Face of Flanders: Gratienne Sioncke

The prize is awarded annually by Unizo, the organisation that represents the self-employed, and Markant, the organisation for women in business.

Coincidentally, Sioncke is familiar with people who are having problems walking: BORGInsole makes custom insoles for shoes. Along with a production facility, it also has a podiatric centre where it carries out analyses of the needs of patients, from children to top athletes.

Sioncke first studied to be a midwife, graduating in 1990. Four years later she decided to follow another dream and became a teacher at the Arteveld University College in Ghent. She then began a course in medical social sciences at Ghent University before becoming a senior researcher at Vlerick Business School.

Her work there led to management research and counselling within health-care organisations, as well as taking part in international congresses and publishing a number of journal articles. Together with her husband, podiatrist Paul Borgloons, she launched BORGInsole in 2007.

The prize jury praised Sioncke for her drive and ambition. In just eight years, her company has become an authoritative voice in the sector in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

“One in three entrepreneurs in Flanders is a woman,” said Lieve Droogmans, chair of Markant. “The Womed award gives a human face to the success stories of business life of and for women who help boost the Flemish economy. This award should inspire and motivate other women to become entrepreneurs.”

Sioncke was one of three nominees. The others were Nadine Hubert, CEO of logistics company New Custom Service in Vilvoorde, Flemish Brabant, and Hilde Rutten of BergHOFF in Beringen, Limburg, which designs and manufactures kitchenware.

The award for the most promising young talent went to Joundi Naziha, who runs two day-care centres in Berchem, employing 14 child-minders to look after about 100 toddlers.

Finally, the Women Award Zuid for entrepreneurs from the southern hemisphere went to Carmen Chito and her company Super Mezcla of Ecuador, which produces biomass based on the droppings of guinea pigs. \ Alan Hope
Photo credit: Courtesy Unizo