In Memoriam: A tribute to Dennis Duisters

“I will miss Dennis’ lovely smile, his respect and his helping hand. We shared so many great moments at shows; so many jokes and crazy moments when we needed to be serious.

“Whenever I was travelling and he was visiting the same event or show, he would definitely look for me and always came for a short chat and mostly we would end with ‘see you tonight at the bar!’”

Anneke van der Sar, exclusive distributor & international educator, Artistic Nail Design Nederland, The Netherlands

 

– – – – – – – – –

“Dennis and I met at a very critical moment in my career. Without him, maybe no one would ever know about me! He opened the door and introduced me to the best in the nail industry and continued to be there for me both personally and professionally. Countless trade shows, seminars, trainings, competitions and events had been a part of our lives for almost a decade.

“He became a trusted confidant, advisor and dear friend. Although much too short, his was a life well lived! He was a determined visionary, collaborative, goal-oriented, caring person who loved life and all that it offered. He made a big impact on the nail world; his contributions to the nail industry were powerful and his work ethic remarkable. Full of energy, commitment and integrity, his trademark qualities will remain his incredibly sweet and charming smile and infectious calm, warm and kind personality that created comfort for the soul. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed as a colleague, mentor, leader and a friend.

“Dear Dennis, I owe you a lot and hope I can make it up to you someday, somewhere on the other side. Farewell my friend! I will cherish every moment I shared with you. I love you with all my heart. Until we meet again.” Krasimira Petrova Krumova, Nail Harmony Austria, dean of education, Austria

– – – – – – – – –

“I remember Dennis as a professional, dedicated businessman that made time for everyone. He was always smiling, and what a smile he had; simply a happy, warm and sensitive human being. He was dedicated to work but also to life.

If you were lucky enough to have worked with Dennis or had just hung out over a beer, then you will know the saying;  ‘There are some really good people in the world’, and this could not be more fitting for this wonderful gentleman.”

Scott Derbyshire, director, Seed Publishing & Olympia Beauty

 

– – – – – – – – – 

“I first met Dennis in Eindhoven 26 years ago when he was just 13. Dennis grew up in the nail industry and so it was only natural that he would run the Beauty Factory business one day. He was so much fun to work with over the years and had a huge heart and a big, bright smile. It was easy to see his passions; work, travel, friends, and over the past years, Iris.

“Dennis made those around him feel like family. There was always a hug and a beer after a day’s work! He was part of the fabric of the nail industry, a member of the global family that attended every trade show, a part of its history… and a part that can never be replaced. We will all miss his smile, his deep belly laughter and his friendship. Rest in peace, Dennis.” Alisha Rimando, nail expert, consultant, international educator, judge & mentor

– – – – – – – – –  

“I’ll always remember Dennis as someone with a ‘work hard, play hard’, mentality. When we travelled together, the essential requirements for the hotel was a bar and Wifi so that after our business day, we could relax and catch up on any other business. I had the pleasure of firstly working with him and then for him for more than 10 years. Even though it was a family business, Dennis didn’t get handed everything on a platter, he started at the very bottom and worked his way up to the top, starting earlier than everyone, leaving later than most. He has gained respect from his peers across the world for all that he accomplished in his 39 years. I will be forever thankful for the opportunities he gave me and the friendships I’ve gained because of these opportunities.

“We have many brilliant memories of you, Dennis, that will keep your legacy alive. Your absence will be felt across borders. RIP Dennis. Much love.” Tracey Lee, international nail artist & educator, The Netherlands

– – – – – – – – –  

“Steffi and I knew Dennis for many years and our memories of Dennis will remain with us forever more. WWBD and ourselves have always had a wonderful working relationship and Steffi and I shared a very special friendship with Dennis. He had a very kind heart, a gentle soul and time for everyone that crossed his path! Rest in peace dear friend.” David & Steffi Fowler, Signature Nail International, Germany

– – – – – – – – –  

“I was very blessed to have such a great friend in Dennis. We had good times and many laughs over the years. He was the life of any party and always made sure everyone was enjoying themselves. RIP my friend.” Gari-Dawn Tingler, Nail Alliance, USA

– – – – – – – – –  

“Dennis was a fantastic businessman, mentor and friend to us both over the last few years and we were honoured to be entrusted with the UK distribution of Astonishing and Jacky M products for him. He had an infectious laugh and an immense love for life that always shone through every time we spoke to him.

“Dennis will be greatly missed and extremely fondly remembered by not just us, but many others who had the pleasure of knowing him.” Hannah & Andy Garbett, Staffordshire Nail Academy, UK

– – – – – – – – –  

“Dennis Duisters was one of us; the best of the international beauty industry family. I have a lot of good memories with Dennis, I just didn’t know that we will have only these memories. Rest in peace, my brother – my friend – until we meet again.” Fadi Sawaya CEO Sawaya Holding, Lebanon & UAE

– – – – – – – – –  

“I was very blessed to have such a great friend in Dennis. We had good times and many laughs over the years. He was the life of any party and always made sure everyone was enjoying themselves. RIP my friend.” Gari-Dawn Tingler, Nail Alliance, USA

– – – – – – – – –  

“My friend, you were taken from this world too soon. I hope you have peace where you are and still remember all the good times you have shared with us all. Take care & I’ll see you on the other side.” Jeanette Ulriksen, Nails, Beauty & Wellness, Denmark

– – – – – – – – –  

“I’ve known Dennis as a colleague and a friend for nearly 20 years. In his career he worked with passion, integrity and energy. By his death, all the people who knew him will miss an intelligent, vibrant individual with a rare friendliness and charm of personality. Dennis was a genuinely warm and wonderful individual – one I will miss greatly. We worked hard, but always made sure we had time to play hard too all over the world! My sorrow is lessened only slightly with the comforting thought that I had the privilege to know him.” Kristina Manners, director, Nails Unlimited, UK

– – – – – – – – –  

“I had the honour of working alongside and being friends with Dennis for over 20 years. It was always a pleasure to work with him and nothing was ever too much trouble. We worked hard, but he always made sure we played hard also. He truly lived his life to the full.” Antony Buckley, Gelish dean of education, Nail Alliance, UK

– – – – – – – – –  

“I’ve known Dennis for many years; he was always smiling and made time for everyone. He’s an industry legend – a true gent who will be missed by so many.”

Ian Archbold, show director, Olympia Beauty