1. What I like about my job
Three years ago, I co-founded the wearness, an e-commerce platform for sustainable fashion and beauty products. My biggest reward: working with a purpose! Sure, economic success is important to us, but not at the expense of the environment and people. The positive impact we can have on society with our company motivates me every day! I just love discovering new sustainable brands and products and introducing them to a wider audience.
2. What sometimes frustrates me
The widespread opinion that sustainability is a luxury: "We have to take care of business first." Our vision for the future: no business models without purpose.
3. My secret dream job
I'm already living my dream job. After more than 20 years as a fashion journalist and stylist, I have been the CEO of my own company for three years.
4. Best strategy to survive a really bad day at the office
The worse my mood is in the morning, the fancier I dress! At least looking at yourself in the mirror should always be fun. In a pinch, even just bright red lipstick will do.
5. How I get into the flow
Unfortunately, I'm only in the flow in the evenings... Is it because I was born shortly after 8pm? Is that my zero hour? My starting point?
6. Biggest success so far
That I had the courage to quit my secure job to start my own business. This decision was a bright and right one for me, even though I still have no idea what the future will bring.
7. Biggest defeat
Defeats are part of the process. Big ones and small ones. The main thing is to get back up and learn from them.
8. Worst buzzword
"After Corona, when everything is back to normal." Is that really what we want? Is yesterday's "normal" our goal for tomorrow? Is that the vision we desire of the future?
9. Best reward after a hard week at work
A twenty-minute nap. After that it's like a new morning, and the weekend can begin.
10. Home office or in-house
If I had to choose... I'd rather work from home. With some breaks for inspiring lunch dates or walks (I've learned to appreciate them a lot during Corona times).
11. Most important traits a colleague/business partner must have
Optimism, creativity, loyalty and no fear of the new and unknown.
12. My creative hack
A long walk. Alone.
13. First website to check in the morning
https://www.sueddeutsche.de
14. Favorite digital tool
Shopify — a fantastic e-commerce shopsystem.
15. The book or series from which I have learned the most for my (work) life
One of my favorite TED Talks is "The power of vulnerability" by Dr. Brené Brown, where she charmingly and wittily explains how we can not only endure shaming experiences, but also emerge from them more dedicated and courageous.
16. A series, book or podcast I can recommend to anyone
An absolute must for anyone interested in fashion and sustainability is the documentary The True Cost. Fast Fashion, die dunkle Seite der Billigmode (Fast Fashion, the dark side of cheap fashion) is also very good and currently still available on the Arte Mediathek.
17. Most prominent follower on a social media channel?
Livia Firth, one of the leading minds of sustainable fashion: founder agency Eco-Age, a consultancy for sustainability solutions (some of her clients: Chopard, Stella McCartney, Gucci), producer of the aforementioned documentary The True Cost, founder of the Green Carpet Challenge – and ex-wife to Colin Firth.
17 and a half: What has always...
…inspired me: The motto "less me and now, more we and later". Less focus on our own advantage and short-term success, more focus on our community and the future we want to live in.
