From advertising agency to Head of Marketing, and from the food blog “Hamburger Deern” to building a 1,200 sqm innovation hub — Christin brings over 15 years of experience across both creative and corporate worlds. 

In 2020, she founded foodlab Hamburg, a platform where food innovations grow into market-ready businesses. Through shared production spaces, accelerator programs, and strong industry connections, foodlab bridges the gap between startup energy and industry scale. 

She believes in the power of shared economy and in building collaborative ecosystems to drive sustainable growth. 

To start, can you tell us a bit about what you’re currently building with foodlab and what excites you most about it right now?

From the very beginning, foodlab has been more than just a physical location; it is an ecosystem for innovation. Right now, I am focusing intensely on making this ecosystem even more resilient and direct. Our physical hub in Hamburg’s HafenCity gives me the freedom to bring our vision all the way to the consumer. I am thrilled by the daily dynamics: seeing a vague idea from our community transform into a market-ready product is like a constant shot of adrenaline.

Looking back at your journey so far, how would you describe the path that led you to where you are today?

My path has been anything but linear. It has been shaped by intuition, a huge portion of courage, and the stubbornness to keep going when others said, "That won't work in Hamburg." It’s been a journey from pure food blogging to becoming the curator of a space where gastronomy and work are being completely reimagined. Looking back, every hurdle was a necessary lesson in perseverance.

In your recent LinkedIn post, you wrote “Schulden sind Treibstoff” and described financial responsibility as fuel for building something meaningful — how has this experience shaped your relationship with money, risk, and growth?

This quote represents a massive shift in mindset. For many people, liabilities feel like a burden. For me, they are an advance of trust in my own vision. Financial responsibility is the fuel that forces me to act precisely and strategically. It’s not about reckless risk, but about calculated growth. Money has become a tool for me to achieve impact, not an end in itself. You certainly grow with your responsibilities and the small successes along the way.

How do you stay grounded and focused when the responsibility — financially and emotionally — becomes overwhelming?

I find grounding in routine and the clarity of my mission. When the pressure rises, I focus on the "Why" in small steps, asking myself what the very next move needs to be. Emotionally, exchanging ideas with other founders who are fighting similar battles helps me. And sometimes, it’s simply the work at the grassroots level that reminds me why I do all of this.

How has your definition of success evolved over time — beyond what is visible from the outside?

In the past, success might have been measured more by external milestones: openings, press coverage, size, or revenue. Today, success for me is the freedom to make decisions that align with my values. Success is when foodlab is a place where people are allowed to fail so they can get back up stronger—a place to learn, to shine, and to grow.

What has this journey taught you about letting go of control — and where do you still find it hardest to do so?

This has probably been my steepest learning curve. I’ve learned that the "big picture" can only grow if I offer trust. I try never to be the bottleneck; I want to empower people to find their own self-efficacy and take on responsibility. Where I find it hardest: the physical design of foodlab. It is my "second home," and there is simply too much heart and soul invested there.

What does loving what you do mean to you today — and has that definition changed over time?

It doesn’t mean that every day is fun. It means that I am willing to accept the difficult, sleepless nights because the goal is worth it. It used to be about a passion for food; today, it’s about a passion for creating and enabling.

Can you share how the Victoria Hyde bag made your daily life or work feel easier or more structured?

I am constantly moving between different roles: in the morning on the bike with my children, then into a business meeting, and in the evening to a dinner or networking event. I need things that are functional yet stylish. The bag is like a mobile office for me—it helps me maintain structure when the day threatens to sink into chaos. Everything has its place and is within reach. That clears my head.

What would you tell your younger self, knowing what you know today?

"Have faith. The explanation will come later. You can achieve anything."