Caroline Rego: “The golden rule is: for every glass of alcohol, one glass of water to replace it!”

In our summer section “Out of the office”, a business manager in Limburg reveals some secrets that do not directly relate to his business activities… This issue (15): Caroline Rigo, founder and director of RiGorgeous, the aforementioned company that often receives awards and acclaim. (among others) the cosmetics brands Cent Pur Cent and i.am.klean.

1. Which artist do you stand first in line to buy tickets for?
To be honest, I usually book tickets to a festival before I know who is coming :-). I like the atmosphere, the fun, watching people and fashion, the beers in the glasses, the friends around me,… that’s what dominates, rather than choosing a specific artist. My taste in music is also very diverse. I couldn’t live without music in my life, so I often like to be surprised by new bands.

2. What dishes and drinks can they serve if you are the birthday boy?
True Belgian: French fries with gravy and mayonnaise. This is my absolute number 1! And every occasion also requires a specific drink. At festivals we drink pints, on the terrace we have some cava or gin and tonic. The golden rule: one glass of water per drink 🙂 I think compensation is important. 🙂

3. Where would you send a tourist who wants to discover something beautiful in your area?
Hasselt itself is very pleasant. During the day I would rent a bike and ride it through Haspingau stopping at the nice summer bars. In the evening I recommend a walk in the center. All the markets have something to offer: Havermarkt, Zweifelmarkt, …

4. Who will you make sure answers the phone even if it is 3 am?
Actually for everyone. If you call me at 3am, you either need me or want me to dance more. 🙂

5. In which holiday destination would you happily spend your 14-day quarantine?
I am a real lover of Ibiza, like millions of people in the world. Preferably not in the summer months, but in the off-season. Then you really see how beautiful the island is. People can always email me for advice! Haha! There is already so much beauty in Europe itself. Just island hopping or sailing along the coasts of Spain, Italy and Greece: great! However, the rest of the world, like Asia, is still on my list. 14 days is no problem :-). I take my laptop with me everywhere. The inspiration is there, but also my daily follow-up from the workplace. I love it.

6. What restaurant would you dare to change its time for dinner?
I really like lunch and less like eating late at night.
Great classic: Bonfires in St. Truiden in winter. Fun in summer: Your sister in Hasselt, for delicious tapas. But to be honest… I’d rather reschedule a date for a beer at the pub on a Friday evening after work, haha!

7. What TV show (or any other show) would we consider a guilty pleasure?
I don’t watch a lot of TV, and I don’t make enough time for it. For me, the shows that I can watch at any time, the ones that can take weeks and you can still watch, are anything that has to do with hospitals. I also enjoyed watching surgeries on TV… for example. The Good Doctor, New Amsterdam, Grey’s Anatomy, …

8. What is the most important piece of advice your children should definitely remember?
I have a number of mottos, but the one I find most important is: “Be kind to everyone.” You never know who is in front of you. Never get distracted by the “on the cover” prejudices. Everyone deserves a friendly smile, and sometimes people really need it more than you think.

9. What is the point of the program that a politician who wants to win your vote should realize?
I think that first of all we should all drop our egos and look at what is important for the foundation and being of humanity. Then “purer” decisions will be made anyway and we will return to the essence of what is really important. Of course, we always want to make decisions that matter to us as businessmen, such as the big difference between net and gross wages. But I think this is interesting for everyone :-).

10. What gift can you really enjoy?
Above all, I care deeply about memories and moments. So I actively enjoy them together.

11. Where can you find an example of passionate entrepreneurship in your area?
I think my passion for entrepreneurship is great. I really look up to people who have a strong vision and go after it. Entrepreneurs who have the talent to connect people, have a strong strategy and vision and can effectively implement it themselves. That’s a very rare combination. In Limburg I see this in Wouter Otten, Nadja Jansen, Davy Jonkers, Katlin Voordekers, Krista Jocke… Sorry to those I’ve forgotten now, but I look up to them. We need more free thinkers and creative entrepreneurs.

12. What two- or four-wheeled object appears most often in your dreams?
I think I’ll start with the bike. My bike was stolen a few years ago, then I had an electric one and donated it to an employee and now I’m without a bike. So it’s time to dream of a new one :-). Regarding cars: I’m driving a fully electric Fiat 500 in rose gold. Great car, but unfortunately it’s too small for my kids who are now 1’70” tall too, haha!

13. What is a task that you have put off so many times that it makes your housemates feel stressed?
I have a superman who will take this job himself before it makes him nervous! I think I’m the same way and vice versa 🙂

14. What course would you like to take someday when you have more time?
Anything that gives me a digital detox, that’s what I crave. My goal is to learn at least one new thing every year, thus expanding my knowledge and skills. I already have my green card to play golf, my scuba diving certification, my boating license, and this year I started taking lessons to learn how to play music. In the pipeline: learning to fly, but also a good course in baking and cooking in international cuisine. Very convenient!