1993 | Leaving Germany for the USA

Seeking identity and Running from Conformity

In 1993, at just 17 years old, I left my small, predominantly white German town and moved to the U.S. all by myself, searching for my identity. It was there that I immersed myself in art, participating in exhibitions and eventually studying at the Columbus College of Art and Design, where I was awarded a scholarship for my work.

One piece from that time, a life-sized head sculpture of a Black person with a fried egg on his head, continues to influence my art today. Titled "The Hot Man", it explored themes of identity, power, and race through playful yet thought-provoking symbolism. While my artistic focus has evolved, one central theme remains: my deep commitment to creating space for men to simply be. Through my photography, I seek to strip away societal expectations and reveal a form of masculinity that is both strong and unguarded. My work is an invitation—to step into presence, to exist in stillness, to embody power without performance.

1995 - 1997 | Puerto Rico & Miami
Between 1995 and 1997, I lived in Puerto Rico and Miami, experiencing a state of reset—an interruption of previous narratives and a redefinition of identity. During this time, I married a New York-based artist, and we lived in Miami’s South Beach, navigating life in a pre-digital world. The simplicity of life in Miami left a lasting impression on me as I found myself between Cuban exiles rebuilding their lives and those drawn to the city by the allure of reinvention, freedom, and the promise of a new beginning in the South.

2000 | Exploring Socialism & Communism in Cuba

A Firsthand Perspective from Cuba

In 2000, I moved to Cuba to immerse myself in socialism and communism, driven by a desire to understand these ideologies from the inside, having grown up in the West. Living within this system revealed the complexities of a society built on ideals of equality and solidarity. What became most clear to me was the fundamental importance of freedom to the human condition. While collective ideals are essential, they are incomplete without the space for individuals to shape their own identities and futures. During this time, I wrote short stories to capture the memories, emotions, and nuanced realities of daily life I experienced in Cuba.

2003-2006 | ESMOD Fashion University Berlin

Men´s wear designer and pattern Maker

From 2003 to 2006, I studied Fashion Design and graduated in 2006 winning an award with the best creative thesis. My final collection was inspired by the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and the later Hip-Hop era of the 1980s. The collection featured self-designed printed fabrics that incorporated poetry, creating a connection between fashion, history, and literature. It reflected the deep meaning of street culture and the Black community, emphasizing their powerful narratives and cultural expressions.

2005 | Fashion Experience – New York
In 2005, I worked with avant-garde fashion collective Three Asfour in New York, where I challenged and expanded my approach to pattern-making. Through their experimental and sculptural designs, I explored unconventional cuts, innovative fabric manipulation, and the artistic potential of garment construction. This experience deeply influenced my understanding of form and movement, shaping my design philosophy and creative practice.

2006 - 2009 | Qed-homme - Berlin

A menswear label

QED-Homme was a menswear label I co-founded directly after fashion school with two fellow students. We quickly gained recognition, winning an award two years in a row. The label was rooted in luxury, minimalism, and avant-garde cuts, reflecting our shared vision. I had the privilege of showcasing our collections at prestigious fashion shows in Paris, London, and New York.

2009 - 2011 | My Paris Experience

Where Fashion, Culture, and Identity Converged

My time in Paris was a pivotal moment in my development as both a designer and an artist. As a global hub for fashion and art, the city deeply enriched my understanding of the cultural and historical dimensions of fashion. During this period, I not only honed my technical skills but also gained a deeper awareness of how fashion intersects with political expression, street culture, and African heritage. Paris became a place where I could reinterpret the dynamic between style, identity, and social change.

2011 | Pattern Maker – René Storck, Frankfurt am Main
In 2011, I had the privilege of working as a pattern maker with René Storck in Frankfurt am Main, where I was mentored by a skilled artisan with over 30 years of experience in Parisian haute couture. We worked in a small atelier on a luxury street in Frankfurt, crafting bespoke luxury fashion for both German and French clientele. During this time, I honed my skills in the meticulous cutting techniques of Parisian haute couture houses, learning to perfect every detail to the finest degree. It was also a period of personal challenge as I navigated the balancing act between my artistic ambitions and the sudden responsibilities of motherhood.

2013 | Fashion. Thoughts. Revolution

African Fashion Magazine | Blog - Berlin

"Fashion. Thoughts. Revolution” was more than just a blog; it was a space where fashion and art met to create subtle yet powerful political conversations. Through interviews with individuals from the African diaspora, I explored how these fields could serve as a medium for reflection and change, encouraging dialogue on identity, culture, and education. The blog aimed to open spaces for exchange and understanding, using the non-violent power of art and fashion to spark important discussions.

Since 2006 | Co-Founder & Creative Director

Les Soeurs Shop - Berlin
Founded Les Soeurs Shop, a pioneering Curvy Concept Store, driven by an activist approach to body diversity and representation. Over the years, I have redefined the store’s vision, transitioning from external brands to in-house collections with a strong focus on sustainability. Les Soeurs Shop also became the space where my passion for photography emerged—I began capturing marginalized individuals, using visual storytelling to amplify underrepresented narratives. This intersection of fashion, activism, and photography continues to shape my creative and artistic journey.

since 2000 | Photographer

I began my photography journey in 2000, initially capturing the collections for Les Soeurs Shop. It quickly became clear that I had a natural eye for composition, and I soon discovered a fascination with the technical aspects of photography. The constant challenge and opportunity for growth intrigued me, and through photography, I found a new medium of expression. It opened up a way for me to communicate the things I see, allowing me to convey my perspective in a deeply personal and impactful way.