Who creates your (certified) translations?
Well, if you ask for a translation or any other service at The Apiary Language Solutions, the work is done by me. My name is Laura, I’m the face you see on the right.
Who I am
I’m a certified Dutch-English and English-Dutch translator with a deep love for language and what it does for human relations. It transforms relations for the better (and for worse when used improperly) and this endlessly fascinates me. Besides working as a translator and editor, I write English and Dutch copy for various purposes and audiences and I work as a language trainer.
My client base consists of a mix of international and Dutch clients. That’s why you’ll see both Dutch and English blogs here, depending on the content and audience.
The Netherlands has been my home for my entire life. After graduating from Leiden University, I’ve decided to stay in Leiden as I really love the history and the wealth of linguistic and historical knowledge that Leiden has to offer.
Though choosing one wording over another may seem insignificant, in some cases it might just save face, money or even lives. This is why I am so passionate about honouring both the source and target culture into the translation process.
How I got where I am now
All my education has been (and still is) geared towards English culture and language. Over time, I started focusing on comparative studies and this led me to my MA in translation theory and practice.
Like most small businesses, my translation work started out as a side job next to my high school education, involving several individual projects for a growing group of acquaintances. After graduating from my Master in Translation at Leiden University, I’ve started The Apiary Language Solutions for all my translation and language work. Since then, my translations and texts have helped lots of people and companies like you(rs) effectively express their message!
Over the years, I’ve translated and written a wide variety of texts ranging from technical and legal texts to more creative blogs and website content. One of the traits that make me a great translator is my ability to sift through and read up on a mountain of relevant information in a relatively short time. And because I believe research makes translations great, I will put in this effort for every text I translate or write. However big or small the project is.
Even though I am a jack-of-all-trades, as most experienced translators are, I am especially comfortable when creating certified translations, legal translations and creative commercial texts. This may seem like an odd combination, but the rigidity of legal and certified translations paired with the creativity of writing and more creative translations are the perfect combination to keep my work varied and interesting!
How I work
As I am a one-person company, my workflow is not only professional, but also highly customizable. Though the process differs slightly depending on what you need, this is roughly what it looks like:
Initiation
You need a (certified) translation or someone to edit your texts, so you reach out to me through email, Whatsapp or my website.
Indication or quotation
Based on the information you provide me, I provide you with an indication or quotation for the project which clearly sums up what I’ll be doing for you.
Translation, creation or revision
When we both agree on what I’ll be working on, I can start to do what I do best.
Celebration
When I’m finished, I’ll send you the final product and I do a little celebratory dance.
In both my personal and my work life, I value honesty and open communication. That’s why I’ll help you as best as I possibly can from the first moment you contact me.
If I’m not the language professional for you, I’ll redirect you to someone who will be a better fit. If you need something different from what you ask for, I’ll make a suggestion. But ultimately, the client is king, so you decide what I’m doing for you.
How to contact me
Is this not the way you like to work? That’s fine! There are plenty of other translators that will cater to your needs. If buffet is what you want, you might want to skip my homemade, organically-grown three-course menu.
Do I sound like the person you want to hire for your translation needs? Cool, let’s connect! This is how you reach me:
Call me on 06-27994248 (or send me a Whatsapp message)
Send me an email at lauravoeveren@gmail.com
Or leave a message on The Apiary LinkedIn or fill out the form on this website
