotspots on the island. What are the spots you can't miss when you go to Ibiza?

Maud: There are so many beautiful spots on Ibiza. If you want to see the most beautiful beaches, the west coast is the place to be. For example, Cala Gracioneta. There, you have a small bay and restaurant, both super beautiful and authentic. Or what I also like is Beachouse, which is close to Ibiza Town and always plays good music.

Pauline: The first thing I think of is Fish Shack, which sits at the end of the Talamanca coast between the rocks. You have three different kinds of fish to choose from. Here, you eat delicious fresh fish while looking out over the city between the rocks.

Maud: Oh! And when we've been away from Ibiza for a while, Pauline and I always go to Cala Comte. That's where the sun sets beautifully on the sea. There's a bar there and it works on rays from the sun's energy, so as soon as it's gone the bar also stops running. When we get back there after a while, it feels like we are back home.

So, is this your favourite travel destination?

Pauline: Well, for us, Ibiza is a beautiful island. Luxurious and authentic. It is our home, but it is also linked to our work. Everywhere we go and drive, people see us as oyster girls. We also sometimes long to book a ticket and go somewhere else. Not because we want to leave here, but to take a holiday ourselves and not be occupied with work.

Maud: This year, we have decided to go to Bali, but this is still on hold. We still need to work hard for the coming season, which we are also very excited for.

What is your favourite book?

Pauline: I don't necessarily have a favourite book, but I love cookbooks. I really recommend the Dutch book Mijn Ibiza by Sergio Herman. I can really read through this for hours. All the recipes in it and the look of the pages are really enjoyable.

Do you also have a song that means a lot to you?

Maud: I immediately think of Texas Sun by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges. When I listen to that song, I think of the moment we just came off the beach and stepped into Tess with our bare feet. Windows open, sunset on our backs. That's a really happy moment, and that's what that song reminds me of.

Do you have any other moments that make you feel Zen again?

Maud: That depends on the season. When we are back in the Netherlands during winter, I love to turn on the bath. Then I refill it three times and spend eight hours there. If I get to go on a skiing holiday, I love to get on the snowboard and clear my head in an active way. But in Ibiza, I like to get in Tess, drive to the beach, lay out a rug with some goodies and then just lie down.

 "It is precisely because nothing is certain, that we see that anything is possible."

What would you like to pass on to women who are about to turn their lives around, but may still have doubts?

Pauline: I always tell everyone: just do it. Do it, do it, do it. That's where it starts. There is never any guarantee. We didn't have that and neither do they. And it is precisely because nothing is certain, that we see that anything is possible. If you look at the world around you, so much is happening that you have no control over. I feel that life is too short to doubt or to not follow your heart. We also had our frustrating and sad moments because of the struggles and things that didn't seem to work out. Our lives sometimes seem like nothing but roses, but this is not the case at all. In the end, we wanted to follow our hearts and have no regrets.

Maud: When we are sixty years old, we don't want to say, 'if only we had'. Of course, it's never too late to follow your heart, but for many, it’s an excuse not to do it. As soon as you do, you find that several doors open. If things don't work out, there is always a solution. And besides, my motto, stolen from a very wise uncle, is:  "Those who don't dare to take risks, also never drink champagne". 

And lastly we are curious: what is your favourite SUITSUIT product?

Pauline: For me, it's the mint green carry-on suitcase. I think that's a beautiful colour that stands out. Maud, you’ll choose beige?

Maud: I thought so too at first, until I saw the dark green Seventies Classic suitcase. I really do think that is a beautiful and chic suitcase. So, that ended up being my favourite.