Rotterdam, Netherlands – For Paul Snijder, a 29-year-traditional entrepreneur from Hillegersberg, walking isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifeline and now, a livelihood. After a significant investment in a failed project led to a burnout, Snijder found solace – and a business opportunity – in the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other. He’s now co-created Lawa, an interactive walking app designed to get people across the Netherlands moving, alongside well-known Dutch personality Bram Krikke.
Snijder’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line. Growing up in a creatively-charged household, his interests leaned towards the visual arts from a young age. “I knew already in primary school that I wanted to go to the Grafisch Lyceum,” Snijder explained, as reported by Rijnmond. His father is a painter, and his mother runs a creative business, fostering an environment where artistic expression was encouraged. While his peers were engrossed in video games, a 13-year-old Snijder was already experimenting with Photoshop and 3D programs, viewing it simply as “fun.”
This early passion led him to the Audiovisueel Vormgeven program at the Grafisch Lyceum in Rotterdam, where he honed his skills in visual storytelling. Although, Snijder quickly discovered that formal education was only part of the equation. He emphasized the challenges of entering the workforce as a newcomer, but he wasn’t deterred from pursuing entrepreneurial ventures alongside his studies.
His professional journey took a turn in 2018 when he joined SLAM! radio station, focusing on video content creation. It was there he forged a strong working relationship with Bram Krikke, a collaboration that would ultimately lead to the creation of Lawa. The details of their partnership and the app’s functionality suggest a move towards gamifying fitness, aiming to make exercise more engaging, and accessible.
The genesis of Lawa, fittingly, occurred during a walk in the woods. Snijder recounted that the idea sparked during one of his restorative walks, a moment that underscores the app’s origins in personal healing. This anecdote, while seemingly typical of entrepreneurial origin stories, highlights the genuine connection between Snijder’s personal experience and the app’s core purpose.
Snijder’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the potential for turning personal struggles into innovative business solutions. The burnout he experienced, triggered by a substantial financial loss, served as a catalyst for a lifestyle change that ultimately blossomed into a new career path. The app Lawa, born from this experience, aims to provide others with a similar outlet for stress relief and improved well-being.
The Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam, where Snijder received his foundational training, also has ties to Codarts, a university for the arts, as noted in a 2007 Codarts Bestuursverslag. This connection further emphasizes the creative environment that shaped Snijder’s early development.
Paul Snijder’s LinkedIn profile (LinkedIn) confirms his current role with Lawa World and his educational background at the Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam. With over 500 connections, Snijder is actively building his professional network within the tech and wellness spaces.
The launch of Lawa represents a growing trend of integrating technology with wellness practices. The app’s interactive features are designed to motivate users to explore the Netherlands on foot, combining physical activity with a gamified experience. This approach taps into the increasing demand for accessible and engaging fitness solutions.
Snijder’s journey from a creative childhood to a burnout-induced rediscovery of walking, and finally to launching a business centered around that experience, is a compelling narrative. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who has faced adversity and found strength in unexpected places.
Lawa is currently available for download, and the company is actively promoting its features through social media and partnerships. The next step for Snijder and Krikke will be expanding the app’s reach and adding new features to enhance the user experience. Keep an eye on Lawa World’s official channels for updates on future developments.
