Michel Cobbaert is co-founder of makeyour.com and the product half of the duo: he designs and tests every new personalised gift himself in the workshop. With a background in the drinks industry and ten years of experience in labels, print and personalisation, he knows exactly what makes a gift personal — and what doesn't.
Michel's story
As co-founder of MakeYour, Michel has been at the helm since October 2016 of one of the fastest-growing personalised gift shops in the Benelux.
His background in the drinks industry — including a stint at Copperhead Gin — brings a unique expertise you can see in every product MakeYour offers.
Michel is the kind of entrepreneur who is as comfortable behind his desk as he is at the machines on the production floor. That hands-on mentality is what guarantees the quality of every personalised gift.
Drinks knowledge like no one else
Years in the drinks industry mean Michel knows most distilleries in the EU:
- Premium spirits — from gin and whisky to rum and vodka, carefully selected for quality
- Champagne & wine — only bottles we stand behind completely
- Craft drinks — limoncello, olive oil and other specialities
As Michel puts it himself: "Our drinks are top quality — we'd stake our reputation on them."
Building the perfect gift
Beyond drinks, Michel has a sharp eye for putting together gift sets:
- An olive oil and balsamic set as the perfect Mother's Day gift
- A whisky tasting box for Father's Day
- A celebration set with bubbles for birthdays
Innovation and what comes next
After more than 10 years in personalised gifts, Michel believes you have to keep innovating. With AI-driven design tools, MakeYour stays ahead.
Michel's expertise
- Drinks & spirits — selection, quality assessment, distillery relationships
- Gift sets — composition and curation
- Production — machinery, personalisation techniques (UV print, laser engraving)
- Marketing & product innovation
- B2B partnerships