Hi, it's me!
Dear everyone - I thought it was time to introduce myself again. Most of you know my work, some know my face - and perhaps already have an idea of my background. But I am neither a designer nor a tanner; I come from a completely different background: I studied Political Science and Islamic Studies, International Law, and Ethnology at the Universities of Zurich and Barcelona, and originally wanted to pursue peace research – but instead, I became a mother for the first time and initially stayed in Zurich. After several years in business development for start-ups and in the social sector, I began to focus more intensely on the production of clothing and accessories. I realised how often it is difficult to ascertain who produces products, where, and under what conditions. This challenge inspired me to launch my first own project.
My path led me to Kyrgyzstan, where, in collaboration with Helvetas, I established two women's cooperatives and, with the women, knitted lovely children's clothes from Southern French merino wool, which I then sold in Switzerland. What began as a small project quickly developed into a passion. At the request of Swiss Animal Protection, I started another project with a friend and built the first supply chain for leather: originating from Swiss organic cattle raised in suckler cow systems. Further supply chains, both domestic and international, followed, steadily increasing my enthusiasm for this material, for regional supply chains, and for agriculture. And here I am now, a few years older, richer in experience, and still motivated to show the world that leather can be a wonderful material – if we produce it correctly.
This picture, by the way, was taken during a trip to Oporto, where I visited a tannery and manufacturing facility with my photographer and friend Angelika Annen. A beautiful memory of wonderful days!