In conversation with Anna Raabe – Co-Founder & CMO of Gardoré

Gardoré offers a selection of the best business fashion – from well-known brands to upcoming labels for the contemporary, ambitious working women. From single items to complete outfits, styling services and content – you find everything around the topic of business fashion on their platform. Today’s interview is with co-founder Anna Raabe. (Pictured on the right)

Profession: Co-Founder & CMO of Gardoré (gardore.com)
What do you actually do? As the responsible for marketing, on paper anything marketing related, but in reality all types of things you would expect and also wouldn’t expect: from interviewing power women over preparing self-made presents for the press, cropping pictures and picking items for our newsletters to pitching the concept of Gardoré to investors.
What was your first job? Math tutor for my best friend’s little sister.
What motivated you to start your own business? The idea of solving a problem that I experienced myself and being able to create a solution that helps women to bring out the best in them.
What’s your biggest entrepreneurial challenge? Staying focused with all the different ideas I have for Gardoré.
What inspires you to get out of bed every day! Running my own business with the best co-founder, being excited on what the day brings (you never really know), learning incredibly much every day and most importantly contributing to empower women by offering them Gardoré.
Can you describe yourself in 3 words? Enthusiastic, humorous, people-person
What do you do as a special treat for yourself? Yoga and meditation. I usually also love to spend my leisure time around people, but I recently learned that sometimes me-time is important and can be a very good energy source.
What does the word ‘style’ mean to you? For me it means much more than “only” fashion style. I see it as a combination of someone’s mindset, behaviour and appearance – all influencing and influenced by the way someone dresses.
How would you describe your personal style? It’s hard to put it into one word. I like to combine timeless pieces like jeans, leather pants or white blouses with more fashionable items like sneakers, Dr. Martens boots or a flower dress. I have developed one principle over the years: I have to feel comfortable in what I wear. That’s why I would always choose sneakers over high heels 🙂
Who is your idol? I don’t have a particular idol, it’s more a mixture of people in my life that I admire and get inspired by. In general I have the most admiration for people that do something they truly love.
What’s your life motto? What do you have to loose if you try it?
Is there a career highlight you’d like to share? My decision to quit my consulting job and go for being a full-time founder. It’s been an incredible journey ever since.
What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs/small business owners? Never give up (as long as you still believe in your idea/business – if not, maybe it’s time to give up). There a rough days, even weeks sometimes. But the reward of making customers happy in the end, learning so much on the way and being able to directly influence your business is definitely worth it.