Stephanie Van der Stap

My background and experience

I come from a background in operations and facilities management, working in international environments for over two decades. Much of my career has been about keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes and bringing structure to complex situations. Over time, I realised I’m at my best when I help people and ideas move forward. That’s what led me to start my own business in the French Pyrenees, and later into my role as Chief Operating Officer at Retouch League. What drives me is creating clarity, solving problems, and making sure people can focus on what they do best. I enjoy connecting the dots and building environments that feel both efficient and human.

What I enjoy most about my work

What I enjoy most is bringing clarity and structure where things feel complex or overwhelming. I like creating an environment where people can focus on what they do best, without getting stuck in the details. I also really enjoy the variety, no two days are the same, and there’s always something to solve, improve, or connect. For me, it’s about making things work better, in a way that feels both efficient and human.

Who I am beyond my work

I’m Dutch, moved to France 15 years ago, I’m in love with Cedric who I met here 8 years ago, country life, mountains, cats, anything holistic & spirituality, reading, meaningful conversations (ie about life) and cardgames..

What my business does

Retouch League is focused on elevating the craft of retouching within the image-making industry. We support creatives by creating visibility, structure, and recognition around an art that is often overlooked, yet essential to the final image.

We work with retouchers, photographers, and industry professionals to raise standards, encourage growth, and create opportunities for talent to be seen and valued.

The outcome is a stronger, more visible professional community, where quality, skill, and craftsmanship are recognised, and where creatives can grow with confidence.

What sets my business apart

What makes Retouch League different is that we’re not focused on visibility alone, but on evaluation, standards, and long-term recognition.

Our approach is built around three key pillars. First, the competition, which is designed to challenge and recognise real skill through structured briefs and professional judging. It runs across 50+ countries and regions. Second, the development of a verified database, creating a trusted space where retouchers can be assessed and recognised based on their work and consistency. And third, an educational platform that will support ongoing growth, helping creatives refine their skills and better understand industry expectations.

Together, this creates a more complete ecosystem, one that not only showcases talent, but also supports development, credibility, and professional standards within the industry.

The problem my business solves

Retouch League addresses the lack of recognition and clear standards within the retouching industry.
Despite being essential to the final image, the work often remains invisible, making it difficult for professionals to stand out and for clients to identify true skill.
We solve this by creating structure, evaluation, and visibility, helping retouchers gain recognition and bringing more clarity and trust to the industry.