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Tyres, seductive things

It’s fascinating to note to what extent a new point of view can change your preconceptions. For example, through Karyn Vanhamme’s creative eye, tyres are no longer just piles of rubber, often dirty and smelly, intended solely to ensure our safety. Sublimated by an exceptional setting, they can become true works of art, and a new source of inspiration.

The meaning of beauty

It took a woman to dare to create this kind of place. A very capable woman! Karyn Vanhamme is that woman: she has a passion, first and foremost, and she never does things like everyone else. Already known in the “tyre world” as the boss of the flourishing and very serious family business Pneu Vanhamme, founded by her father, she has just inaugurated a brand new concept which has never before been seen in the automotive world. Totally remodelled in a contemporary and refined style where a few tyres take the place of works of art, the Waterloo shop is now “The Place to Be”: “When I go somewhere, I like to feel welcome. I wanted to share this feeling with my customers and since I’m also very big on interior design, I created a cosy world, a far cry from the usual “garage” atmosphere where you usually have to wait in discomfort. You can come here without an appointment and get top quality service. It starts right in the reception area. I wanted it to be more than just a room. I wanted it to be a “living area”. Customers can watch a film, read books on travel, wine, or decoration or they can work if they want to and connect to our Wi-Fi network. They can also watch the work being done on their car through large bay windows. We don’t want our customers leaving with any negative feelings about their obligation to change their tyres. All of the members of our team combine their talents to listen, give advice and meet every need.” All of this with great family spirit: Karyn has been working for over three years with her eldest daughter Delphine and her son-in-law Sébastien. Capucine, the youngest member of the team, recently joined them. A female presence which may have something to do with the friendly and relaxed atmosphere where nothing is left to chance, not even the beautiful flower arrangements which are her son’s work! Constantin is a true artist and creator. His compositions are contemporary, original and extremely elegant, like art sculpture. Ask him for the catalogue which is hidden under the counter and let yourself be carried away to his sublime world, where every flower is a garden in itself!

The spirit of service excellence

What about tyres in all of this? “Of course, the setting is simply a reflection of the service we provide,” smiles Karyn! “Our motto is “quality”, and we recently purchased state-of-the -art equipment that enables us to provide top quality service down to the tightening of the last bolt. We also have a new VIP service bay where we work on luxury cars which are often fitted with larger rims and tyres that need special attention. And we provide our customers with a winter/summer tyre storage service. The new season is nearly here and I urge all drivers to think about this additional safety measure! This isn’t a commercial activity at all and I’m available to explain the reasons why it’s important to get good winter tyres!” Passionate and fascinating, Karyn is an endless source of information about her business. It’s clear why so many people trust her and why so many leasing companies have certified Pneu Vanhamme’s quality service. A place like no other... that nearly makes you want to change your tyres more often!