My name is Larisa. 22 years ago I literally came to Germany with one bag and stand on the street. I had my diploma MBA in textile business and engineering in my bag and a dream. Now, I am a founder of t7berlin which is in fact my dream – my own brand – sustainable 3D knitwear. Ever heard about 3D knitwear?
Tell us about your childhood and where you grew up
I was born in the middle of nowhere- in a very small city in Siberia. To be honest, I don’t like to remember this time, because it was desperate.
How did you get started as an entrepreneur?
I worked in the textile industry for around 20 years and I saw the development, which made me worried about the future of our world. I saw mountains of cheap polyester clothing and dirty manufacturing facilities. I saw a lot and I was thinking, that I can not change the industry alone. But then, I have just realized, that if nobody starts, nothing will happen. So, I terminated my carrier and started my own journey as an entrepreneur. In the beginning, I received a governmental grant to finance the startup, which allows me to create 23 products. Now we have 82 in the portfolio and growing!
What is one business lesson you would tell a startup founder?
Never give up. Really. If you believe in your dream, just do it. There will be hard times, for sure, but never give up. One small step after another. And you will see a way.
