Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast

This episode's guest is Annett Kuhlmann, co-founder of Marsano—a brand that redefined floristry in Berlin. Annett’s journey is fascinating. With training in photography from the Ostkreuzschule and interior design at St. Martin’s, her unique eye for beauty is what sets Marsano apart. Over the past 20 years, she and her co-founders, Katrin and Andreas, have built Marsano into something extraordinary—a perfect blend of creativity, sustainability, and collaboration.

In this episode, we talk about her early inspirations, the challenges of running a creative flower business, and how Marsano’s distinctive aesthetic came to life. We’ll also explore her personal favorites—flowers, colors, and the joy (and challenges!) of staying creative.

Sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Annett’s story and the world of Marsano. Let’s dive in!

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Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with someone truly inspiring—Leyla Piedayesh, the founder and creative heart behind Lala Berlin.

For over two decades, Leyla has been at the forefront of redefining contemporary fashion, blending Berlin’s cosmopolitan energy with her Persian heritage to create a brand that’s as bold as it is personal. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and steering through turbulent times to making powerful political statements through her iconic kufiya-inspired designs, Leyla’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.

Leyla opens up about the personal and professional lessons that shaped her legacy—her reflections on trust and leadership, the emotional impact of hormonal shifts, and her vision for empowering women through her work.

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. 

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In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s not just about living longer but living better: longevity. My guest is the amazing Dr. Kati Ernst, co-founder of ooia, a brand that has transformed the period market in Germany and she is now exploring how to have healthier, more vibrant lives at any age.

Kati’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—from consulting for luxury brands to building a purpose-driven company and launching a podcast about healthy aging. We’ll talk about the turning points that shaped her approach to health, how longevity influences her life and work, and what we can all learn about crafting a life full of energy and meaning.

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Let’s get started!

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This time around, I’m taking you with me to the Merz b. Schwanen flagship store in Berlin. Picture this: a rainy November evening, yet inside the store, we are welcomed by the whole crew into their world of timeless design. I sit down with Gitta Plotnicki, the co-owner and creative director of the brand, to dive into this fascinating story.

Merz b. Schwanen, a brand that dates back to 1911, has been revived in the most inspiring way. Gitta and her husband, Peter, have brought new life to century-old loopwheel machines—affectionately nicknamed their “gentle old ladies”—to create sustainable, high-quality clothing. But it’s not just about honoring history. From discovering a Henley T-shirt at a Berlin flea market to creating a viral sensation thanks to The Bear, Gitta shared how they balance tradition with modernity while staying true to their craft.

In this episode Gitta reminds us that passion, patience, and the people you surround yourself with are key to building something meaningful. Let’s dive into her incredible journey!

And don't forget to rate and review the show on your favorite streaming platform.

Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/about
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In this episode, recorded live at the intimate Nomi Winebar in Kreuzberg, we dive into how Anahita Sadighi is reimagining the traditional art gallery, merging art, culture, and music to create spaces that challenge stereotypes and foster deep connection. Anahita’s energy is contagious as she opens up about reimagining what an art gallery can be, turning it into a space for connection, creativity, and dialogue. We even dive into her new secret after-party series called, The Loft, where art and music come together in an intimate and exciting way.

This episode is full of powerful insights and inspiration, so I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed interviewing Anahita!

And don't forget to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.

Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/about
Follow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter