Who is behind The Apiary Language?
Well, if you work with The Apiary Language Solutions, the work is done by me. My name is Laura, I’m the face you see on the right.
Green thumbs
When we meet in real life, the first thing I’d be dying to tell you about is my humble allotment. It’s been a lifetime dream to take care of some land and grow flowers and vergetables. In February 2024, this dream came true in Voorschoten. I thoroughly enjoy spending my evenings and free time rummaging around the allotment. On my allotment, I use as much organic and natural materials as I can. As an aspiring ecologist, most of my efforts go towards building sustainable ecosystems and keeping production going without the need for chemical products. No surprise then that in terms of translation, I’m equipped with the relevant field terminology in gardening, green and other natural subjects.
A knack for language
And that’s not coincidental, because language is my second passion. For me, it’s the passion that turned into a job. I started studying English, followed up with an MA in translation and off I went as an independent translator. Thanks to the certification from Wbtv I also do certified translation work.
Aside from working as a translator and editor, I also work as a language trainer. Currently, I teach Dutch (NT2 or Dutch as a Second Language) to expats and English to Dutchies. The last group mainly consists of managers of international teams.
Based in Leiden
The Netherlands has always been my home. After graduating from Leiden University, I’ve decided to stay in Leiden as I really love the city. It’s cosy, always buzzing and I can get almost everywhere by bike.
Specialisations
As mentioned above, I love working on green, gardening and outdoor language projects. In a regular workweek, I usually combine that with certified (legal) translations. 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!
Teaching also takes up a considerate amount of my workweek. I teach Business English for Dutch people, regular English and Dutch for expats. The first three mainly with individual lessons, the latter in both individual lessons and groups.
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:
Request
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 sums up what I’ll be doing for you at what cost.
Translation, creation or lesson plan
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.
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. Where relevant, I’ll suggest what fits you best. Ultimately, 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 27 99 42 48 (or send me a message through Whatsapp)
Send me an email at lauravoeveren@gmail.com
Or leave a message on The Apiary LinkedIn or fill out the form on this website
