Where are you based, and what took you to Portugal?
I'm based in the Algarve. I met my husband in Hamburg when I was 23. He's Portuguese, and from then on Portugal became part of my life. I was working in Berlin's startup scene and managing a large beauty business. When Covid hit, we started to question the pace of our life. We already had a connection to the Algarve, so moving here felt like a natural next chapter.
Tell us about your journey into the world of luxury.
I studied international marketing and worked across agencies, beauty and technology, including NIVEA and GLOSSYBOX, where I was Managing Director in Germany. Those experiences taught me how to create brands, understand customers and tell stories. Over time, I became more interested in making products that feel considered and lasting. That thinking led me to create Coneli in 2024, which brings together Portuguese craftsmanship and plant-based materials made with ingredients such as cactus, olive by-products and corn-based cellulose. Our bags are made by hand in Portugal.
Was it a childhood dream to become a designer?
My childhood dream was to become a pilot. But I've always loved marketing, creating brands and making ideas real. With Coneli, I found a way to bring that ambition together with my interest in sustainability and Portuguese craftsmanship.
What was it like starting a business in Portugal? Any advice?
"My own luxury is a life with my family, time in nature and the freedom to build work that feels meaningful."
It has been rewarding, and my husband has been a great support as I've learned how things work. Coneli is self-funded, and when you invest in materials and stock, the costs add up quickly. The material alone can cost around €30–€40 per linear metre, before the skilled handwork that goes into each bag. My advice is to do your research, build trusted local relationships, understand your numbers from the beginning, and give yourself time. Progress can be slower than you'd like.
Do you have a life motto?
"Just try and do, then learn from it." You don't have to succeed at everything on the first attempt, and success can mean different things at different points in your life.
How do you define luxury? What is your own luxury?
For me, luxury means knowing where something comes from, who made it and what it's made of. It's craftsmanship, care and longevity, and a relationship with the people and places behind a product. At the same time, I think the future of luxury has to take responsibility for materials and the environment seriously.
What's on your Christmas wish list?
A trip to Japan with my family. I'm fascinated by Japanese culture, the connection to nature and the sense of spirituality in everyday life. It's a big trip to plan with two children, so it would be a special Christmas wish.