In this interview for the Woman2Woman campaign we talk to Tina Logar Bauchmüller, founder and designer at Mila.Vert. After years of working in the IT industry, she has decided to follow her passion and started her sustainable fashion brand Mila.Vert. For her, the brand represents the story of empowerment, of following your passion and being kind to yourself and others. Tina believes that the only way to make fashion is in a sustainable way – that is why she has put sustainability at the heart of her work. She cares about how clothes are made. She believes in working with nature, not against it, and that all humans should be empowered by what they do for a living.
Who are you today, and what is different from ten years ago?
I am a mom and an entrepreneur and so many other things and roles that especially women play these days. But these two roles are different and weren't with me ten years ago. And now they are the biggest, the most challenging and the best part of my life.
What was the best personal and/or professional advice you were ever given?
Don't try to do everything yourself and on your own. It's good personal and professional advice. We all need help, and we all need to learn how to accept it. And also how and where to find it. Our team at Mila.Vert started to develop in the right direction and sufficient speed when we got new talented team members.
From a creative standpoint, what or who has been your most significant influence?
I usually find the most influence from the people I work with – it is also the people you normally (besides family and friends) spend the most time with. By having my own company, I am fortunate to form my own team – and this is a team of highly talented girls. I believe we are influencing each other in many ways. In terms of sustainability, fashion style, design...
Where or what is your happy place? How do you find peace? Has this changed during the years?
I find peace in solitude. I always have. It is just the places where I could find the solitude that has changed. Before having children, it could be just my room, since having children it is more difficult to get some time on your own. The place for finding peace for me now is in nature. I am fortunate to live just next to the forest, and having a walk almost every day fills me with the energy I need to get through all of my daily tasks.
How important is a connection with nature for you? How do you nurture this connection?
I believe I have answered this question above. As mentioned before, I nurture this connection with my daily walks in the forest. There is a beautiful forest in my surrounding area, and I normally take a different path each day. With the forest changing beautifully every season, it offers spectacular and interesting scenery every single time.
How do you start your day?
I normally get a special wake up alarm from my two children. We have breakfast together, and after my husband takes them to kindergarten and school, I take my time to have a good coffee in peace, and then I start with my work tasks.
How do you take care of your body, mind and soul?
With a good book, tasty and healthy food, walks in nature, quality time with my family and friends.
How do you take care of your skin?
I am not so much into cosmetics, but I am consistent in cleaning my skin well every evening and morning and moisturising it. Thanks to beauty bloggers and the research they do for us, I am more and more consistent also in applying SPF protection every day.
Do you have any daily, weekly or monthly rituals?
If the situation allows, long walks in the forest. This is my favourite daily ritual.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Is an occasional good wine or beer drinking a guilty pleasure? 😊 But I always do this in the company of nice people that are dear to me. It's one form of socializing, actually.
What advice would you give yourself at the age of 16?
I am not really sure that the younger Tina would listen to the advice of the older Tina. On a serious note, I wouldn't give her any advice. Of course, I made mistakes when I was 16 (before and after), but we all grow by making them, and I honestly find them very valuable on my self-growth journey.
Is there any book you love and would recommend people to read?
There are so many books I have loved reading that it is difficult to recommend just one. I have a good friend that is a passionate reader, and she knows my taste well, so I am privileged to have good reading material constantly on my side desk. I currently read a novel by Slavenka Drakulić Dora and Minotaur: My Life with Picasso. I found it an interesting read because of the description of their complicated, also destructive relationship that, in a way, gives quite many insights into what happens if a person loses oneself when desperately trying to get the love and attention of the other person.
Can you share one piece of wisdom with our community, something that you have gained in your life, something that will encourage women reading this to grow, find their inner strength and confidence?
We have all heard this advice so many times, yet it is not easy for many to achieve that. Find your passion. And then have the guts to follow it and work on it. This leads to a fulfilling life – and always attracts the right passionate people to join you along the way.
WOMAN 2 WOMAN CAMPAIGN IS HERE TO INSPIRE AND CONNECT WOMEN ALL OVER THE GLOBE. YOU CAN TAKE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN BY POSTING YOUR STORIES WITH #WOMAN2WOMANFS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA.
PART OF THE SALES FROM THIS ONGOING CAMPAIGN WILL GO TO SUPPORT WOMEN AT KIVA.ORG
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