We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Pausewang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I started my vintage business StudioKôr back in 2019. I went on a trip to New York, Williamsburg where I discovered many carefully curated vintage stores. By that time this concept was not common in Germany and you would barely see any curated vintage stores here. I always had a passion for vintage and secondhand and this trip was an eye-opener for me. I came back to Berlin and launched my online vintage business. To me vintage garments are more valuable than new clothes as they were produced at a time when great importance was attached to quality and good materials.

My business is my heart project and a small step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. I want to counteract the consumer madness of our time by offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to buying new. I also love the fact that every garment is unique and has a story behind, especially because I feel that we have lost the connection to clothes due to mindless consumption in our modern world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My background is within the fashion industry. I studied fashion management in London and Paris and worked for fashion companies in the fields of buying, retailing, trend forecasting and social media. I always had a passion for fashion I just never liked the fast-paced practices and the constantly changing collections which are common in the fashion industry. My work experience, especially in the trend forecasting department has proved that designs created today are usually inspired by designs from the past. With this in mind I want to create awareness and appreciation for clothes and move away from a throwaway society.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

My business is predominantly online but I also organise various pop ups within Germany where I get to know my customers and keep in touch. Since last year I also have a permanent exhibition at H&M Mitte Garten, a concept/community store that only exists in Berlin.

From my perspective what really helps to bond with a customer is to tell them the story behind your business. People are so interested in stories and really want to connect with a brand. It’s not just buying. What might be exceptional at StudioKôr is, that we source most garments from a community of women who have great wardrobes and an even greater style. These women have traveled the world, always invested in quality and timeless pieces. Every garment has a story behind and I hand-pick every piece myself.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I startet my business as a side hustle. Back in 2019 my main job was to work as a freelance copywriter and social media manager. I enjoyed writing but there was always a wish to create my own brand. It all started on the side, I bought a few vintage garments and sold them first on Instagram and than on my website. After a while I got requests for interviews from big German newspapers and magazines. That was the starting point, because from then on, I built up my network of women from whom I get the clothes and also gained more and more customers. Today I can make a living from my vintage business what makes me incredibly proud.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://studiokor.de/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_kor_/

Image Credits
Michael André Ankermüller