A spark of female inspiration
The Female Founders Night was brought to life by students with one goal: reshaping the stigma surrounding female founders by making strong, confident women visible for everyone. It took place on the 1. November last year. This was the day I directly felt the effect of the powerful outcome that thrives when women support women.
The event was one of the biggest during my first semester at Zeppelin University.
Founders, entrepreneurs, simply women and men with different visions and missions stepped forward to talk about their personal story. They shared their ups and downs, their spirit, their idea of life and change, of family and work. Together they created a thriving atmosphere, where I very much felt inspired to act. The event made a major impression on me. Even days after the event I reflected about the little steps, which added up to the point where all these founders stood.
One of many inspiring speakers was Amber Duetmann from SI BEAU. She founded a business wear brand for women.
Amber Duetmann (Founder SiBeau) and Colombe (Founder NOW!) at FFN 2019
The impact of clothing in different parts of life is tremendous. People — and sadly especially women — are judged by their looks. While struggling to figure out what to wear, a lot of time is wasted on their account. Time which could be used much more effectively.
Fashion works as a nonverbal form of communication. Most of us embody part of our personality in our style. SI BEAU’s goal is to let women feel comfortable, empowered and elegant in their clothing, so they can focus on taking a seat at the table, speaking their mind, instead of wondering whether the skirt is in the right place or which blazer could possibly fit with those pants.
In advance of the Female Founders Night I researched the different panels and their speakers to get myself a broad overview on what to expect at the event. The story, website and mission of SI BEAU caught my attention immediately. Nevertheless, that night I did not go to Amber in person to talk one on one with her.I simply felt not knowledgeable enough in the field of fashion or even founding in general and I was too shy to just ask.
But Ambers appearance and her vision stuck with me. During the next semester I started a research project on sustainable fashion, which deepened my knowledge in the field of fashion. I then finally got the courage to apply at SI BEAU for an internship.
And so I ended up spending my summer at the SI BEAU office in Berlin. Amber introduced me to do tasks like coding or building marketing strategies, which I did not dare to do before. She made me trust in my own skills, take on new perspectives and overall, made me fell creative and valued. Reflecting back on my time at SI BEAU I have the feeling that by trusting in my power and bringing this into my work ethics, I really was a valued part of the company and helped the company grow.
Amber is an empowered founder. She took the risk of building a company around her idea. Her empowerment empowered me. Her support empowered me. Today she is my mentor and supports me on making decisions along my personal study and career.
This is my little story, a tiny step in a lifelong journey. But these little stories also make all the difference and helps bringing the world a step closer to the equality of men and women. I want to pass on this feeling of trust, which I gained through my experience. And I am sure there will be many other girls and women who can benefit from it.
(Esther Heyse)
