ABOUT ME
Born and raised in Wuppertal, Germany, I have been captivated by the world of colors since childhood. Art, especially painting, has always been a fundamental aspect of who I am. However, there was a time in my youth when I lost my creative spark. I struggled with the pressure to fulfill my increasingly high standards, driven by my perfectionist tendencies. My focus on the outcome made me loose the joy of the creative process. Therefore, instead of following an invitation of art school, I decided upon the traditional path, completing a general education to keep my career options open.
However, after graduating from high school, I was fascinated by the idea of exploring art in a new way by embarking on an apprenticeship in floristry. Working with exceptionally creative florists, well-known for their distinctive style and highly recognized exhibitions, allowed me to learn more than I had imagined - not only about expressing my creativity through floral design, but also about how different types of art can beautifully complement one another.
At the same time, I developed a growing interest in business related aspects of the florist company. Recognizing that deepening my knowledge in this area will provide a solid foundation for my future, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During this time, I discovered my strong analytical skills and developed a deep passion for Business Analytics. Surprisingly, the creative visualization of key performace indicators enabled me to keep art alive in a numbers-driven career, providing me with a profound sense of fulfillment in my work.
Besides highly interesting job positions, my academic journey continued with a Master’s degree from University Duisburg-Essen with a specialization in Accounting, Business Analytics, and Taxation, followed by an MBA from Colorado State University Pueblo in the USA.
Connecting with an art-loving family in Colorado felt like destiny, reminding me that I have always been, and will always be a creative soul. Later, when I moved to Vienna, a city rich in art and culture and full of talented people, I realized that art would always knock on my door until I finally let it in. Some inspiring conversations helped me shift my perspective that had kept me from painting for so long. I decided that I don't need to like my artwork in a way that makes me want to hang it on my own walls. Rather, I want to be free of all expectations and fully immersed in the moment while painting. Moreover, I realized my paintings don't need to match any curtains; instead, they are meant to touch people's souls. With this newfound freedom, I began painting again with deep passion, and fortunately, my work quickly attracted considerable admiration. Now, I balance my life between being a full-time business analyst by day and an artist by night.
But what comes next? Over the past year, my friend and business partner Anni and I have developed a unique business concept that invites everyone to explore art. Currently, we are renovating our new art studio at my father's carpentry, located in my hometown Wuppertal. Our vision is to create a space open to everyone and every type of art - a place of boundless creativity and inner freedom. From exhibitions and small concerts to poetry slams and readings - we’re thinking without limitations. However, our Art Retreats will be the centerpiece, designed to help people escape everyday life, spend quality time, and reconnect with themselves.
In collaboration with my father, we plan to offer a unique DIY art experience under professional guidance, from start to finish. This includes constructing wooden canvases in my father’s carpentry using professional equipment, stretching them with linen or cotton by hand, painting the canvases, and creating perfectly matching wooden shadow frames, all handcrafted in the carpentry. The art studio, called 'kunstwerkstatt' - a German word that combines 'art' and 'carpentry' - is set to open in Summer 2025. For insights into the renovation process and updates, check out our Instagram account 'k.unstwerkstatt'. The website will be coming soon.
